Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 195

~ A TWO-COLORED FLOWER BLOOMED ~ 

 
He carefully lifted the peony that has half the height of a person onto the ground and gently removed the black silk cloth. Who knew that just as the silk cloth fell off, the peony within the flower pot shook for a moment before the flower bud slowly bloomed. Following that, a refreshing fragrance filled the air, which makes people feel refreshed.

“This… Could this be a flower demon?” 

Many people in the crowd cried out in astonishment. They had seen many peonies before, but this was the first time they had seen such a strange sight. The large flowers unexpectedly bloomed slowly in an instant. The flowers are purple with sweet-scented. People can’t help but admire it at a glance!

Wu Minzhi was shocked. He didn’t believe Qi Ming’s words when he said that the flower had a spirit and could choose their own masters. But now that Wu Minzhi had seen them with his own eyes, he felt that all the precious flowers he had collected were ordinary things. How could they compare to the spirit energy of the peony in front of him?

“Mister Qi’s gift is too valuable. I am truly flattered.”

However, Qi Ming shook his head directly. “Chief Wu, I’m really sorry. This flower didn’t acknowledge you as its master. It seems that there is still a destined person who hasn’t arrived, and I’m sorry that I’ve done so much to disturb you.” As he spoke, he motioned for the servants behind her to cover the peonies and ordered them to put them back in the box.

“Wait!” Wu Minzhi hurriedly stopped the boy in front of the peony flower. For people like him who love flowers like crazy, he finally got such a spiritual peony. It was even more exciting and happy than when he got married. At this time, if Qi Ming took away the peony in front of him, it would be like digging away his heart and liver. “Mister Qi, you can see that this flower blooms as soon as it sees me. Naturally, it proves that I am the one who is destined for it. As you have just said, a famous flower has a spirit and can choose its own master. Doesn’t it prove that it recognizes me as its master?” Wu Minzhi appreciates the peony in front of him. The more he looks at it, the more he thinks it is spiritual and lovely. Even the leaves feel quite different from other peonies.

Qi Ming still shook his head, “Chief Wu, look here....”

“There’s still a flower bud?” Under the shade of peony leaves, there was a flower bud that had yet to bloom. Moreover, its color seemed to be different from the purple peony that was previously open. “This....”

“Do you understand, Boss Wu? Only when two flower buds bloom at the same time will you be able to prove that this peony has taken you as its master. However, this is truly strange. Why is there only one flower bud blooming? Logically, it shouldn’t be?” Qi Ming frowned and puzzled.

However, Wu Minzhi’s eyes shone brightly, “Please wait a moment, Mister Qi. I will immediately call my wife out.”

“Huh?” Qi Ming was a little dumbfounded. People recognize Wu Minzhi for his love of flowers and plants, but he was even more famous for his love for his wife. Qi Ming heard that his wife was his distant cousin, but since she was young, her body was weak, and she has no way to give birth to children after marriage. However, Chief Wu still dotes on her and even doesn’t have a concubine room for her. Many people have sent beauties to Chief Wu. In the end, they had all returned in low spirits. Some of them had even angered him, making him feel rather unhappy.

Not long after that, they saw a delicate beauty that was supported by Wu Min. Her appearance was more refined than a flower, and her actions were as gentle as a willow leaf. They could not help but sigh: such a fragile beauty!

Wu Minzhi’s voice was low as he said, “Madam, this is the peony I’m talking about that it can choose its owner. Just as I stood in front of it, purple flowers were blooming. Let’s see. There was a flower bud left. Maybe it is related to my wife?”

Wu Minzhi’s wife greeted everyone with a voice as loud as a bird’s chirp, “Greeting to all the gentleman.”

“Madam, you are too polite.”

Wu Minzhi led his wife to the peony flower before bowing respectfully at the side, “Greetings, Madam. Please come up and have a look.”

Wu Minzhi’s wife smiled and nodded. She stepped forward and gently brushed away the leaves. Just as she approached, the peony that was initially closed immediately bloomed. For a moment, it was an indispensable beauty.

Wu Minzhi’s wife looked surprised. “This....”

The surrounding people exclaimed, “One purple, one gold, both are the kings of flowers. They are simply a perfect match!”

“That’s right. It’s a two-color flower, and it blooms at this time of year. It’s truly amazing.”

“The world is full of wonders. Today, I have truly gained experience. It turns out that flowers have intelligence as well....”

Wu Minzhi was overjoyed. “I knew this peony was here for you and me. Madam, please take care of your health and accompany me for a long time.”

Qi Ming at the side congratulated him. “It turns out that the owner of this peony plant is a loving couple. It seems like Chief Wu and Madam are its destined people.”

“Thank you, Mister Qi. This gift is too expensive. Please take a seat.”

No one in the hall dared to look down on Qi Ming anymore. He won the gratitude of Chief Wu, and his future is bound to be limitless. Not to mention that he had come from a mysterious background and even had obtained such a precious peony. In a few days, a new generation of salt merchants legend will emerge in Jiangnan.

In Jin Xiu Garden, Mu Yunyao dipped her finger in water and lightly flicked the peony’s petals. The peony unexpectedly bloomed in a flash, causing Jin Lan and Jin Qiao to cry out in alarm, “Miss, how did you do it? It’s really amazing!”

“It’s nothing but adding a little powder. I’ve seen someone who can change the color of the whole peony with just a little bit of water. That’s truly rare!”

Mu Yunyao placed the cup by her side and turned around to look at the dying Snow Fox in the cage. She took some dried meat from the side and passed it over, “Have you made up your mind? Do you want to follow me or starve to death?”

The Snow Fox lifelessly raised its head. Its current fur was dull and lifeless, and its pair of slightly red eyes did not recover the spirit it previously had. Smelling the aroma of dried meat, it involuntarily raised its head to look at Mu Yunyao’s hand. “Wu....”

Mu Yunyao’s eyes flashed with a smile. She opened the cage and took out the Snow Fox, stroking the fur on its back. “This place is no longer Western Guangdong. Even if I release you, you won’t be able to survive here. If you follow me, I will entertain you with delicious food.” The Snow Fox couldn’t understand Mu Yunyao’s words, but it was acutely aware of the trace of killing intent in her words. If the Sow Fox doesn’t let her wish come true, she will end the Sow Fox’s life on the spot. It couldn’t help but tremble and hesitantly turned its body over, revealing its furry belly, allowing Mu Yunyao to stroke its soft belly.

Steward Qin walked in. When he saw this scene, he could not help but exclaim in admiration, “The Snow Fox had tamed!” The belly was Snow Fox’s weakness. If it is not tamed, it will not dare to expose its belly. The smile in Mu Yunyao’s eyes widened. She reached out, tore a small piece of dried meat, and placed it next to the Snow Fox’s mouth. “The dried meat is too hard, so you should eat less. I’ll cook something delicious for you later.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 195

Incurable Chapter 4 Part 2

Chapter 4 (2/2)

He had only turned one page when a faint rustling sound came from the balcony at the far end of the room.

His eyes lowered slightly.

The corner of his mouth curved.

A moment later, something soft stepped onto his folded legs.

Then the weight increased, and a warm little body settled directly in his lap.

Liu Qianxiu lowered his gaze from the book.

Resting across his knees was a fluffy mass of black. The instant he looked down, it stirred, and a pair of pale golden eyes met his.

“Meow.”

It was a black cat, sleek as ink, with light gold eyes.

Liu Qianxiu did not move. Gradually, the expression around his eyes softened.

The cat’s soft warmth against him made him think of another “cat” he had encountered earlier that day.

“I didn’t go to catch you,” he murmured, stroking it once. “And yet you came to me on your own.”

Then he lifted his eyes and went back to reading.

Mu Wan was woken by a call from Li Nan.

The hangover felt like her skull was splitting open. She had blacked out last night. She remembered stepping out to sober up and running into Liu Qianxiu, but nothing after that. Li Nan started off in a poor mood, demanding to know why she had left without informing Mi Yu. Once he heard that she was in the hospital, however, he stopped pressing the issue and hung up.

Outside the ward, the wheels of a cart rolled past.

Then the door opened.

A young nurse in a cap entered with medicine in hand and said, “Time to treat the wound.”

Mu Wan had already changed into a hospital gown. She undid the buttons and pulled the front down to expose the injury. The nurse came over and began applying medicine directly.

Mu Wan had only half woken up. The sudden sting made her whole body tense. She let out a sharp sound of pain and came fully awake at once.

“Didn’t think about it hurting while you were drinking yesterday, did you?” the nurse said in a cool, no-nonsense tone. “Now the wound’s inflamed, and you’ll have to stay one extra day.”

Mu Wan had snuck out the night before and been caught by Liu Qianxiu, which meant the ward nurses had naturally received a scolding as well.

Mu Wan smiled and apologized. The nurse’s expression softened a little.

“Was it Dr. Liu who brought me back last night?” Mu Wan asked.

“Of course.” The nurse seemed to be replaying the scene in her mind. When she looked back at Mu Wan, there was open admiration on her face. “You’re something else, honestly. So many people chase after Dr. Liu, but you’re the first one I’ve ever seen literally hanging off him and refusing to come down.”

Mu Wan: “...”

“Where is Dr. Liu?” she asked.

“Oh, he’s on leave,” the nurse said. “He won’t be back until next Monday.”

Naturally, once Lin Wei learned Liu Qianxiu had personally taken Mu Wan back, she launched into another round of speculation. Mu Wan, however, remained thoroughly unenthused.

“So Taoist Liu really did bring you back,” Lin Wei said.

“He didn’t bring me back. He arrested me and took me back,” Mu Wan corrected while packing her things. “I was supposed to be hospitalized, and I snuck out drinking. If anything had happened, even if the hospital wasn’t responsible, it still would’ve caused trouble.”

She was being discharged today. Lin Wei, who had gotten out before her, had come to pick her up.

Lin Wei gave a disappointed little “Oh.”

“But I did cause him trouble,” Mu Wan said. “When there’s time, I should treat him to a meal.”

Then she picked up her bag and got to her feet.

“Let’s go.”

The two of them walked one after the other to Lin Wei’s Cadillac.

Lin Wei was petite and sweet-looking, but for some reason, she loved big SUVs. She was also very much a rich second-generation daughter. Her parents ran a real estate business in Jingcheng, and after she graduated from university, they bought her a villa in Xiacheng. Lin Wei had turned it into both a studio and a home—one floor for work, one for living.

Just before Lin Wei got in and started the car, Mu Wan suddenly said, “Wait.”

Lin Wei paused mid-motion.

Mu Wan bent down and looked beneath the car.

There was nothing there.

She straightened up.

“It’s fine.”

“Looking for the cat?” a cleaning lady nearby said in Xiacheng dialect, broom in hand. “That calico got hit by a car on the main road this morning.”

Mu Wan felt a chill go through her.

She thought of that plump little calico in the man’s arms—dirty, yes, but cute all the same. It had crawled under her car that rainy day because it was cold. And in just a few short days, it was dead.

From the car, Lin Wei looked over.

“What died?”

The cleaning lady had already started to walk away, but on hearing the question, she turned back and pointed toward a clump of shrubs in the corner.

“Oh,” she said, “it left a litter of kittens.”

Something stirred in Mu Wan’s eyes.

She remembered the calico’s round belly.

Tang’er was a private hospital, and the people who came there were wealthy. Even the shrubs on the grounds were clipped into neat, careful shapes. Parked in front of them were a Maserati and a Bentley.

Standing between the two cars, Mu Wan bent down into the narrow space.

A moment later, she straightened up and turned around.

Only then did Lin Wei see the three tiny kittens in her arms.

Their eyes weren’t even open yet. They were little more than soft, moving bundles, squirming weakly against her.

No one was immune to fluffy things, and Lin Wei was no exception. Looking at the kittens, she asked anxiously, “They’re so small. What do we do?”

“Take them home.”

The little bodies shifted in her hands. One opened its mouth and let out a faint, milky little meow.

Mu Wan couldn’t quite explain what she felt at that sound.

Beside her, Lin Wei made a startled little noise.

Mu Wan looked up.

“Haven’t you always wanted me to get a cat?”

That, Lin Wei certainly had said. Looking at the tiny kittens in Mu Wan’s hands, she still looked worried.

“Can you raise them?”

One of the kittens rubbed weakly against Mu Wan’s hand, soft as a breath. She reached out with her thumb and stroked it gently.

“I’ll try.”

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 4 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 4 Part 1

Chapter 4 (1/2)

Mu Wan was drunk.

Liu Qianxiu didn’t know how much she could normally hold, but judging by the heavy smell of alcohol on her, she had clearly had quite a bit. He had treated her wound that morning, and although the noon examination showed nothing serious, a fresh injury and alcohol did not mix. He had warned her about that.

Evidently, she had not taken it to heart.

He lowered his eyes to look at her, said nothing, and took out his phone to make a call.

“The patient in bed thirteen is at Qingsongxuan. She’s drunk. I’m having someone send her back now—have someone meet them at the entrance. Once she’s back at the hospital, redo the wound care.”

As Liu Qianxiu spoke, his tone remained utterly even, as straight and steady as rainwater falling from the eaves.

Mu Wan leaned against the wall and watched him finish the call in silence. He put his phone away, lowered his gaze to her, and in his dark eyes, the corridor lights seemed to splinter into pieces.

“Let’s go,” he said.

Mu Wan’s head felt heavy. She lifted her eyes to meet his, her voice still a little hoarse.

“Every time you run into a patient outside the hospital, do you personally drag them back yourself?”

Even as she spoke, her head slowly tipped to one side, as if it had become too heavy for her neck to hold. Liu Qianxiu didn’t move. After a moment, Mu Wan managed to regain her balance and straighten up.

“This is a first.”

Mu Wan gave a soft little “Ah.” Her red lips parted, and the broken lights in the corridor scattered across her curved eyes.

“So I’m the first one. What if it happens again?”

The alcohol was taking fuller hold of her now. She was growing dizzier by the second. Her questions were ridiculous, and even her words were starting to blur.

“You’re drunk,” Liu Qianxiu said.

“I’m not drunk.” With the alcohol dulling the part of her brain meant for balance, Mu Wan swayed slightly but looked completely certain of herself. “I just... I just haven’t revealed my true form yet.”

Liu Qianxiu listened to the drunken nonsense without any visible change in expression.

“Do you want to see... my true form?” Mu Wan asked, eyes wide and round.

Then she smiled, slyness flickering across her palm-sized face.

She leaned forward and grabbed hold of his shirt, the rougher, stiffer texture of the linen brushing across her palm.

Something shifted in Liu Qianxiu’s gaze.

The corridor lights drew his features into deeper relief, but Mu Wan could no longer see him clearly. She let out a soft laugh, her breath warm against the side of his neck, and tightened both arms around his narrow, solid waist.

Her burning cheek pressed against the cool firmness of his chest.

Comfortable at once, she narrowed her eyes with satisfaction, her voice turning soft and sweet.

“I’ve turned into... a cat.”

When Liu Qianxiu returned to the private room, Mei Yaozhi was sitting there playing a game on his phone while waiting for him.

Mei Yaozhi was very good-looking in a clean, youthful way—the classic fresh-faced idol type. He had large eyes and an easy boyishness that made him seem younger than he was. The moment he saw Liu Qianxiu return, he put away his phone and asked, “Where did you go?”

They had come to dinner together. Earlier, Liu Qianxiu had only said he needed to step out for a moment. That “moment” had taken quite a while.

“I ran into a patient,” Liu Qianxiu said after sitting down. “I sent her back to the hospital.”

For a second, Mei Yaozhi thought he had misheard.

He looked at Liu Qianxiu, who wore the same cool, detached expression as always. Turning a bamboo chopstick between his fingers, he asked, “A female patient?”

“Mm,” Liu Qianxiu replied.

“Wow.”

Mei Yaozhi was genuinely stunned. Liu Qianxiu had actually escorted a female patient back to the hospital in his own time? Had an immortal finally descended to earth?

“Was she pretty?” Mei Yaozhi asked, unable to help himself.

Liu Qianxiu lifted his eyes and looked at him.

The look was calm, but Mei Yaozhi instinctively shrank back in his chair.

The two of them were cousins, of the same generation, but whether it was because Liu Qianxiu cultivated Taoism or simply because of his temperament, being around him always made Mei Yaozhi feel as though he were in the presence of an elder.

In reality, Liu Qianxiu was only two years older than him.

Knowing that look meant don’t press it, Mei Yaozhi switched topics at once.

“You’re going to Mount Qingyuan tomorrow?”

Every month, Liu Qianxiu set aside four days to go into retreat at Qingyuan Temple on Mount Qingyuan, usually toward the end of the month. This time, he was going earlier because the third anniversary of his grandfather’s death—the former head of the Liu family—was approaching. A major third-year memorial for a clan like the Liu family would bring members of the whole extended lineage to Xiacheng to pay respects. There would be plenty to handle.

“Mm,” Liu Qianxiu said lightly. “Uncle Cai will arrive early for this year’s memorial.”

Cai Qingliang was the Liu family’s chief secretary. He mainly helped Liu Qianxiu consolidate reports from the Liu family’s auction businesses and was usually based in Northern Europe, where the family’s auction headquarters were located.

“There’s movement on Liu Qingyuan’s side?” Mei Yaozhi’s expression sharpened slightly.

“On the twelfth, an Austrian auction sold a Song-dynasty bird-and-flower painting,” Liu Qianxiu said. “After the transaction was completed, the buyer claimed it was a forgery.”

His tone was still flat, almost without emotion.

Mei Yaozhi gave a short laugh.

“So they’ve started.”

A shadow settled briefly in Liu Qianxiu’s eyes. He set down his chopsticks, looked up at Mei Yaozhi, and said, “Help me look into someone.”

Mei Yaozhi was the second son of the Mei family. He had an older brother above him, so the family’s burdens never really fell on his shoulders. He lived easily and extravagantly. When he wasn’t at parties, he was out fooling around with friends. He belonged to the top rank of Xiacheng’s wealthy second generation—one of Xiacheng’s Four Young Masters—and his network was broad.

“Who?”

“Mu Wan.”

Mei Yaozhi paused.

“...The woman from tonight?”

“Mm.”

“...”

He and Liu Qianxiu were close, but Liu Qianxiu had always been cool and distant, even with him. Sometimes Mei Yaozhi had honestly wondered whether his cousin would go through life alone and one day ascend straight into immortality.

But tonight, he had first escorted a female patient back to the hospital, and now he was asking someone to look into her.

Could he really be descending to earth after all?

After dinner, Liu Qianxiu returned to Nanfeng Apartments.

Nanfeng was a luxury residential complex only fifteen minutes by car from Tang’er Hospital. It was only a little past nine when he got back. The tall apartment towers stood in the dark with countless lights glowing from their windows.

Liu Qianxiu keyed in the passcode and opened the door.

A floor lamp had been left on, washing the interior in a thin layer of light. The air held the faint scent of agarwood. The apartment felt spacious, quiet, and cold.

The living room was perfectly still.

After one glance, Liu Qianxiu went first to the bedroom.

When he came back out after showering and changing, he returned to the living room. The room was sparsely furnished, almost austere. There were no decorative pieces, no excess furniture—only a painted mural covering one wall, a cotton-linen rug on the floor, a low table, and a lamp. On the table sat a few books and a small incense burner. The agarwood inside had already burned out, so Liu Qianxiu lit another stick.

White smoke rose slowly from the ember, and the scent in the room deepened.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he switched on the lamp, picked up a book, and began to read.

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 194

~ A FAMOUS FLOWER CHOOSES ITS OWNER, ASK FOR DIRECTIONS ~ 

 
After contacting Wu Minzhi this time, Mu Yunyao decided to let Qi Ming come forward. After all, she made too much noise in Jingling City. If she rushed to intervene in the salt tax, it would easily arouse other people’s defenses. Qi Ming was a new face. Moreover, Yi Bao Xuan that he prepared was about to open, and it was still fighting against the name of Ni Yun Fang. No matter how others guessed, it wouldn’t connect to her. Qi Ming changed into the clothes that Mu Yunyao had prepared and swaggered into Yangzhou City along with the guards that Yue Wang had sent him. At this moment, Yangzhou City was bustling with noise and excitement. Because of Wu Minzhi’s birthday, the entire city seemed to have come to life. People carrying gifts on all the streets were in an endless stream. There were even some people who were in an uproar because of the order of entering the residence.

When Qi Ming arrived, a long line had already formed in front of the residence. As they saw him swaggering in, many of the people who sent gifts muttered to themselves, “Who is this guy? he doesn’t even have to line up.”

The people who can appear here are not stupid, and no one rushes to ask questions. Instead, they use the time when the next person enters the residence and exchanges famous posts. Qi Ming is full of smiles, and he seems to be very gentle to people, but his action and eyes are full of arrogance, which makes people even more afraid to underestimate him.

Soon, the servants who had entered the residence returned and greeted him respectfully, “Greetings, Mister Qi. Our Master invites you in.” Qi Ming nodded his head proudly, looked at the people around him, and walked into the Wu Residence slowly. The posts that he had held this time were prepared specially by Yue Wang. His identity came from the Capital, and he was vaguely related to the people in the First Prince’s estate. Regardless of whether it was real or fake, at least once such identity had been taken out, no one dared to underestimate it.

After they entered the residence, Wu Minzhi personally went out to greet them.

In front of him, Wu Minzhi appeared to be in her forties. His face was pale and did not have a gentle aura. His movements were graceful, and one could not see his iron-blooded wrist, which was rampant throughout his cross-strait business.

“Greetings, Chief Wu.” Qi Min bends over and salutes, and his action is too thorough. However, there was no hint of flattery or fawning on it. Instead, there was a trace of imperceptible arrogance in his tones.

Wu Minzhi saw his expression and thought for a while. “This must be Mister Qi. There’s no need to be so courteous. Come in and have some tea.” There had been many of these posts in the past years. But all of the cards that Qi Min had sent were made of pure gold, and the engraved handwriting is bold and powerful. At first glance, one could tell that they had come from the hands of many people. Moreover, what was even weirder was that the handwriting on it seemed to be familiar to him.

Only after thinking for a long time did he suddenly remember that he had seen this handwriting back in the Capital.

At this time, the hall was already full of great salt merchants from all over the place. Each one of them was a tyrant from all over the country. If they were to add up all of them together, just a cough would make the entire Jiangnan tremble. Although the merchants are currently in the lower ranks, the influence of these people is inseparable from the officialdom, and no one dares to underestimate their power.

After entering the hall, Qi Ming did not have the slightest timidity on his face. He looked around in a remarkably generous manner and greeted the crowd naturally. “I have long heard that Jiangnan salt merchant has an excellent demeanor. Today, it is really an eye-opener for me to see you all. I pay my respects to all of you, gentlemen.”

His attitude made everyone puzzled. Moreover, Wu Minzhi went out to see him in person, so they did not dare to be careless. They all stood up and greeted him, “You’re too courteous. May I know where you are from, sir?”

“This humble man is born ordinary and is not worth mentioning.” Qi Ming hurriedly shook his head. “I came in a hurry today and didn’t have the time to bring any precious gifts. I heard that Chief Wu loved flowers and plants. I happened to find a peony, and it was quite rare. I borrowed flowers to present the Buddha  and wished Chief Wu prosperity and safety.”

“Peony?” Most of the salt merchants who are present know Wu Min’s hobbies. Most of the gifts that he receives are flowers and plants, but the ones that could really move Wu Minzhi were few in number. Hearing that the gift that Qi Min brought up was the peony and thinking about the current season, he was a little disappointed in my heart. What is there to admire about peonies this time?

However, Qi Ming didn’t care about the gazes of everyone around him, directly clapping his hands for the servants to bring his gifts up.

The servant brought up a wooden chest, which looked more than half the height of a person. It was made of common camphor wood and looked quite ordinary.

The surrounding people had strange expressions on their faces. They had seen many people give peonies, but this was the first time they had seen that people give a peony using a box. Some of them even let out a chuckle, causing the atmosphere in the hall to grow even weirder. Qi Ming did not mind at all, and his smile was still the same: “The flower that I sent is not ordinary, it can find its owner by itself, so it’s better for you to bring it out personally. The flowers have spirit, and if Chief Wu can’t get its approval, I can only endure the pain and bring it back to find someone who really loves flowers.”

Wu Min frowned. Today was his birthday. Qi Min just came in a hurry, and what he sent was just a pot of peony, which made him unhappy. Right now, this person had made him bring out the flowers personally. He also hinted that he wasn’t the real flower lover, which made him feel disgusted.

“Mister Qi, since you’re the one who gave them to me, it should be you who bring the flowers out.” Hearing Wu Minzhi’s words, Qi Ming frowned and even directly raised his hand to signal Xiao Si to lift the box: “It seems that the gift I gave didn’t enter the eyes of Chief Wu. “It seems that the gift I gave didn’t enter the eyes of Chief Wu. If it is so, I took the liberty to interrupt and leave. I thought you were a real flower lover, yet you didn’t even know about the selection of rare flowers. Haha....” As he spoke, he turned around and walked towards the door.

Wu Minzhi was stunned. The expression in his eyes changed for a moment before he got up and chased after him, “Mister Qi, please wait.”

Qi Ming stood at the same place, but the smile on his face became a lot fainter. “I wonder what advice Chief Wu has?”

“I don’t dare to teach you. I was rude to you just now, and I hope Mister Qi doesn’t mind. Mister Qi came as a guest, and if I let you leave like this, it would be because I didn’t receive you properly!” He still hadn’t figured out his identity. If I let him leave like this, there will be bad things that happen in the future.

As the expression on Qi Ming’s face softened, a few more people came out from the hall and spoke with a smile, inviting them to return.

When all of them returned to the hall, people gaze fixated on the box. They wanted to see what it meant to be the flower to choose its owner. If the person in front of them is merely bluffing, they will teach him a lesson.

“Chief Wu, please open the box and invite the peony out.”

Wu Minzhi nodded. He opened the box with some curiosity and discovered a layer of black silk cloth covering inside. He could not help but secretly shake his head. It was really bluffing.

However, Qi Ming was so nervous. He repeatedly warned Wu Minzhi from the side, “Chief Wu, be careful. Don’t hurt Mu Danzhi’s flower in any way.”

“Don’t worry, Mister Qi, I’ve been taking care of flowers and plants for so many years. I still have this sense of discretion....” Before Wu Minzhi could finish his sentence, he froze on the spot. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the peony in front of him. “This....”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 194

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 193

~ THE COLLAPSE OF CAI YUE PAVILLION ~ 

 
Mu Yunyao nodded and brought over a teacup by the side. After taking a sip, her hand slipped for some reason as she poured the remaining tea onto the agreement. Instantly, the ink on it turned blurry, and it was no longer possible to see what the handwriting was.

Tan Lin’s eyelids jumped. He immediately reached out to grab the written agreement, but the paper stuck in the water, and he could not pick it up. “Why are you so careless? Prepare some brush and paper. I will write a new copy right away.”

“I’m afraid the paper and brush in Jin Xiu Garden have all used up.”

“How is it possible for paper and brush all used up? Are you kidding me?” Tan Lin suddenly stopped moving. He finally noticed that something wasn’t right and stared fixedly at Mu Yunyao.

Mu Yunyao chuckled and casually threw the teacup on the ground. “Aren’t you playing with me, Lord Tan?” He even said that he would take all the credit to go to Ni Yun Fang. If she agreed, Tan Lin would push her to be a scapegoat! Did he really think that she was as easy to coax as a child?

Tan Lin suddenly raised his head and looked at Mu Yunyao angrily. “Don’t forget, when you were imparting the embroidery needle technique, the contract you signed was still with me!”

Mu Yunyao didn’t care in the slightest. “At that time, in order to avoid leaving any traps on the paper, you wrote the contents of the written agreement. The words on it were naturally written by you as well.”

“You left a handprint below with your name!”

Tan Lin took out the written agreement with trembling fingers. After opening it, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes and see that the place where Mu Yunyao’s name initially signed under the written agreement had already become a blur. Even the seal of her hand had already melted, and it was hard to see a single trace of it. “You little bitch, I’ll kill you!” He was forced to the point where he had no other choice, and now Tan Lin only wants to drag Mu Yunyao down with him.

Without knowing, Liu Liang had already appeared behind Mu Yunyao. Seeing Tan Lin approach Mu Yunyao with a crazed expression, he directly kicked him to the ground. The longsword in his hand was out of its sheath as he charged towards Tan Lin’s throat.

Mu Yunyao stood up and carefully arranged the hem of her dress, “Lord Tan, you covered the sky with one hand in Huai’an City and helped your son Tan Bawang cover up his crimes. I wonder how many women he has ruined so many. How many have come to an end like today? Isn’t it because of the routine?”

“I didn’t do anything. You don’t have to spit on me!”

“What have you done or haven’t done? Save it in prison to explain. Liu Liang, see the guests out.”

“Mu Yunyao, how are you any better than me? You bitch, you black-hearted bitch! As long as I don’t die, I will definitely kill you!”

Steward Qin stood by the door and ordered with a cold face, “It is outrageous to make such a commotion in the morning. Men, chase this madman out!”

Yu Yi came forward with the guards and tossed Tan Lin out of Jin Xiu Garden.

Mu Yunyao bowed to Steward Qin, “I’ll have to trouble Shopkeeper Qin.”

“Young lady is too polite. If you meet another lunatic like him in the future, You can tell me to throw them outside the courtyard so as not to cause too much trouble.”

“Alright.”

Steward Qin glanced at Liu Liang and could not help but smile as he said, “There is only Liu Liang by Miss Mu’s side. Isn’t that a bit too little? If Miss Mu continues to order me around, it will be hard to avoid getting busy. How about I send a few more people to follow you?”

Liu Liang’s eyes landed on Steward Qin lightly. The chilliness in them was exceptionally turbulent.

Steward Qin was still smiling and did not put him in his eyes at all. Compared to Wang Ye, this Liu Liang was still far from enough. However, it was still a potential threat. If he could eliminate him in advance, there would be less complicated.

However, Mu Yunyao shook her head. Compared with the people introduced by Steward Qin, she believed in Liu Liang even more: “Many thanks for Steward Qin’s good intentions! However, Liu Liang is enough for me. I don’t have anything I need to send him. If I need anything in the future, I will definitely come to find you.”

“Alright.”

In the next few days, there was a storm in Jingling City. The Rising Cai Yue Pavillion, which had been thriving day in and day out, collapsed to the ground with a government seal placed on it. No one was allowed to approach it.

The ladies of each residence had ordered people to take out the booklet of beauties from the Cai Yue Pavilion and burn them. Even the custom-made clothes from them had destroyed, leaving not a single trace behind.

All sorts of rumors began to spread, and eventually, they all converged together. “Miss, this servant heard the news in the city that Tan Lin, the owner of Cai Yue Pavilion, had secretly collected money in the name of teaching the embroidery needle technique. He even had sold some old and low-grade quality cloth to the people, which had a terrible impact. Moreover, in Huai’an City, Tan Lin had colluded with the local officials to help Tan Bawang burying crime and forced many ladies of Huai’an City to death. Now that the matter had opened, many of the victims have reported it one after another. They are asking for justice from the authorities.”

Mu Yunyao smiled and took a piece of dried meat to tease the Snow Fox in the cage. “These rumors could put together so quickly, must be someone to guide it. No matter how it passed around in the city, our days are still going to go on. Go and get prepare. Ni Yun Fang will be busy.”

Jin Qiao was a bit aggrieved: “At the beginning, those ladies and ladies were chasing after Cai Yue Pavilion and did not even pay any attention to Ni Yun Fang’s opening. Now, how can they have the nerve to come back here and buy clothes?”

Mu Yunyao saw that the Snow Fox in the cage still refused to give in and directly threw the dried meat out of its reach. She clapped her hands and said, “I don’t want them to feel embarrassed. We’re opening the door to do business for silver, not for face. As long as they’re willing to come, I’m willing to sell clothes to them. After all, who can go against silver?”

The face of those wealthy families was worth more than anything, but if it wasn’t worth much, then they could rip it off and stamp their feet on the ground in the blink of an eye. Often, all they saw was the word ‘benefit. After all, they cant spend the face like silver.

As expected, the next day, as soon as Ni Yun Fang opened, the guest began to flow back and forth.

Mu Yunyao distributed Ni Yun’s beauty booklet and received many replies the same day. Her words filled with praise, so much so that she looked a little embarrassed.

She stayed in Ni Yun Fang for the entire day and helped to entertain the more important Ladies. After settling the affairs there, she pushed the matter to Su Qing and Ding Yuelan.

In the greenhouse, there were a few peonies that were ready to bloom. The flower bud was so big, and one could vaguely see layers upon layers of petals inside, which were remarkably gorgeous.

Mu Yunyao carefully planted the peony in a flower pot and had someone bring a pot over to Yue Wang.

Yue Wang looked at the peony in the pot, and a smile flashed in his eyes. This peony was the most flourishing one in the greenhouse. Previously, he had hinted at Mu Yunyao several times with his words that he hoped to admired by this peony. He never expected that she would really send it over for him.

“Fourth Master, may I trouble you to arrange for a few men to escort Peony to Wu Minzhi’s residence.”

“Yes, I will get someone to arrange it.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 193

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 192

~ TAN LIN’S SCHEME ~ 

The news about Cai Yue Pavilion had already spread like wildfire. Some officials even went to the Emperor several times to speak up. Some of them claimed that the people of Cai Yue Pavilion were worthy of the Emperor to encourage merchants to do more things for the benefit of the ordinary people. Others expressed that the people of Cai Yue Pavilion stirs up people’s minds and had ulterior motives and should send out orders to investigate as soon as possible.

However, after the Emperor received the imperial edict, he remains silent. He waited until this news came over before becoming enraged, directly ordering to investigate Cai Yue Pavilion.

Within Jingling City, Li Munian put down the letter in his hand and sighed as he shook his head. “This was originally a good thing, but since publicized was too strong, it eventually led to disaster.”

Lady Zhou placed the teacup in his hand. “Master, I am somewhat puzzled. Ni Yun Fang had previously taught the embroidery needle technique and was also loved and respected by the citizens of Jingling City. Why would the Emperor issue an order to recognize it? But when it came to Cai Yue Pavilion, it provokes the Emperor’s wrath to ordered to investigate and deal with it.”

“Someone is trembling as he kneels in front of you, hoping that you would give a bite of food to eat. If you throw a bean at him, he would be grateful. Would you care about that?”

“It’s just a bean. What’s there to care about?”

“What if someone is so arrogant and grab something to eat from your bowl?”

Lady Zhou frowned, “Then why didn’t you chop off his claws?”

Li Munian let out a young laugh, “The influence of Ni Yun Fang only affected in Jingling City, and after that, it kept to itself. It even made a booklet of the embroidery needle technique and offered it to the Emperor. The Emperor, even more so, admired the New Year’s gifts she gave. All she did was within Jingling City and gave the majority of the credit to the loyal Emperor’s officials. She didn’t dare to overstep the rules and show the slightest disrespect. The Emperor naturally doesn’t care too much about this. However, Cai Yue Pavilion spread all over the country and has been sought after by the common people. Its reputation has even surpassed that of the Imperial Court. Do you think the Emperor can’t tolerate him?”

“But the news of Cai Yue Pavilion’s matter had already spread far and wide for a long time ago. Why is it only now that we have given the order to deal with it?”

“Your Majesty’s thoughts are unpredictable, so who can guess correctly?” The Emperor had been silent for a long time, but many people in the Imperial Court could not hold themselves back. They jumped out to rope in Cai Yue Pavilion and even helped clear the joints between the upper and lower levels. Even several princes participated in it. How could he not mind? However, after this incident, the people in the court would likely be in peace for a long time.

The next day, when the sky had just begun to brighten, Jin Qiao knocked on Mu Yunyao’s door. “Miss, the owner of Cai Yue Pavilion, Tan Lin, is currently outside begging for an audience. He said that if he couldn’t see the young lady, he will run to death at the gate of Jin Xiu Garden.”

Mu Yunyao opened her eyes, and she couldn’t help but chuckle when she heard this. “Since that’s the case, then let’s go meet him. You get people to lead him and sit in Bu Xian Luo. I’ll go there after I change my clothes.”

On the table, the Snow Fox heard the commotion and immediately stood up, looking at Mu Yunyao with a guarded expression.

Mu Yunyao didn’t have the mood to care about it. She changed her clothes, washed her face, and rinsed her mouth before coming to Jin Xiu Garden.

In the hall, Tan Lin’s face was gloomy and uneasy. A trace of hatred flashed in his eyes when he saw Mu Yunyao walk in. “Miss Mu, I really didn’t expect that your face was so beautiful, yet your thoughts were so vicious!”

Mu Yunyao casually sat in a chair to the side and then ordered Jin Lan, “Go brew a pot of tea for Lord Tan. Let him drink a cup of tea to vent his anger.”

“Oh, I don’t dare to drink the tea here. Who knows if there’s any problem with the tea?”

Mu Yunyao didn’t care about Tan Lin’s attitude. “I wonder why Lord Tan came to see me so early in the morning?”

“Why are you pretending to be confused when you’ve reached this point? Back then, you promised me that you would teach me how to use the embroidery needle technique, but why did you go back on your word and secretly harm me?”

Tan Lin was full of anger, wishing to kill Mu Yunyao with his eyes and falling from the clouds into the mire overnight. The feeling was more uncomfortable than killing him.

“What is Lord Tan saying? Why can’t I understand them?”

“Don’t understand? Then I will explain it to you so that you can understand! First, you set up a trap for my son and brought me to Jingling City to meet you. Afterward, you used the merits of imparting the embroidery needle technique to make me not pursue the responsibility of that lowly slave girl, Cai Qing, so I naturally wouldn’t trace it back to you. When I started to teach the embroidery needle technique, you actually dedicated the embroidery stitches to the Emperor. This way, you were robbing the credit from the Emperor. How could my life still exist?”

Mu Yunyao’s face showed doubt. “What Lord Tan said was wrong, I didn’t ask your son to come to Jingling City, and I didn’t ask him to take liberties with Cai Qing. As for the things that you said after that, I had no idea at all. I didn’t understand what you were talking about at all.”

“You … you won’t admit that something happened. Did you forget about the matter of teaching the embroidery needle technique? We have written a written agreement!” Tan Lin’s expression was sinister, “If something happens to me, you won’t be able to escape either!”

Mu Yunyao lowered her eyes in silence. Tan Lin thought that his words worked, and his tone became even more anxious. “Miss Mu, the embroidery needle techniques Cai Yue Pavilion had imparted were all done by you. Once the Emperor finds out about it, the one who bore the brunt of it would be you. Now, we have to think carefully about how we should settle this matter. Perhaps, there are still some things that we should consider that there’s a chance for redemption.”

“Then, what does Lord Tan think we should do?”

“According to the agreement, every time I were to impart the embroidery needle technique to the people, I would explain that it was the merits of Ni Yun Fang. The Emperor is very observant, and I think he would be able to see through it. The only solution to this problem is to record all of this into Ni Yun Fang. It is possible to let things calm down.”

Mu Yunyao raised her eyes and doubtfully asked, “If it recorded as Ni Yun Fang’s credit and the Emperor won’t pursue the matter?”

Tan Lin hurriedly nodded. “That’s right. Think about it, the golden signboard of Ni Yun Fang, personally bestowed by the Emperor. It is equivalent to the prestige of the Emperor. As long as the credit goes to Ni Yun Fang, it would be equivalent to indirectly handing over the credit to the Emperor. When the Emperor is happy, he will reward you again.”

Mu Yunyao’s forehead slightly creased as if she was carefully considering something.

Tan Lin could not help but continue to persuade her, “Miss Mu, what else is there to think? Because it involves a lot of things and also requires a lot of time to make the arrangements for the transfer of the credit to Ni Yun Fang, you have to make the decision as soon as possible.”

“Even though you said that. I still have some doubts.”

“There’s no doubt about this. Miss, please take a look. I’ve already brought the agreement, and as long as you sign the agreement, I can use it to push Ni Yun Fang to a higher level. In a few years, it might even be possible to suppress the name of Cai Yue Pavilion, so why not do it?”

Mu Yunyao carefully looked at the agreement in front of her and couldn’t help but slightly nod her head. “The content in the agreement seems to be extremely good …” Joy flashed across Tan Lin’s eyes: “Since that’s the case, then lady should hurry up and sign it. I’ll start making the arrangements overnight.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 192

Incurable Chapter 3 Part 2

Chapter 3 (2/2)

A tall, familiar back flashed briefly through the corner of her eye.

She slowed on instinct and looked again.

The corridor in the east wing lay quiet and empty.

Mu Wan had been to Qingsongxuan several times before. She knew the east wing was reserved for VIP guests—so exclusive that money alone might not be enough to get in. And yet, for one strange moment, she had thought the back she saw looked like Liu Qianxiu.

She recognized his back.

The last time, after she had meowed at him and driven away, she had watched him in the rearview mirror.

Still, she must have been mistaken.

Why would Liu Qianxiu come to a place like this for dinner?

By the time they reached the private room, most of the guests had already arrived. The moment Mi Yu stepped through the door, the cool expression she had worn the entire way over bloomed into effortless charm.

Zhang Chengze was a second-tier television director. Mi Yu had worked with him before. The drama he was preparing this time was rumored to have investment from Shen Entertainment, which made it a promising project. Mi Yu was here, aiming for the female lead.

There were at least fifteen actors in the room, maybe twenty, all gathered around a large round table. Mu Wan swept a glance around. In terms of status, Mi Yu was clearly the biggest name present.

Mu Wan, on the other hand, had no particular standing.

But because she was here to help drink in Mi Yu’s place, she sat beside her, and before long, she had already toasted the director three times.

After that, the atmosphere gradually warmed. Mu Wan’s arm hurt, and she had little appetite. She picked idly at a few dishes when Director Zhang gave a cold snort and said, “What’s so great about Shen Entertainment? You think I can’t make a drama without their money?”

A few producers and hangers-on around him immediately chimed in.

Out of the corner of her eye, Mu Wan noticed Mi Yu’s expression change slightly.

As the biggest entertainment company in the industry, Shen Entertainment had top-tier artists and top-tier capital. Of course, a production could still go ahead without them—but the quality would almost certainly suffer.

“The Shen family is only riding on the Liu family’s backing anyway,” said one of the supervisors after raising a glass to the director. “Without the Lius, they’d be nothing.”

The table was large, and after that, the conversation split into smaller circles. Around Zhang Chengze was one group. Mi Yu and a cluster of actresses formed another. Off to one side, the crew members had one of their own.

After helping Mi Yu offer the director a few more toasts, Mi Yu turned to her phone.

Leaning back in her chair, Mu Wan overheard several actresses nearby gossiping about the Shen family.

“The Shen family’s only standing on the Liu family’s support,” one short-haired actress said in a tone of practiced authority. “Right now the domestic Liu Auction Group is run by Shen Yu’s cousin, Liu Qingyuan, the eldest son of the Liu family. But the Liu family’s business is enormous. They have auction houses all over the world. The domestic Liu Auction Group is just one part of it. The person who controls all of the Liu family’s auction operations worldwide is the head of the Liu family—Liu Qianxiu, the second young master of the Lius.”

At the name Liu Qianxiu, Mu Wan found herself instinctively focusing on it.

She turned slightly, looking at the short-haired actress as the woman continued her explanation.

“Liu Qianxiu and Liu Qingyuan are half-brothers,” she said. “Same father, different mothers. Supposedly they’ve never had a good relationship. Their father, Liu Fengmian, was engaged to the eldest daughter of the Mei family, Mei Wanyang, but had an affair with Shen Yu’s aunt, Shen Chunqi. Mei Wanyang only found out after giving birth to Liu Qianxiu that Shen Chunqi had already borne Liu Qingyuan. After that, Mei Wanyang became deeply depressed and died not long after. The Mei family and the Liu family fell out completely because of it.”

The actresses listening had gone quiet.

The short-haired one went on, clearly enjoying herself.

“After that, Liu Fengmian simply brought Shen Chunqi and Liu Qingyuan back into the Liu family home, while Liu Qianxiu was raised by the old master of the Liu family. A few years ago, when the old master fell gravely ill and was hospitalized, the Mei family came in hard and forced the issue. In the end, the old master passed the position of family head to Liu Qianxiu.”

She paused for effect before adding, “On one condition: that he spare Liu Fengmian and Shen Chunqi’s branch of the family.”

“So that’s the situation now,” she concluded. “Liu Fengmian and Liu Qingyuan are in charge of the domestic Liu Auction Group, but to put it bluntly, they’re just working for Liu Qianxiu. The real head of the Liu family now is Liu Qianxiu—the same Young Master Liu who’s one of Xiacheng’s Four Young Masters.”

The affairs of wealthy families were always dramatic enough to sound like fiction.

A few of the younger actresses were listening in open fascination. One of them asked, “So his mother was basically driven to death by his father and Madam Shen? Would he really just let them go?”

“What do you think?” the short-haired actress said with a snort. “I heard that after Liu Qianxiu became family head, Liu Fengmian sent Shen Chunqi off to Australia. They’re afraid of him. They should be.”

Someone else asked, “Then where is Young Master Liu now? He’s the most mysterious out of the four.”

“Exactly. No one seems to know,” said an actress in an off-the-shoulder dress. “He’s the kind who hides in plain sight and quietly controls everything in the Liu family. That is incredibly attractive. In a while it’ll be the third anniversary of Old Master Liu’s death. As family head, he should appear then. The only question is whether the media will manage to get a photo.”

The women kept chatting excitedly. Before long, the subject shifted to Xiacheng’s Four Young Masters as a whole. Whether or not they could become famous themselves, each of them clearly entertained the thought that if they had a beautiful face, marrying into wealth wouldn’t be a bad second option.

Mu Wan slowly drew herself back from the conversation.

She lowered her eyes.

Her mind felt as though a thick blanket had been thrown over it—heavy, muffled, not quite clear. Turning to Mi Yu, she said, “Sister Yu, I’m going to the restroom.”

The toasting was nearly done by now. Mi Yu glanced at Mu Wan’s drooping left shoulder and said only, “Go.”

At the sink, Mu Wan splashed cold water on her face.

It didn’t help much.

That blanket over her thoughts was still there. Her face was burning, just like her left shoulder.

Only then did she remember what Liu Qianxiu had told her that morning after treating the wound:

No alcohol.

And yet in barely half an hour, she had drunk nearly half a jin.

Pulling out a paper towel, Mu Wan dabbed the water from her face and stepped out of the restroom.

The restroom was at the far end of the corridor. There was no one around, and the private rooms were well soundproofed, leaving the entire hallway broad, empty, and quiet.

Mu Wan leaned back against the wall.

The cool, fine tile pressed through the thin fabric at her back, making her feel a little more awake.

Her head still felt heavy. She lowered it, deciding to stand there for a while and sober up.

The carpet beneath her feet was red, embroidered with a red bamboo grove. Qingsongxuan’s four wings were themed after plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum; the north wing was the bamboo wing.

The embroidery was exquisite. The red bamboo leaves were worked so finely that they looked almost sharp.

They reminded her of the mark on her chest.

I just thought it was beautiful.

That low voice echoed suddenly through her mind, and something buzzed inside her head. Mu Wan let out a soft laugh.

And while she was still laughing, someone stepped into her line of sight.

Her head was lowered, so at first she could only see the lower half of him—long legs, a straight posture, the quiet assurance of someone standing utterly at ease.

Then, in a dazed sort of way, she caught the faint scent of disinfectant.

Her lashes flickered.

She slowly lifted her heavy head.

And saw him clearly.

Liu Qianxiu stood before her in silence.

The patient who was supposed to be under observation in the hospital was instead leaning tipsily against a corridor wall, sobering up. She was dressed in red, her small pale face flushed, like ripe fruit warmed by summer. Her beautiful eyes looked as though they had been washed in rain—clear and bright—and as they focused on him, her pupils drew tighter and darker.

Very much like a cat.

Very much like a seductress.

She looked straight at him, lips curving, the corners of her eyes tilting upward. Her voice sounded like bayberry wine—lazy, sweet, husky, intoxicating.

“Meow~ Taoist Liu came to arrest me.”

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 3 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 3 Part 1

Chapter 3 (1/2)

Mu Wan was sent for imaging.

The results showed that the glass had neither pierced her heart nor injured the chest wall. The wound was only superficial. Still, because of where she had been hurt, they wanted to keep her in the hospital for observation.

After treating the wound and giving her a few precautions, Liu Qianxiu went off to see other patients. A nurse escorted Mu Wan to the surgical inpatient ward, and Lin Wei went with her to the room.

Yesterday, Mu Wan had been the one sitting below the bed while Lin Wei lay in it.

Today, they had switched places.

The moment Lin Wei sat down, she crossed her legs, folded her arms, and narrowed her eyes at Mu Wan.

“Tell me the truth. Did you and Taoist Liu know each other before this?”

Mu Wan leaned back against the raised hospital bed. The wound had been numbed and treated, so it didn’t hurt, only it itched a little. She rolled one shoulder and said, “If I knew him already, would I not have told you?”

That much, Lin Wei did believe. Still, when she thought of Liu Qianxiu’s cold, detached nature—and the fact that he had actually told Mu Wan her birthmark was beautiful—it still felt unbelievable.

She rubbed her chin and asked, “Could it be that you forgot?”

Mu Wan gave her a look.

“Does Taoist Liu seem like the kind of face anyone could forget?”

No, he did not.

Lin Wei had only seen him once, and she was pretty sure she could remember him for life.

“Then he likes you,” Lin Wei concluded with reckless confidence. “Taoist Liu only pays attention to things he likes. If he said your birthmark was beautiful, then what he really meant was that you’re beautiful.”

Lin Wei’s analysis was nonsense, as far as Mu Wan was concerned.

In her mind, she replayed those unfathomable eyes of his and said, “Immortals don’t fall for mortals that easily. Maybe bamboo-leaf-shaped birthmarks are rare. Or maybe it means something special in Taoist symbolism. Taoists can be a bit mystical.”

Compared with Lin Wei’s version, Mu Wan’s explanation sounded far more convincing.

Lin Wei looked at her. Some color had already returned to Mu Wan’s face; she no longer had that frightening, bloodless pallor from earlier in the bathroom. Living alone meant that when something happened, the only person Mu Wan could call was her. This time, it was lucky the glass had missed her heart. If it hadn’t—if the injury had been deeper—then even if the ambulance had arrived early, it might still have been too late.

The thought made Lin Wei shudder.

Leaning back, she said, “Still, when I was handling your admission paperwork, the nurse told me it was the first time she’d ever heard Dr. Liu compliment anyone. That means you are unusual. And look at this—you met him yesterday, and today you end up in the ER, and he’s the one treating you. You two really do seem weirdly fated. Doctors make decent money too. About the same as an eighteenth-tier actress like you. You’re both good-looking. Honestly, you’re kind of a match.”

Mu Wan listened to the whole string of reasoning. The rainy weather was making one of her legs ache, so she let it hang over the edge of the bed and said, “At this rate, in another five minutes you’ll have named our children.”

She said it lightly, but there was no real interest in it. Lin Wei sighed inwardly.

“Tell me honestly,” she said. “Are you planning to spend your whole life alone?”

She and Mu Wan had been classmates in high school. Lin Wei had moved to Xiacheng for school, and the two of them ended up in the same class. Mu Wan had always been beautiful. Boys had lined up to pursue her, but all the way through graduation, she had never dated anyone.

After university, it was no different. Once she moved out of the Mu family home, she spent all her time acting, earning tuition, and scraping together living expenses. She had never known her father, and the Mu family had always treated her like an outsider. Really, ever since her mother died, Mu Wan had already been living alone in every way that mattered.

“We’ll see,” Mu Wan said.

She had spent enough time on her own to think seriously about life and what she wanted from it.

“If living alone feels better, then I’ll live alone. If there’s someone who makes life feel even better, then I can live with him too.”

“Then Taoist Liu is a great option,” Lin Wei said at once, spotting hope again.

Mu Wan looked at her.

“Are you afraid I’ll start clinging to you out of loneliness, so you’re trying to push me off onto someone else?”

“Have you ever actually felt lonely?” Lin Wei asked.

Then she scratched her head, her eyes dimming a little.

“You really should try living with someone. Or at least get a cat. Then you’d understand. It’s not that you aren’t afraid of loneliness. It’s just that you’ve gotten used to it.”

Mu Wan knew Lin Wei meant well, but she didn’t want to view her current life through such a bleak lens. So she changed the subject.

“Do you have any everyday clothes here?”

Lin Wei glanced at her, still in a hospital gown and clearly not yet over what they had just been talking about.

“What for?”

“I have a dinner to attend tonight,” Mu Wan said. “I can’t exactly show up in this.”

Lin Wei’s face hardened.

“Do you have a death wish?”

“I had the X-ray. Nothing serious. It’s just a superficial wound,” Mu Wan said. “I already skipped one dinner not long ago. If I miss this one too, it won’t look good.”

“Then tell your agent you ended up in the ER and nearly died, so you can’t go,” Lin Wei shot back.

“That won’t work,” Mu Wan said. “I still have appearances this week. If I don’t work, how am I supposed to pay the mortgage?”

Lin Wei fell silent.

In the end, Mu Wan didn’t borrow Lin Wei’s clothes. She changed back into her own, went home, and put on a loose red cotton-linen dress. It hung softly enough that it wouldn’t rub against the wound. But once evening came, and the numbing medicine wore off, her left shoulder was nearly useless, too weak to lift properly.

Li Nan brought Mi Yu over.

As the most successful artist under him, Mi Yu’s schedule was one he followed almost personally. She was thirty this year and had taken good care of herself, though years of heavy makeup and sleepless filming had begun to leave faint traces. Even so, the age visible on a celebrity was not the same as the age visible on an ordinary person. She still looked twenty-six or twenty-seven, and she was still beautiful.

When Mu Wan saw them, she greeted them both.

“Boss. Sister Yu.”

Mi Yu was wearing sunglasses. She had enough public recognition that she needed at least a little disguise when she went out. At Mu Wan’s greeting, she turned her head slightly, though it was impossible to read her expression behind the lenses.

Li Nan noticed at once that there was something off about Mu Wan’s left arm.

“What happened to your arm?”

“I got hurt a little,” Mu Wan replied.

“Mm.”

His tone was flat. He glanced at Mi Yu, then said to Mu Wan, “Mi Yu still has scenes to shoot tonight. Director Zhang likes to drink. Later, at dinner, drink a few extra rounds in her place.”

Mu Wan had been to enough industry dinners to know the routine. Her alcohol tolerance was decent; a few rounds of toasts wouldn’t be a problem.

Besides, some of the company resources she received had come through Mi Yu’s recommendations after auditions. It was only fair to return the favor.

“All right. Got it.”

While they were speaking, the elevator arrived. Mi Yu stepped in first. Mu Wan followed. The doors closed, and neither of them said another word.

Mi Yu was the company’s top artist and a senior manager. Her temperament wasn’t especially pleasant. She was proud, a little distant, and didn’t mix much with the other artists at the company.

Mu Wan still remembered that when she first signed with Xinzhou Entertainment, Mi Yu had already been there. Back then, Mi Yu had been at the height of her popularity, yet Mu Wan could still sense a trace of hostility from her.

That was the entertainment industry. New faces appeared in waves. If you were young and beautiful, that already got you ninety percent of the way there.

Mu Wan, however, lacked the remaining ten percent.

She had no real hunger for fame, and as Mi Yu gradually realized that, the hostility faded.

The moment they stepped out of the elevator, someone was there to receive them.

Qingsongxuan was huge, decorated in a refined Chinese style. Screens, carved wooden doors, landscape paintings, red lanterns hanging high. The place was divided into four sections—east, south, west, and north—with a pond in the center. In the middle of the pond stood a pavilion, connected to the four wings by four small bridges. The entire setting was elegant and carefully arranged.

Director Zhang’s dinner was in the north wing. Following behind a server dressed in Han-style clothing, Mu Wan and Mi Yu crossed past the pavilion and into the northern corridor.

Just before turning into the north wing, Mu Wan happened to glance up.

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 191

~ THEN STARVE IT TO DEATH ~ 

 
Su Qing still had other things to do, so she instructed Mu Yunyao a few times before ordering her people to take away the cloak.

Mu Yunyao heaved a sigh of relief, and the smile on her face became lighter. She looked at the little fox coldly, then turned around and went to rest on the bed.

“Woo …” The cage was too small, and the Snow Fox was almost unable to turn around inside. Seeing that Mu Yunyao didn’t care about it, it stretched out its claws and clawed at the cage’s lock.

Mu Yunyao was annoyed by the noise. She got up and opened the cage’s door, then directly pinched the fur on the back of the fox’s neck and lifted it up. “If you’re honest, then I’ll raise you properly. If you are not honest, I will take your fur and pad your feet.”

Initially, Snow Fox already had a wild and untamed personality. At this moment, when Mu Yunyao picked him up, it extended its claws to scratch Mu Yunyao’s face.

Mu Yunyao frowned and stretched out her hand to grab the fox’s four claws. Just like before, she pinched the fox’s jaw. This time, without Su Qing around, she did not hold back and strangulate the Snow Fox so hard that the Snow Fox trembled all over.

Seeing that the fire almost has done burning, Mu Yunyao placed the Snow Fox on the table and extended her hand to touch its fur. “Do you want to follow me with delicious food, or just I skin you for a pad?”

The Snow Fox unable to understand her words completely, but it keenly felt the hostility within her speeches. It slightly trembled and let out a muffled cry. Its appearance made it look extremely obedient.

Mu Yunyao let out a cold laugh as she let go of its arms and stood to the side.

The Snow Fox jumped up from the table and ran out the window. Unfortunately, just as it reached the door, it was stopped by a pair of hands and brought directly to Mu Yunyao. “Mistress, do you want to tie it up?”

“Throw it into the cage over there. When it behaves itself, it will get fed again.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

On the second day, Jin Qiao saw the little fox on the table, and her eyes filled with surprise and joy. “Miss, is this a fox? It’s snow-white all over, but it’s extremely precious.”

The Snow Fox was hung outside for an entire night before being carried back to the room at dawn. At this time, it was both thirsty and hungry. Seeing that Jin Qiao reached out her hand, it bared its teeth as it wanted to bite her hand. Jin Qiao quickly retracted his fingers in fright.

After Mu Yunyao saw this, she smiled, “You have to be careful. This fox eats humans.”

“Miss is teasing this servant. How can a fox eats humans?”

“Even humans can eat people, let alone foxes.” After Mu Yunyao finished washing her face and rinsing her mouth, she walked over to the cage and looked at the Snow Fox within. “Have you thought about it?”

The Snow Fox arched its back and let out a threatening roar.

Mu Yunyao also didn’t mind. She turned her head and instructed Jin Lan and Jin Qiao, “Don’t give it food, and don’t feed it water.”

“Yes, Miss.”After Mu Yunyao finished her breakfast, she went to the greenhouse in Jin Xiu Garden. Today, the peony bud was slightly larger than before, and she can saw the color of the petals faintly. She carefully trimmed the yellowing leaves and placed them in a small basket at the side.

Footsteps were approaching at the door. Mu Yunyao did not need to turn her head to tell that it was the Yue Wang.“Why would Fourth Master be interested in admiring the flowers in the greenhouse?”

“What about that little fox? Can I find someone to help you tame it?”

“No need. It is hungry in my room right now. It’d be better off if It could get hungry for a meal or two.” Mu Yunyao said indifferently.

Yue Wang shook his head slightly. “Winter in Western Guangdong is longer than other places, and snakes hardly found in this season. The Snow foxes are very resistant to hunger. The hungrier they are, the more ferocious they become. Some would rather starve to death than compromise. It is too difficult to tame them.”

Mu Yunyao smiled, and her smile exceptionally sweet. “If I can’t tame it, then I’ll starve it to death. I don’t dare to keep the Snow Fox in my side if others can tame it. Who knows when it will be under the command of others?”

Was it actually for this reason? Yue Wang paused for a moment, then said no more. “I heard that Ni Yun Fang had oppressed by Cai Yue Pavilion. Now, it’s become a very lonely place.”

“That’s right. Otherwise, how would I have the time to look after the flowers here?”

“But from the looks of it, you don’t seem to be in a hurry?”

Mu Yunyao raised her head to look at Yue Wang. “Fourth Master, I won’t speak in secret. I presume you know better than me what kind of situation Cai Yue Pavilion is in right now?”

A look of helplessness flashed past Yue Wang’s eyes. He knew that his actions yesterday had angered her, which was why she was so hostile. Thus, he decided to keep quiet and watch her prune the flowers.

He didn’t have the time to look closely yesterday, so when he looked at the peony stalks again today, he felt something was amiss, “This is … A two-colored plant?”

“If Fourth Master likes it, I’ll bring you a pot when I’ve finished raising the flowers.” Mu Yunyao spoke ordinarily and sparsely as if she didn’t realize the value of peonies in front of her.

Yue Wang finally understood why Mu Yunyao had chosen to use peonies to direct her path. If the few peonies in front of her were to blossom successfully, it would become a treasure anywhere.

Jin Qiao walked in as they were talking. When she saw Yue Wang, she becomes somewhat hesitant. “Greetings, Master Ning. Greetings, Miss.” 

“What’s wrong?”

“Reporting to Miss, the owner of Cai Yue Pavilion, Tan Lin, has sent a card inviting Miss to meet at Bu Xian Luo.”

Mu Yunyao got up to see the invitation before tossing it into the basket full of dead leaves on the side. “You can go back now. Tell him that I’ve been sick these two days and that I’m not suitable for guests.”

“Yes, Miss.”

When Tan Lin heard Jin Qiao’s reply, a profound look flashed in his eyes. He turned around and boarded the carriage, returning to Cai Yue Pavilion. The shopkeeper of Cai Yue Pavilion hurriedly came over to welcome him. “Boss, you’ve come back. Why do you need to lower yourself to meet Mu Yunyao? Besides Lady Chen and Madam Zhou, who were close friends, no one else has come. At present, we had sent the beauty booklets of Our Cai Yue Pavilion to the various residences, and they also had returned the custom-made clothes posts. It won’t be long before Ni Yun Fang can’t hold on any longer.”

The Shopkeeper of Cai Yue Pavilion was quite pleased with himself. So what if Ni Yun Fang had a golden signboard that the Emperor had bestowed upon them? Wasn’t it the same? What about the fact that they couldn’t keep their heads up because Ci Yue Pavilion had run over them?

Tan Lin’s expression did not relax in the slightest, “Has you sent someone to take care of Young Master?”

“I had already sent someone to deliver some silver taels. Young master won’t be able to suffer there. After two days, I will secretly send someone to bring him back.”

Tan Lin nodded, “Don’t relax for the next few days. We must completely suppress Ni Yun Fang.”

“Boss, our Cai Yue Pavilion is quite prosperous. We naturally can’t be compared to Ni Yun Fang, but we are still missing a signboard. Didn’t the rumors say that the Emperor has to bestow the same upon our Cai Yue Pavilion? I wonder when this reward will come down?”

“I’ve already sent some people to the Capital to do some work, but some joints are really troublesome to get through. I still need to be patient and wait a bit more.”

However, while waiting, he got some bad news. First, Tan Bawang was killed by two prisoners when he clashed with others in the place of exile. Afterward, the matter of Cai Yue Pavilion sending people to bribe the officials exposed. For some reason, it had involved the officials of the upper echelons. The news spread like wildfire, and it directly reached the ears of the Emperor.

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 191

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 190

~ THE GIFT FROM YUE WANG ~ 

 
Yue Wang pulled back his arm, and his fingers started to twitch slightly. A solemn look flashed across his eyes: “I was rude.” 

Mu Yunyao’s thoughts fluctuated, so she didn’t want to stay any longer. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave first....”

“Wait a minute,” For some reason, Yue Wang felt that he could not let her leave just like that, so he called out to her, “Would you like to see the gift I prepared for you?”

Mu Yunyao slightly bit the tip of her tongue, the piercing pain allowing her to regain her composure quickly. “I wonder what kind of gift it is?” If she continued to behave abnormally, Yue Wang would really think more. It would be better if she acted differently. It’s just that the heart is different in the end.

Yue Wang walked to the back of the table and brought out a small cage.

Mu Yunyao looked over and couldn’t help but widen her eyes, temporarily forgetting about the uneasiness in her heart.

In the wooden cage, a small snow-white animal curled up into a semicircle. Its broadtail covered its body, causing people to be unable to see it clearly. Yue Wang picked up the cage and shook it lightly, causing the small animals inside to become restless, unsettled, and stood up in dissatisfaction. Only then could Mu Yunyao see its appearance clearly: snow-white fur without a trace of other colors, a small body, a broad tail, two upright furry ears, with a hint of pink, and the little and exquisite nose tip makes people feel so cute and adorable

“This is....” Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but take two steps forward. The little thing inside stuck its nose out of the cage along with its two front paws. It pitifully raised its head and let out two whimpers.

Mu Yunyao was amused by it and couldn’t help but reach out to touch its front paw. Just as she was about to touch it, Yue Wang suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand back.

Initially, inside the cage was a cute and well-behaved animal. Now, when it had missed its target, it was baring its fangs, and the fur on its tail was upside-down. It looked extremely ferocious.

Mu Yunyao looked at the front paws that had extended out from its claws. They were actually incomparably sharp. If she were to be touched, her skin and flesh would inevitably split open.

“Be careful. It is a Snow Fox from Western Guangdong. It is crafty and loves to deceive people.” Yue Wang quietly warned from the side.

Mu Yunyao’s interest, piqued by the Snow Fox in the cage, and her eyes lit up slightly. “Her appearance is exceptionally exquisite and cute, but her temperament still needs to be sharpened.”

“Snow Fox is a wild and untamed fox, but once tamed, it will be extremely loyal to its Master. Furthermore, the Snow Fox in Western Guangdong is good at taking poisonous snakes as food, so the Snow Fox teeth and claws deadly. If an ordinary person gets bitten by it, they would likely lose their life. Therefore, Therefore, we should be expressly careful when touching them.” 

Mu Yunyao looked at the Snow Fox in the cage. It was leaning on the edge and was staring at its surroundings with caution. Its small ears continuously trembled, and it seemed to be exceptionally alert. “How can I tame it?”

“The Snow Fox in Western Guangdong is quite intelligent, and each Snow Fox has a distinct personality. Naturally, the way to tame them is different too, but in general, it is to make Snow Fox afraid. Once the Snow Fox was afraid of you, it will not dare to have thoughts of killing its Master, and if you treat it a little better, you will be able to tame it.”

“Is this the gift that Fourth Master gave me?”

“Mm. If you like it, I’ll get someone to help you tame it. In the future, It can also protect you as well.”

“No need.” Mu Yunyao looked at the Snow Fox with interest. “Since it’s a gift from Fourth Master, then I’ll naturally tame it myself.” When she saw the Snow Fox, she thought of the blue-eyed ferret raised by the elder sister of the Su family. It said that when Su Qingwu went to the Southern Mountains, he had spent over ten days to catch the Snow Ferret. The Young Miss of the Su Family had treated it as a treasure, and if she brought the Snow Fox over, it would be as simple as taking a fox or a ferret. In the end, who can take advantage of it?

“But....” Yue Wang was a little worried. The snow fox in Western Guangdong was not like the fox in other places. In case it hurt her....!

However, Mu Yunyao had already walked up to the Snow Fox’s cage and lifted it up. After that, she directly bowed to Yue Wang. “Thank you, Fourth Master. I’ll be taking my present now. Goodbye.” Along the way, Mu Yunyao had looked at the Snow Fox several times, her eyes full of excitement. When they were back at home, she suddenly felt that something wasn’t right and was thinking about it carefully when she saw Su Qing walking out. She quickly held the Snow Fox and said, “Mother, quickly look, how about this little fox?”

Su Qing glanced at the Snow Fox in the cage before shifting her gaze back to Mu Yunyao. Her expression was especially solemn as she said, “Yao’er, you … Come in with me quickly!”

Mu Yunyao stared blankly for a moment before slightly lowering her head. Then, she felt vexed in her heart. Just now, she only cared about the fox in the cage. She actually forgot about the cloak on her body!

Su Qing’s expression was solemn as she brought Mu Yunyao back to the backyard. She then asked, “what’s the matter with the cloak you’re wearing?” Mu Yunyao hurriedly took off her cloak and put it aside with the fox cage. Her face was full of pure smiles. “The clothes I wore in the greenhouse earlier were too thin. Later, I met with Fourth Master Ning. It wasn’t convenient for me to change my clothes back when we went to get that little fox. He saw that I was wearing too little clothes. Lend me the cloak to use.”

Seeing that Mu Yunyao did not seem to care at all, Su Qing felt that her breath was stuck in her chest, “You little girl, normally you look smart and sharp, but now you’re acting so stupid? Can you use this cloak as you wish?” If it’s just a woman, it would have been fine. But the other one was Fourth Master Ning!

Mu Yunyao was still puzzled. “At that time, Fourth Master Ning was present, so it wouldn’t have been appropriate for me to change my clothes. But since I was wearing this dress, I would probably have frozen by the time I returned. I had no choice but to borrow the cloak.”

“Ah, that Fourth Master Ning … Forget it, wash this cloak carefully. After that, Mother will send someone to send it back, so you don’t need to worry about it.” Su Qing thought to herself, Yunyao is still young and has not yet reached the coming of age. Moreover, Fourth Master Ning is much older than Yunyao, so I assume that he will regard her as a child. He should not have any other thoughts, so she should pay more attention in the future.

Seeing Su Qing let this matter go, Mu Yunyao secretly let out a sigh of relief. She didn’t know why, but when she discussed Yue Wang with Su Qing, she felt all sorts of uneasiness in her heart. “Mother, quickly come and take a look at this Snow Fox. It came from Western Guangdong. It’s very cunning and likes to scratch people....”

Only then did Su Qing have the mind to size up the little fox in the cage. With one look, she really liked it, “It’s really delicate and cute. Such a white fox rarely has seen.” As she said this, she wanted to reach out and touch it. The Snow Fox still want to repeat the same trick, but before the tip of its claws could extend outwards, Mu Yunyao had already pressed its two front paws onto the table. The wooden cage was in between them, hurting the Snow Fox so severely that it subconsciously bit down on them. But before it could even get close to her hand, Mu Yunyao reaches out and pinches his jaw, and his tongue pinched out.

She did it skillfully with a smile on her face as if it were a suitable game for a snow fox.

Snow Fox’s body trembled. It struggled to retreat, but once it strived, Mu Yunyao used her strength. It was so painful that the Snow Fox didn’t dare to move again.

Seeing Mu Yunyao’s actions, Su Qing couldn’t help but smile, “You have to be careful. Didn’t you say that it loves scratching people?”

The Snow Fox fur was smooth and sleek, like fine silk. Su Qing touched it through the cage and couldn’t help but smile. “You’re really obedient.”

Mu Yunyao also narrowed her eyes, “That’s right. I also think that it’s very obedient.” Seeing Su Qing withdraw her hand, Mu Yunyao also retracts her hand. The Snow Fox bellowed threats at Mu Yunyao in anger, but she didn’t take it seriously at all.

However, it was Su Qing who jumped in fright. “That little fox seems to be angry. If you like it, then you should take care of it properly. Later, Mother will prepare a gift to thank Fourth Master Ning.”

“Alright.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 190