Incurable Chapter 21 Part 2

Chapter 21 (2/2)

It rained through the night, washing even the dust from the hills clean.

At Wuling Tea House, the tea fields were cool and clear, with a hint of moisture. Beneath a blue sky laced with pale cloud, a few tea girls dotted the slopes, moving among the rows.

Ahead, the wooden windows stood wide open.

The view stretched across the tea fields and on toward distant mountains veiled in pale mist. The room itself was large and mostly empty. With the windows thrown wide, the fresh morning wind moved through freely, carrying clean air back and forth.

Mei Yaozhi sat on the hard-woven mat, his wide eyes still holding a trace of sleep.

His posture was easy and careless, a sharp contrast to Liu Qianxiu’s straight-backed composure beside him.

Between them stood a low tea table laid with a tea set. A woman in hanfu was serving tea. Freshly picked Longjing buds floated tender and green in the water. Tea poured from the purple clay pot into the cups, and the fragrance rose in soft curls.

Mei Yaozhi glanced sideways at Liu Qianxiu again.

He was a man of frightening discipline and self-restraint. Sitting upright like this, watching the morning sunlight slowly dissolve the mist over the mountains, he seemed to carry an otherworldly air around him, completely out of place among ordinary people.

Then again, that was exactly the point.

He was out of place.

“You got up this early only to sit in a tea house and drink tea,” Mei Yaozhi said.

He took a cup and downed it in one go. The smooth fragrance slid down his throat and shook off a little of the drowsiness that still clung to him.

Once the tea service was done and the woman withdrew, Mei Yaozhi finally straightened up to speak of business.

He handed a file to Liu Qianxiu.

“The person you asked me to look into.”

The paper folder made a crisp sound as Liu Qianxiu took it.

There was not much inside. At most, three pages. But the content was dense and highly detailed. Mei Yaozhi read the summary aloud to him.

“The Mu family in the west part of the city made their living in fabrics and tailoring. They rose to wealth in the Republican era and peaked in the eighties. After the old matriarch died, Mu Yatang took over the family, but they’ve declined ever since. Mu Wan took her mother’s surname. Her mother, Mu Qijun, got pregnant out of wedlock. To hide it, the family claimed Mu Wan was adopted, but she was actually her biological daughter. The Mu family saw Mu Wan as a stain on their reputation, so her circumstances in that house were terrible—especially after Mu Qijun died. As soon as she came of age, she moved out. Since then, she’s had no contact with them at all.”

At this point, Mei Yaozhi remembered one more coincidence.

He poured himself another cup of tea and said to Liu Qianxiu, “It took me a ridiculous amount of effort to find the man who got Mu Qijun pregnant back then—Mu Wan’s father. Funny thing, he also happens to be—”

“Song Kangze,” Liu Qianxiu said calmly, having reached the last page of the materials.

Mei Yaozhi froze.

“You really do know him.”

Liu Qianxiu pulled out the second page. It contained information about Mu Wan’s father. He lowered his eyes to it and said nothing.

“So that’s why you asked me to investigate her?” Mei Yaozhi asked. “Because of her father?”

Liu Qianxiu lifted his eyes to him, giving no clear answer.

Mei Yaozhi had never been able to see through Liu Qianxiu’s mind.

He was like a pool of water—clear to the bottom, yet impossible to tell how deep it truly went or what lay below the surface.

So Mei Yaozhi did not ask any more.

He merely went on, “She’s just some tiny eighteenth-tier actress now. Some of the roles she plays look pretty exhausting. If you wanted to help her, though, it would take you nothing more than lifting a finger—”

His phone rang before he could finish.

Mei Yaozhi looked at it and stood up.

“I have to go.”

Liu Qianxiu tapped once against the file.

“Thanks.”

“What are you thanking me for?”

Mei Yaozhi laughed it off. Then, right before leaving, he remembered something and tapped his forehead.

“Oh, right. Grandmother knew I was coming up to see you this morning. She told me to remind you to go back with me for dinner tonight.”

Old Madam Mei was Mei Yaozhi’s grandmother, and Liu Qianxiu’s maternal grandmother as well.

Liu Qianxiu’s lips curved once.

“All right.”

Mei Yaozhi smiled too.

“Then I’m off. Good lord—I didn’t even get breakfast first. Straight tea on an empty stomach...”

Before the sky had even fully brightened, Mu Wan was already at the studio base filming.

This round was for war scenes. In them, Mu Wan played an army doctor. From dark before dawn all the way into morning, it was one explosion scene after another. By the time they paused, her whole face was covered in soot and dust.

Day had fully broken now.

The wartime dawn sequence was finally done, and once they added one more death scene later, her role would be wrapped.

She had been running back and forth, treating the wounded the whole time. Her body felt drained, her back and waist aching. When the crew stopped for a break, she sat on the edge of a trench made of stacked sandbags and played Plants vs. Zombies on her phone.

She had not even finished planting her sunflowers when the screen vibrated.

A text banner appeared across the top.

Taoist Liu: Where are you?

Her heart jolted with it.

Mu Wan opened the message screen immediately and typed back.

Mu Wan: Filming. At the studio base.

After sending it, she bit down on her lower lip and smiled—only to get a mouthful of dust. Laughing, she spat twice, then sent another.

Mu Wan: What about you? What are you doing at home today?

Since it was Sunday and he did not have work, he ought to be at home.

Liu Qianxiu did not answer the question.

Instead, he replied:

Taoist Liu: I have plans tonight.

The smile on her face stilled.

Mu Wan understood at once.

She curled in on herself a little, shoulders narrow and slight, like some tiny flower-cat retreating into a corner. Someone sat down beside her, stirring up another puff of dust, and she coughed twice. Even her phone screen was dirty now.

“Mu Wan, look! That guy’s so handsome!”

Gao Mei had apparently plopped down beside her. Tugging her arm, she pointed ahead. “Is he an actor? No way. If a face like that were an actor, I would know.”

Mu Wan was feeling a little low.

She ignored Gao Mei and stared at her phone, about to reply. Since Mu Wan would not cooperate, Gao Mei simply cupped her face in both hands and forcibly turned it toward the handsome man in question.

“Hey—”

Mu Wan’s small face was squeezed into a little lump, her eyes darting uselessly around before fixing at last on the figure directly ahead.

The set smelled of explosives and dust, thick enough to sting the nose. Smoke rolled through the air.

And there, standing in the middle of it, was a man in a light-colored shirt and trousers, his figure spare and elegant, his face cool and pale, clean and remote, utterly apart from the world around him.

Mu Wan’s heart jumped hard.

She stared for two seconds, then got up from the edge of the trench.

Liu Qianxiu stood there, looking at her from a distance.

Her face was filthy with grime. Only her eyes remained clear and bright. Seeing him, she first looked disbelieving, and then a little flustered. She lifted a hand and tried wiping the dust from her face. After several frantic attempts, all she managed was one small patch of pale skin on her left cheek.

In the end, she gave up, ran straight toward him, and moved with all the quick, light grace of her narrow body.

She stopped in front of him and looked him over again, as if confirming with her own eyes that he was really here.

Then, once she had confirmed it, the corners of her eyes curved.

“Why are you here?”

Her voice shook a little.

She had rubbed at her face too hard, and the skin there had gone pink.

Liu Qianxiu looked at her quietly.

“I don’t have time tonight,” he said.

“Huh?”

Mu Wan blinked, confused. Her lips came together. She nodded and said, “I know. I got your text—”

“Would you like to have lunch together?”

The words in her throat stopped dead.

Mu Wan lifted her head.

Her eyes were suddenly bright all over again.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 21 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 21 Part 1

Chapter 21 (1/2)

Mu Wan’s body was completely off the ground.

Liu Qianxiu had both hands at her waist and lifted her straight up, the way a father might lift a little daughter in a moment of indulgent affection. She had not expected a man who looked as lean as he did to have that much strength.

The air after the rain was clear and transparent. The wind moving through it was cool.

The basketball in her hands was cool.

The hands at her waist were cool, too.

Between heaven and earth, she was the only one burning.

Her heartbeat drummed against her ears. A fine sheen of sweat dampened her palms, while the temperature of Liu Qianxiu’s hands passed through the thin fabric at her waist—dry, cool, steady.

Holding the ball, she stretched out both arms and pushed with force, her waist tightening with the effort.

Bang.

The ball went in.

The ball hit the ground and bounced fast, striking the court over and over.

Listening to it, Mu Wan lowered her eyes.

He set her down.

The ball bounced no more. It rolled off to one side. Mu Wan stood there, breathing quietly, a layer of sweat rising on her skin. The wind swept over her, cooling her at once, and both her skin and heart tightened in response.

But the feeling after the sweat was exhilarating—like mist clearing, like a ship at sea finally sighting a lighthouse.

She turned back and tipped her face up to Liu Qianxiu.

“Was I amazing?”

Liu Qianxiu’s expression did not change. Lifting her like that had seemed to cost him no effort at all.

“Very,” he said evenly.

Mu Wan laughed.

“That’s only because of you.”

Her eyes danced with light, sparks flickering in them.

Liu Qianxiu looked at that light in silence. Then he asked, “Hungry?”

Maybe it was because she had used up some energy missing those first two shots.

Or maybe it was simply that she never knew how to refuse him.

Looking at him, Mu Wan nodded.

“I’m hungry.”

“Going home?” Liu Qianxiu asked.

Something flashed in her eyes.

Her throat moved.

The corner of Mu Wan’s mouth lifted slightly. She turned to glance at the basketball lying off to the side, the line of her neck smooth and beautiful.

“Home,” she said.

When they got back to Liu Qianxiu’s place, Mu Wan went to play with the three little ones.

By now, the kittens had graduated from the nursery and begun exploring the cat room properly. Everything in the new space fascinated them. Zhouyi, by contrast, remained far colder and calmer. It stayed draped over the cat tree most of the time, only occasionally lowering its gaze when one of the babies cried out.

Cats and cats could form attachments.

People and cats could form attachments, too.

Then what about people and people?

After dinner, Mu Wan helped Liu Qianxiu tidy the kitchen and then, as naturally as if she had always belonged there, sat down beside him.

Of course, she had no hope of reading.

She stretched both arms across the table, rested her chin on the paper in front of her, breathed in the faint fragrance of books, and used her gaze to trace the line of his profile.

He was as quiet and detached as ever, as though nothing in the world could disturb him.

Mu Wan watched him for a while, then got up and went to the cat room.

Not long after, she came back and sat down beside him again.

This time she did not lie on the table. Instead, she braced both hands behind her on the floor and looked toward the cat room. When she heard the faint mewing of the kittens, she called softly,

“Over here.”

At last, the man beside her moved.

Mu Wan turned her head, eyes bright as she looked at him.

“It’s not good for them to stay cooped up all the time,” she said. “Let them come out for a bit.”

Liu Qianxiu looked at her quietly.

His eyes were clear as water, the lamp reflected in them—and perhaps, if one looked long enough, the woman reflected there too.

He said nothing.

Mu Wan thought perhaps she had disturbed him. She pulled her arms back in and sat upright.

“Then I’ll put them back.”

“No need,” Liu Qianxiu said in his low voice, already lowering his eyes back to his book.

Permission granted, a smile broke over Mu Wan’s face at once.

She turned toward the direction of the lost little kittens and patted the carpet lightly.

“Come here,” she said. “Mama’s here.”

Then, lowering her voice by half, in a tone only she herself could hear, she added,

“Papa’s here too.”

The hand Liu Qianxiu used to turn the page paused almost imperceptibly.

Mu Wan naturally paid no attention to such a small detail. Hearing her voice, the three kittens found their general direction. A moment later, they came toddling over on their tiny legs.

The light stretched their little shadows long across the floor.

They were soft, sweet, and absurdly cute, their thin little cries like marshmallows floating in hot cocoa.

In the blink of an eye, the three of them had gathered around Mu Wan.

She sat cross-legged. Ertong and Datou wanted to get closer, and their tiny paws kept stepping against her ankle.

Those soft, warm little paws on her skin nearly melted her.

Her whole heart went tender. She reached out to help them and lifted the two babies into her lap. Just as she was about to reach for Zhongfen, she turned her head and found it struggling determinedly toward Liu Qianxiu’s legs instead.

His legs were long enough that even sitting cross-legged, he still sat higher than Mu Wan did. Zhongfen found the climb difficult. It scrambled twice, then slipped, and its chin landed with a soft plop against his knee. It began meowing plaintively.

Mu Wan was just about to reach over for it when she saw a long, pale hand move first.

With impossible gentleness, Liu Qianxiu caught the black-and-white little thing and placed it in his own lap.

“Meow~”

Zhongfen cooed at him.

Liu Qianxiu’s eyes left the page and settled on the kitten.

The sight was almost unbearably warm. Even with Liu Qianxiu doing nothing more than sitting there quietly, light brushing his cheek and lashes, Mu Wan could feel a kind of tenderness radiating from him—one soft enough to make the heart ache.

He stretched out a hand and stroked Zhongfen’s head lightly.

The kitten settled itself in his lap, limbs spread out, paws open like tiny flowers.

“It’s grown,” Liu Qianxiu said softly, his voice long and low, as though some immortal in the clouds had descended to speak to a little creature that had just cultivated enough spirit to understand.

Mu Wan looked at Zhongfen in Liu Qianxiu’s lap.

She folded both arms over each other on the low table and rested her chin on them. Looking at Liu Qianxiu, she said,

“Liu Qianxiu, I want to be your cat too.”

Rain had begun falling again outside.

The soft, clean sound of it distracted her. Resting on the table, she turned to look toward the window, loose-limbed and languid, very like a little cat-spirit who had only just taken human form and still did not know how to sit properly.

The rain tapped at his ears.

Liu Qianxiu looked at her and said, “It’s getting late. I’ll take you home.”

After walking Mu Wan downstairs and seeing her off, Liu Qianxiu returned alone.

The shadows of the living room lay in layers. Apart from his own faint breathing, there was nothing else.

He sat back down by the low table and picked up the book he had not finished.

Something black passed through his vision.

Liu Qianxiu looked up and saw Zhouyi sitting nearby. On the table lay the book Mu Wan had spread open before leaving without reading more than a few lines.

The black cat sat there, and for a moment its silhouette seemed to overlap with the memory of the woman’s own slender, supple one.

Zhouyi let out a cry.

All that remained in his sight was that little dark shape—black body, black eyes made even darker by the widening pupils.

The living room was empty, without distraction or noise, a place suited for quiet cultivation.

And yet his mind would not settle.

Nor did the room feel empty. Loneliness and stillness wound themselves around it.

Her words still echoed near his ear.

Liu Qianxiu, I want to be your cat too.

His lashes lowered.

Liu Qianxiu did not let himself think any further. He lowered his head and continued reading.

At that moment, his phone vibrated.

He glanced at the screen. Something flickered in his eyes, and he lowered them again.

“Tomorrow morning. Eight o’clock. Wuling Tea House.”

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 21 Part 1

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 285

~ KILLING A HUNDRED FLOWERS AFTER BLOOMING ~ 

In Liulan Courtyard, most of the guests had already arrived. They were talked together in groups of twos or threes, and among them, the Eldest Madam had gathered the most people.

“Madam Meng, Miss Mu’s good name is now widely spread throughout the Capital. Even the Emperor has specially bestowed her with a reward. If such a young miss were to appear in any family, it would be a great honor for them.”

“Yeah, she’s able to take out 100,000 silver easily. Even with our background, it’s impossible for us to take out 100,000 silver and give it to others.”

“Or is it that Miss Mu will receive a reward from the Emperor again?”

Even though the Eldest Madam’s anger had already risen from her heart, there was still a smile on her face, and it was difficult to read her thoughts, “That little girl Yunyao is indeed very well-behaved and sensible, and her heart is also very kind. After coming to the residence, she has gotten along exceptionally well with her sisters, and Yuyi likes her very much.”

“Speaking of Yu Yi, you really treasured this daughter of yours. Normally, you rarely let her attend banquets, and even if she did go, she would only be able to communicate with each other wore that familiar veil. Today, you must bring her over so that we can have a look.”

“That’s right. Rumor has it said that Yuyi is both talented and beautiful. She is also the jewel of the Su family. Today, we must definitely gamble on the brilliance of this precious daughter.”

“That kid, Yuyi, is usually quiet and doesn’t like to move. Furthermore, she has to study the rules in residence and also help me manage the family affairs. Naturally, she doesn’t have that much time to go out and play.” Talked of her own daughter, the Eldest Madam’s smile became even more genuine. “But since you all said so, today I will let her come out and pay her respects to everyone.”

“That’s great. it just so happens that my daughter is also here and bring them over to let them know and recognize each other.”

The topic of Grand Princess Yi De wanted to pick the right lady and place it in the name of her lost daughter had already been spread throughout the Capital. Everyone who was able to attend the banquet today was clear and understood the purpose of the Eldest Madam’s actions. However, many people want to hold that flower palanquin. The Su family had hosted the banquet, and no one will speak straight out in front of them.

The Eldest Madam instructed Qi Mama behind her, “Go and invite the Eldest Miss over. Tell her not to be busy in the back.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Many ladies called their daughters over and sat in the hall to wait for Su Yuyi.

At this time, all the nurturing servants in the Capital were not easy to invite, and all the residences were wholeheartedly urging their daughters to study the rules. The Emperor had already put down his word and asked the officials had to bring their female relatives during the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. The meaning is obvious. Isn’t it just to let these officials take their daughters over to see if their daughter can enter the eyes of Grand Princess Yide?

Therefore, the young ladies who had gathered here at this moment were all dignified and elegant. Their every move was extraordinary and beautiful, just like they were a hundred flowers competing with each other, causing people to be entranced upon seeing them.

Not long after, Qi Mama hurried back. “Reporting to the Eldest Madam, the Eldest Miss has arrived.”

Everyone turned to look at the door and saw a young girl who looked like a fairy carrying a stream of light. Her hair tied into a bun, with beautiful eyebrows, bright lips, and white teeth … She was wearing a long skirt made of thin water smoke, With a complete set of jasper exquisite butterfly steps. When she walked, the golden butterfly gently fluttered as if it could fly away with its wings in the blink of an eye.

“Greetings, Mother. Greetings, Madams.” She slowly stood still as if a hundred flowers bloomed around her. For a moment, it was as like that the sun and moon had lost their luster.

The young ladies who had initially thought of a competition all had stiff faces at this time, almost not daring to believe their own eyes. They had heard that the Eldest Miss of Su Family is beautiful for a long time, but they had never thought that this person would be exquisite to such an extent!

Many of the young ladies lowered their heads. They couldn’t even muster up the slightest thought of fighting with Su Yuyi. In fact, if it was possible, they didn’t even want to stand together with Su Yuyi. Many of them were first-rate beauties, but no matter how beautiful they were, they couldn’t be compared to the fairies.

“Madam Meng is so lucky.”

“That’s right. Isn’t it a good blessing to have such a fairy-like daughter?” They could all imagine just how eye-catching the Eldest Miss of the Su family would be during the Mid-Autumn Festival’s palace banquet. At that time, who could contend against her?

Su Yuyi felt a bit embarrassed after being praised. She bowed to the other ladies again, “Ladies, you’re too kind.”

The Eldest Madam gestured for Su Yuyi to stand beside her. She was so satisfied and stretched out her hand to pull her, “Ladies, don’t praise her anymore. Yuyi has always been thin-skinned. If you keep talking, I’m afraid she won’t be able to show her face.”

Lady Jin sat at the side and looked at the amazement in Su Yuyi’s eyes. She felt more worried about Su Qing and Mu Yunyao in her heart.

She had heard quite a lot about the Su family after she had come to the Capital, and she had also heard some things about this Eldest Madam’s style of doing things. Her reputation had always been good outside and been a virtuous woman. From the Old Madam in the Su family to the family’s maidservants, there is no one who does not praise for her a good sentence. But in her opinion, the more so, the deeper this person is. She really doesn’t know how Su Qing and Yunyao live here.

As she was thinking, she suddenly heard a servant enter and report, “Madam, Madam Su, and Miss Mu are here.”

Everyone in the hall immediately looked towards the door. Having Su Yuyi made them lose all their confidence. If that Mu Yunyao is also so impressive, then it would really make them despair.

Mu Yunyao followed behind Su Qing and slowly walked into the hall. When she saw Lady Jin, her eyes lit up, and she gently nodded her head.

Looking at Mu Yunyao’s appearance, Lady Jin couldn’t help but smile. Although they hadn’t been apart for long, in her heart, she was already missing Mu Yunyao a lot. In just a few months, Yunyao had changed quite a bit. In particular, her spiritual aura was even stronger than before. She was really wondering what will happen to her when she fully matures? What will she look like being?

Mu Yunyao followed Su Qing and bowed. The calm and tranquil atmosphere exuded from her body caused people to be amazed.

“This is Miss Mu?” Didn’t they say that this Mu Yunyao was born and bred in the rural area? However, her bearing was not something that an ordinary family could cultivate. How could it be grown up in the countryside?

“Yunyao greets the various madams.”

“Miss Mu need not be so courteous.”

Mu Yunyao dressed in a jade-green skirt with a peony embroidered just like Su Yuyi. It was just that her beauty wasn’t revealed in such an intense manner, just like the haze of blue water gauze on the outside. Her head jewelry is also simple. The jade hairpin was matched with a thin piece of white pearl, not specifically out of the ordinary but absolutely natural, making people feel comfortable from the inside to the outside.

Su Yuyi’s beauty is like a proud fairy, as though she was the only peerless beauty in the world. Her entire body brimmed with the aura of killing a hundred flowers after blooming, and her sharp gaze made people not dare to look straight at her.

On the other hand, Mu Yunyao was totally different. Her beauty was breathtaking, as though she gathered the spirit of the mountains and rivers of Jiangnan. Her gentle and soft appearance was even more soundless.

Her appearance could not compare to Su Yuyi’s, but for some reason, when the two of them stood together, they did not lose their luster like the others. Especially her skin. It was so fair and tender that it seemed as if one could pinch water out of it. Her entire body emitted a charming and beautiful color, causing people to be unable to shift their gaze away.

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 285

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 284

~ SU YOU GIVES CLOTHES ~ 

Mu Yunyao didn’t pay any attention when she met with Su You before. The Su family is hosting a banquet. Nominally they want to celebrate her being rewarded by the Emperor and welcome them back to the Su family. The list of the invited guests and the display of the big family all reveal an unusual flavor.

But she merely didn’t expect Su You would bring someone to the Jiyue Pavilion on the night before the banquet.

Mu Yunyao put down the brush in her hand and covered the calligraphy paper before asking Jin Lan to invite the person inside.

Su you walked into Mu Yunyao’s room, looked back and forth for a moment, couldn’t help but slightly snort, “Are you lying to me?”

Mu Yunyao blinked her eyes in confusion, “Elder sister Su You asked this right after entering the door. How have I lied to you?”

Su You glared at Mu Yunyao, her pale face flushed red from anger. “You said that you don’t have any clothes to wear, but I can see that the furnishings in your room are very luxurious. Could it be that you spent all your silver on this?”

Mu Yunyao looked at the maidservants behind Su You. They were holding a tray in their hands, and on the tray was a sewn set of clothes, “You … You actually helped me prepare clothes?”

That day, she only felt that Su You’s thoughts were simple and that her eyes were wide open, similar to the Snow Fox on the table. She teased Su You a little, but she didn’t expect the other party to take it seriously.

Su You stomped her feet. Just as she was about to say something, she felt her throat blocked up and her hands pressed against her chest to breathe.

Mu Yunyao was shocked and hurriedly stepped forward to support her. While helping her breathe normally, she reached out and pressed on the acupoint on her chest. “Don’t be anxious. Breathe in slowly. Everything will be fine very soon.”

The hand holding her is very warm, and the place where Mu Yunyao held onto was very sore, but it alleviated her turbulent nausea and discomfort. Not long after, Su You slowly recovered from it, and she shouted at the maidservants and mama that surrounded her to get her water and impatiently drank it. She looked at Mu Yunyao with a pleased expression, “Just now, you … are you scared?”

Mu Yunyao helped Su You to sit down, and when she saw the look of pride in her eyes, she couldn’t help but feel helpless, “That’s right, I was indeed frightened by you.”

“I know, you’re afraid that I won’t be able to catch my breath and die at your place. After that, my mother and father will definitely not let you go, and you’ll have to pay with your life.”

When Mu Yunyao heard the words, she couldn’t help but stretched out her hand and patted Su You’s head, “Don’t worry, you won’t die for a while by looking at your appearance. Before you’re dead, I’ll make a big noise and disturb all the people in residence. With so many people present, you’ll have nothing to do with me if you die.”

The mama behind Su You couldn’t help but reveal an angry expression. How could this Mu Yunyao curse the Fifth Miss like that?

Su You, however, did not mind. After being stunned for a while, she suddenly clapped her hands and laughed: “Is that a solution? It seems like you really are an idiot, and you should get someone to carry me out before I die so that you can get rid of this relationship a little faster.”

“Alright, if you are to be sick again next time, I will follow the method you taught me.”

“Hmph, it’s not like you have anything nice to look at it. Coming here this time is enough and will definitely not come again in the future. Lu Liu, give her that piece of clothing. I am afraid that there won’t be any clothes to wore tomorrow.” After she spoke, Su You stood up and coughed softly twice. It looked like she seemed to be very disgusted, “The fragrance you have over here is also bad. It seems like you’ve really spent all your silver on decorating. You’re not living meticulously. I can’t stay any longer, so let’s go.”

After which, she walked out.

Jin Qiao stood at the side and was stunned by what she saw. “Could it be that Miss Fifth come here to get revenge?”

Mu Yunyao walked to the side of the table and picked up the clothes on the tray. The entire set of the skirt was very exquisite, and the style was also exceptionally extraordinary. It was divided into two layers, inner and outer layers. The inner layer used high-quality silk brocade, the silk was white in color, embroidered with a beautiful pattern of butterflies piercing flowers. The outer layer was made of the finest jade-green silk, and the dress was a jade-green color. The designs and patterns on it also softened a little, making it seem fresh and refined.

Jin Lan helped to spread out her clothes. After looking at it, she couldn’t help but reveal a surprised expression. “This Luo dress is so beautifully made. It seems like it’s not made in a short period of time.”

Mu Yunyao stretched out her hand to stroke the jade-green water outer, her eyes revealing a complicated expression. “Carefully put it away. I’ll wear this to the banquet tomorrow.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Jin Qiao placed the clothes on the shelf, and Jin Lan helped Mu Yunyao untie her hair. “Miss, that Fifth Miss … You seem to like her very much?”

Mu Yunyao looked at herself up in the bronze mirror and couldn’t help but slightly smile. “Perhaps it’s because we’re both in the same boat.”

“Sympathize with each other?” Jin Lan was slightly confused.

“It’s just a feeling. I can’t explain it clearly.”

Seeing that Mu Yunyao didn’t want to speak anymore, Jin Lan tactfully stopped asking and gently smoothed her hair, “Miss, you are going to attend the banquet tomorrow, so you’ll have a rest earlier today.”

“Got it. You guys can go down as well.”

Lying on the bed, Mu Yunyao slightly turned around and set her gaze on the clothes hanging by the bed. If her guess was not wrong, the clothes should have been prepared by the Second Madam for Su You to wear when at the came out age ceremony. The ceremony has not been carried out all the time. There wasn’t much of a difference in shape in their bodies, just a slight modification, and it became her size.

When she saw Su You, she felt as if she saw herself in a previous life struggling to live. The feeling of trying hard to breathe, yet still being unable to stand up to the footsteps of death, of being alive was enough to make people go crazy. However, Su You was luckier than her in her previous life because she has parents who love her every possible way. Although the journey is difficult, it’s good that someone supports her behind her back.

Mu Yunyao closed her eyes and covered up the complicated emotions in her eyes. She sighed lightly, “I owe her a dress today, which is to say, I owe her a debt of gratitude. I’ll find an opportunity to return it some other day.”

Banquet was held as scheduled the next day.

As there were quite a few people invited to the banquet, the location was decided to be at Liulan Courtyard in the East Courtyard, where the place was spacious, and the scenery was beautiful. It was also filled with autumn chrysanthemums, making it very convenient to enjoy the flowers.

Mu Yunyao put on her clothes and tidied up before heading to Su Qing’s place.

Su Qing looked at Mu Yunyao’s face, and her expression finally relaxed a little. “After resting for the past two days, the wounds have finally healed. If you don’t look carefully, you won’t be able to tell much.”

“It wasn’t too bad anyway.” Mu Yunyao helped Su Qing straighten her sleeves and looked at her beautiful appearance. She couldn’t help but praise her mother, “My mother is so beautiful.”

“Did you eat honey today? Why are your words sounding so nice?”

“Mother was originally a good person. What I said was from the heart, so I didn’t specifically say anything nice to hear.”

Su Qing couldn’t hold back her laughter. She was still a bit worried, “I wonder who we’ll meet at today’s banquet.”

“Mother, you don’t have to worry too much. We don’t know most of the people who come. When that happens, you only need to talk to my adoptive mother. You don’t have to worry about anything else.” The Eldest Madam’s purpose for hosting this banquet was clearly impure, and she wouldn’t be so kind as to let her and her mother be the main characters of this banquet.

“Yes, Mother understands.”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 283

~ AWKWARD SU YOU ~ 

“You … How can you do that? It ... It was not doing it on purpose. Isn’t it just a set of clothes? I’ll compensate you for how much silver it costs.” The young girl looked at the Snow Fox and gave a slight snort.

“I’ve not lacked in silver. If you call me Elder Sister, then you won’t need to pay for my clothes as to the Snow Fox. How about it?”

“Hmph, I am not calling you Elder Sister, and you should be the one calling me that. I am the Fifth Miss in residence, Su You, and am older than you by three months!” As Su You finished speaking, her eyes swept over to Mu Yunyao from time to time, “As a younger sister, you should respect your older sister. So, don’t make it difficult for that fox.”

Seeing Su You’s expression, Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but have the thought of teasing her and purposely put on a sad appearance: “As an older sister, you want to make things difficult for your younger sister? My clothes have been cut by this fox. I might not even have clothes to wear anymore, yet you don’t want me to make things difficult for it?”

“You …” Su You seemed to be shocked by her appearance and couldn’t help but take half a step behind before quickly walking back, “I didn’t say I’m not going to compensate you. Why are you crying? The girl’s crying is the most annoying thing. When I come back, I will ask my mother to send me a dozen sets of clothes, and you can wear them in turns.”

Mu Yunyao suddenly laughed and blinked at Su You. She didn’t look sad at all, “Then I’ll thank Elder Sister.”

Su You was stunned for a moment and then realized that she had been tricked. She couldn’t help but glare at Mu Yunyao, but she didn’t say anything else. She then turned around and left with her people.

Mu Yunyao couldn’t hold back her laughter.

After Su Qing heard the commotion, she walked out. She then saw Su You leading her people away from the door, “Who just came here??”

“She is Second Aunt’s daughter. The Fifth Miss of the residence, Elder Sister Su You.”

“Su You? I heard that she was not in good health. She was often ill and couldn’t get out of the house. Why did she come, and why didn’t you ask her to stay longer?”

“Although the weather is clear today, it’s windy. Elder Sisters’ body isn’t in good health. If she were to sit here for a while, she would definitely have a fever when she comes back, which will make Second Aunt worried.”

After hearing that, Su Qing couldn’t help but sigh, “How could she be so ill? That child is also a pitiful person. Yao’er, you also know medicine. Can her disease be cured?”

Mu Yunyao’s smile faded. Actually, in her previous life, she had never met Su You, but she had heard that there was such a sickly young miss in the second house. Usually, she would be blown down by the wind or get sick from the rain, and she had to call the doctor if there is a slight change in the weather. Later, Su You died of illness, which made the second house of the Su family depressed for a long time.

In this life, Mu Yunyao initially thought that she wouldn’t have any contact with Su You. But she didn’t expect that she would actually come to Jiyue Pavilion.

“I just met her in a hurry, so I couldn’t tell how many problems there were. The Second Aunt has always asked the imperial physician to treat her. With the imperial physician’s medical skills, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“True.” Su Qing also did not want to reveal Yunyao’s knowledge of medicine because of Su You. Besides, with so many imperial physicians who could do nothing about it, Yunyao probably would not be able to do anything either.

Jin Qiao walked in with a face full of joy. “Miss, your servant has left the residence today to investigate. The news of how Jingling City gave back to the people has already spread throughout the Capital. Everyone is praising Miss for her kindness!”

Mu Yunyao smiled, “After spending so much effort, I finally managed to get some rewards. How’s the arrangement on Liu Liang?”

“Liu Liang has already selected a place, and it was initially an embroidery workshop. The location is good, but the price requested is a bit expensive. Now they are still talking about it. I think we will have good news soon.”

Mu Yunyao nodded. “That’s good. I should open Ni Yun Fang in the Capital earlier. Not to mention anything else, it would be more convenient for me to dress.”

Su Qing stretched out her hand and pointed at the space between her eyebrows, then said, “Look at how many clothes there are in your closet, but you still want to wear clothes with all your heart. There are so many clothes in your closet that you haven’t even touched them yet!”

“Yes, Mother has taught me a lesson. Later, I will take out all of those clothes and wear them next to each other.”

“You naughty girl, stop playing around with the ginseng. You are actually looking down on good things. Jin Lan, you put these medicine materials away and let the Snow Fox take them away later.”

Mu Yunyao casually threw the ginseng in her hand back into the tray. “Find a box and carefully place it inside. Who knows, it might still be useful in the future.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Su You had been fuming ever since she returned to the West Courtyard. When Second Madam saw her like this, she couldn’t help but be curious, “Didn’t you go out for a stroll? Why are you back so quickly?”

“I’m already out of breath from the tour, so what’s the point of staying outside?”

The Second Madam’s eyes turned cold when she heard this. “Who gave you such a hard time? Tell your mother. Mother will definitely get it back for you!”

Su You pursed her lips, coldly snorting to herself, “Mother, in a while, go and find a few satins and silks. I want to make some clothes.”

Su You rarely asked for things of her own accord, as the Second Madam helped her arrange the clothes and jewelry. She wears whatever she gives and never talks about it even if she feels uncomfortable. Such temperament has often caused the Second Madam to have a headache. However, today she took the initiative to make clothes, which makes the Second Madam couldn’t help to feel both surprised and happy. “What kind of clothes do you want me to make? Do you want to have good patterns and colors? Your skin is white, so Mother thinks that red is perfect for you.”

Su You was still fuming when she heard this, and her tone sounded very awkward. “Merely find me some white, blue, and light purple ones. I don’t want those big red or green ones. That little girl can’t wear those festive colors right now.”

The Second Madam was stunned. “What little girl are you talking about?”

Su You’s voice unconsciously rose as if she had been stepped on, “Isn’t that Mu Yunyao is younger than me, then she’s just the little girl? Cough cough …” Perhaps she was too anxious and couldn’t stop coughing.

The Second Madam hurriedly stepped forward to help her caress her back: “Yes, yes, she is indeed a little girl, but how did she provoke you?”

After Su You finished coughing, she did not throw a tantrum like usual, but she instead snorted coldly and explained, “I am her elder sister, and I am just letting her win. She is an inexperienced person and doesn’t even have a single piece of clothing to wear. No, I only feel distressed to death by a snow fox cutting a few clothes. I only look at her pitifully and reward her for some clothes to wear.”

The Second Madam clenched her fist abruptly, nodded, and said, “You’re right. Yunyao is indeed really pitiful. She has been living outside for many years. She just arrived in this family and was slapped by the arrogant and domineering Meng Yanran with an excuse. Now her face is still bruised!”

Su You frowned: “That girl is useless. I will definitely teach her the rules someday.” Looking at her sharp teeth, she didn’t expect to be inadequate and would be bullied. Didn’t even know that it was making things up to protect themselves?

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 282

~ SISTERHOOD ~ 

The Eldest Madam didn’t mean much to blame. She patted her hand with a smile: “Your father is also very optimistic about His Highness Third Prince, but now that His Majesty’s health is in good health and the situation of the court is unclear, there are many things that cannot be easily said. Mother has painstakingly hidden you for so many years, so it is time for you to amaze everyone.”

Su Yuyi’s eyes flashed with excitement. “Mother, do you mean that the time has come?”

Everyone in the Capital knew that the Su family’s eldest daughter, Su Yuyi, was talented and attractive, but very few people were really able to see her. The Eldest Madam had put in a lot of effort for her daughter. She knew that her appearance was a powerful weapon, but such a weapon must be displayed at the most appropriate time to come out to be invincible. It was just like a priceless Luminous Pearl that could only be found once in a hundred years. If one were to spend the entire day in a room with it, no matter how valuable it was, it wouldn’t be precious again.

Things were precious when they were rare, and beauties were too!

The Eldest Madam nodded slightly. “I was thinking of letting you appear after the situation has been resolved, but who knew that Princess Yi De would suddenly spread the word that she wanted to find a suitable girl to be fostered in the name of her lost daughter. It is a rare occurrence. Naturally, we cannot miss out on such a good opportunity.”

“Don’t worry, Mother. I will live up to your expectations.”

“Good.”

The next morning, Mu Yunyao, who had just finished her breakfast with Su Qing, heard Jin Lan’s report. “Madam, Miss, Eldest Miss is here.”

The mother and daughter looked at each other. Mu Yunyao smiled slightly and said, “Mother, I’ll personally welcome my elder sister.”

“Alright.”

Su Yuyi had already prepared herself for Mu Yunyao to make things difficult for her. However, she didn’t expect that the moment she stood in the courtyard, she would see Mu Yunyao with a smile on her face coming out: “Greetings, Elder Sister.”

“Little Sister Yunyao quickly gets up.” Su Yuyi carefully examined Mu Yunyao’s face, her eyes filled with concern, “The wounds on your face seem to have lightened a bit compared to yesterday. How’s the injury on your body? Does it still hurts badly?”

“It’s just that I’ve been beaten twice. Because I have been weak since I was young, I can’t withstand it. That’s why it looks a little more serious. If it placed on ordinary people, I presume it wouldn’t be much of a problem.”

“Little sister is very delicate. In the future, you must take extra care to recuperate, so I have prepared some medicinal materials to apologize to Little sister.” As Su Yuyi spoke, her eyes filled with sadness. Her long eyelashes reflected the sunlight on her flawless cheeks. She looked as beautiful as a fairy. “At that time, I did not make a decision immediately and believed too much in Yanran’s words. I misunderstood you and caused you to be slapped. Not only did you receive a slap, you even received two planks. I am truly sorry …”

Mu Yunyao smiled. “Elder Sister is right, you didn’t know about this matter from the beginning to the end, so naturally, you can’t be blamed. Who would have thought that a noble girl like Miss Meng would actually condescend to use such a despicable method to frame me?”

“It’s good that Little Sister isn’t angry. I hope that Little Sister can take these medicine materials. It can help you to recuperate and get better.”

“Then I will not be polite with Elder Sister. Thank you very much, Elder Sister.”

“You and I are good sisters, so there’s no need to be polite.” Su Yuyi smiles, just like a peony in full bloom. “Today, in addition to apologizing to Little Sister, I also want to ask if you have any guests that would like to be invited. Mother is preparing a banquet to welcome Aunt and you, and the invitation will be sent out in the afternoon.”

“When Mother and I didn’t know many people when we first came in the Capital. We were only sending an invitation to the inspector general’s office to Lord Cao. There is no need for anything else.”

“Alright, I’ll tell Mother when I came back and asked her to draft up the invitation and send it over as soon as possible. You’ve only been in the Capital for a short while, so you don’t know many people. However, you will slowly get familiar with them after a few more banquets. If I receive any invitations in the future, I will definitely invite you to go with me.” Su Yuyi intimately pulled on Mu Yunyao with a smile that like the bright and shining morning glow.

Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but sigh in her heart. No wonder Su Yuyi had walked so smoothly in her previous life and had such an appearance, even in the Nine Heavens Dragon Gate, there would still be people lying on the ground, doing their best to protect her. They would desperately send her straight into the sky, and they would even have to sacrifice everything in exchange for her smile.…

“Thank you, Elder Sister.”

After showing her good intentions, Su Yuyi led her servants and left in a mighty manner. Mu Yunyao stood in the courtyard looking at her back, and the corners of her lips revealed a mocking smile.

Back then, she wasn’t loved by the Old Madam. When she was struggling in the Su family’s backyard, this young miss had walked over with such a smile and affectionately held her hands as she spoke about their sisterhood. Who could have thought that behind her words that kept talking about sisterhood, there was a poisoned sword.

Su Yuyi had torn off her hypocritical face just because she had unintentionally gotten a compliment from the Third Prince. One poison sword after another had pierced down, almost taking her life.

The love between sisters was deep, but in reality, it wasn’t really worth a damn.

Mu Yunyao gathered her thoughts. Seeing the medicinal materials in Jin Lan and Jin Qiao’s hands, she made them put the herb into the pavilion beside the lotus pond. She casually picked up plump ginseng and dragged it on the table.

The Snow Fox jumped over. Seeing Mu Yunyao’s actions, it slightly lowered its body and shook its ears as if it was making threatening noises at the ginseng as if it was treating it as its prey.

Mu Yunyao chuckled and took the ginseng to tease the Snow Fox while watching her bounce around on the table. Just as she thought this was interesting, he suddenly heard a somewhat arrogant voice in her ear. “What are you doing?”

Mu Yunyao stopped her actions and looked over. She saw a young girl with eyes full of arrogance.

The girl was not tall and was very slender, even a bit weaker than her. Because she was so thin and frail, her eyes exceptionally looked big. She slightly raised her eyebrows, looking over with a wild and untamed gaze, as well as hidden a bit of curiosity.

Mu Yunyao slightly tilted her head, leaned on the table, and supported it with one hand. The snow fox climbed up her other arm, crouched on top of her shoulder, and stared at the girl. “Who are you? How come I’ve never seen you before?”

The young girl’s gaze swept back and forth between Mu Yunyao and the Snow Fox. She pursed her lips slightly, the arrogance in her eyes becoming even more intense. “You should call me Elder Sister!”

“Nonsense, you’re not even taller than me, and you’re also much skinnier than me. You should be the one calling me Elder Sister!” Mu Yunyao chuckled. The Snow Fox on her shoulder also rolled away and almost fell to the ground.

The young girl’s eyes widened, and she almost cried out when she saw the Snow Fox falling down. Fortunately, the Snow Fox was smart and agile, so it stretched out her paws to grab Mu Yunyao’s clothes, but it accidentally left a scratch on the beautifully embroidered fabrics.

Mu Yunyao reached out and took the back of the Snow Fox’s neck and put it on the table: “You’ve damaged my clothes. Think about how to compensate. If you can’t afford it, I’ll take off your fur to make a collar.”

NB: Sorry, I couldn't update yesterday, so today I will upload 2 chapters. Happy reading.

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 281

~ BORROW MU YUNYAO’S INFLUENCE ~ 

“Shut up!” The Eldest Madam looked over with a fierce gaze and muttered to Su Yuyi, “Didn’t Mother tell you? You had to be careful even when you were at home. What chills is not chilling. Putting in a nice word, he’s a minister. But in reality, he is just a slave raised by the Emperor. If the slave dared to intervene in the affairs of the master, it was already a great favor for the Emperor to not let his hand be chopped off. Your grandfather was good at everything, but he was too easily provoked.”

“Grandfather was also very anxious. For all these years, Imperial Concubine De’s had served the Emperor. She could be described as a sacred favorite. Who would have thought that she would never have a child? If not, my grandfather’s family would not be in such a predicament.”

“Alright, these things have already become a foregone conclusion. Now that there’s no way to change it, there’s no point in talking about it.” The Eldest Madam raised a hand to rub her forehead and frowning fiercely. “Get someone to call your elder brother over. He previously warned me not to underestimate Mu Yunyao, but I didn’t take it to heart at the time. Now it seems like he should know something.”

“Yes, Daughter will have someone to invite Elder Brother now.”

Su Qingwu came over soon: “Greetings, Mother.”

“Get up and sit down. Have you finished dinner?”

Su Qingwu nodded. “I’ve already finished. But I can see that the food on the table hasn’t been touched yet. Is Mother unable to eat them?”

The Eldest Madam’s face was full of worry, but she didn’t say anything and only shook her head slightly.

Su Yuyi, who was standing at the side, said, “Elder Brother, you saw it too. Today, Mother’s face was torn off and stepped onto the ground by Mu Yunyao. How could she still be in the mood to eat?”

“Mother, I just received news that the reason the Emperor summoned Mu Yunyao is that she took the lead in donating one hundred thousand taels of silver in Jingling City.”

“How much did you say? One hundred thousand taels?” The Eldest Madam sat up straight with a fierce look in her eyes. “I heard Liu Mama and the rest say had said before that Mu Yunyao had taken the lead in donating silver in Jingling City. She also said that Mu Yunyao had bought food to feed the people of Jingling City. Doesn’t it mean that t that the local gentry and rich families in Jingling City had donated most of the silver?”

“It’s likely that Liu Mama and the rest who don’t understand the truth.” When the Eldest Madam thought about it, she came to an understanding and fiercely slapped the table. “I understand. It must be Mu Yunyao’s scheme! Our Su family and the Li family have always been at loggerheads with each other. Li Munian is also an official in Jingling City. When Mu Yunyao wants to do something about it, it would be easy for her to deceive several servants. She must have purposely let Liu Mama and the others think that she just spent a little bit of silver, so when the servants sent the news over, I only listened for a bit and didn’t take it to heart. In fact, this is the day she was waiting for!”

Su Qingwu’s expression was calm, but his heart was pounding. “Mother, in the end, those underlings only have limited vision. Many things can’t be seen in the long run, so there will inevitably be some errors when they are reported. Today, the Emperor rewarded Mu Yunyao, and tomorrow her good reputation would spread throughout the entire Capital.”

Su Yuyi’s face turned ugly, “A hundred thousand silver taels, that Mu Yunyao is really willing to give it up.”

The Eldest Madam thought for a moment and asked, “The opening of Bi Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo only took a little more than a year, yet she has already earned that much silver?”

“You might not know about the other, Mothers. But you should remember the Spring Embroidery Workshop? Back then, the Spring Embroidery Workshop (Chun Xiu Fang) had Cai Yue Pavilion as its opponent, and it was still gaining gold every day. What’s more, Ni Yun Fang was a one-of-a-kind place, and none of the other shop and restaurant dared to try their luck, especially Bu Xian Luo.”

The Eldest Madam gently folded her fingers as if she wants to hold something in her hand: “Yuyi, you’re in the wrong regarding what happened that day. Tomorrow, you’ll bring a gift to your Cousin Yunyao to apologize.”

“Yes. I know, Mother.” Su Yuyi hesitated for a moment, but she still agreed.

The Eldest Madam raised her hand and caressed her hair. With a pained expression, she said, “I know that you must have felt wrong to let you bow your head to that country bumpkin, and it would definitely be unfair to you. But for the sake of your future, you must do this! Tomorrow, even if Mu Yunyao were to make things difficult for you in front of others, you have to bear with it. My daughter must be gentle and kind, understand?”

“Mother, you want me to use Mu Yunyao’s influence to spread my name?” Su Yuyi asked in a testing manner.

“That’s right. Your elder brother said just now that tomorrow, Mu Yunyao’s reputation will spread throughout the Capital. It’s the perfect time for you to take advantage of the wind to push yourself up.” The Eldest Madam’s dim eyes finally revealed a smile. She would come and take care of her after she was done using her power.

Su Yuyi nodded. The unwillingness in her eyes slowly disappeared and was replaced with a kind smile. Under the light of the candle flame, a trace of light could be seen in her beautiful eyes. It was like the bright moonlight, reflected on a Chinese osmanthus flower, captivating the soul with her mesmerizing beauty. “Mother, don’t worry. I know what I should do.

The Eldest Madam raised her lips, “Mother knows that you are unwilling, but it is worth it to be able to stand out in the Mid-Autumn Festival. No matter how much you handle, it is worthwhile. There is also one more thing, Mu Yunyao’s reputation will spread throughout the Capital, and at the same time, Meng Yanran’s name will become extremely bad. So, don’t associate with her in the future.

“Yes, Daughter understands.”

“Qingwu,” the Eldest Madam looked at Su Qingwu, “You and the Third Prince have a very great relationship, and the Third Prince can speak with the Grand Princess. Now that the Mid-Autumn Palace banquet is approaching, you should help out a bit more.”

“Mother, Grand Princess Yi De is not an ordinary person. She was able to accompany the Emperor on his journey from an unknown prince to an overlord. Her scope of vision could not be compared to ordinary people. If you truly wish to push my sister to the front of the Grand Princess, then don’t do too much, or it will backfire.”

The Eldest Madam thought for a moment and wrinkled her forehead, “I naturally know about what you have said. However, if she can’t stand out among so many noble young ladies in the Capital, how could Grand Princess Yi De pay attention to Yuyi?”

“With my little sister’s appearance, just sitting there without saying or doing anything is enough to amaze everyone.”

Hearing Su Qingwu’s praise, the smile in Su Yuyi’s eyes intensified. “Elder Brother, I’ve heard you talk about the Third Prince several times. I wonder what the other person is like?”

“His personality is firm and resolute, and his visions are much wider than ordinary people. In the end, he has been raised up by Grand Princess Yi De herself for a period of time. Many thoughts and insights that he had expressed were extremely admirable.”

Su Yuyi couldn’t help but sigh. “Not many people can get my Elder Brother’s praise. If only I had the chance to meet this third prince.”

The Eldest Madam turned around and looked at her reproachfully, “Yuyi, is that really something you can say?”

“Mother.” Su Yuyi hurriedly stepped forward and took the Eldest Madam’s arm, “I was only casually saying it. Who told let Elder Brother praise the Third Prince so highly?”

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Incurable Chapter 20 Part 3

Chapter 20 (3/3)

Today, he was dressed more casually than usual, almost sporty—a white T-shirt, black shorts. Simple clothes, yet somehow still carrying that same quiet refinement. His skin was already fair, his height striking. On him, such an ordinary outfit looked like something off a runway.

A black sports bag hung over his left shoulder.

In his right hand, he held a basketball.

His hand was large enough to grip it one-handed, fingers slightly bent, joints clean, long, and beautiful.

Mu Wan had never fully understood, back in high school, why so many girls liked boys who played basketball.

Now she thought she understood.

When you liked someone, everything they did looked unbearably attractive.

“Is that your basketball?” Mu Wan asked, eyes flickering toward it.

“Mm.”

Mu Wan looked at the brown ball and asked, “Can I try? I’ve never played basketball before.”

It was only five. No need to rush dinner yet. It had rained in the morning, but the weather had cleared, leaving the air cool and pleasant.

Perfect weather for basketball.

After she spoke, she glanced at Liu Qianxiu. There was a small note of request in her eyes.

The elevator doors, having been left open too long, were just beginning to close.

At the very moment they moved, Liu Qianxiu reached out with his right hand, stopped the door, and stepped out.

“Come on,” he said.

Mu Wan smiled at once.

She gave a little delighted hop behind him and followed.

Nanfeng Apartments had its own basketball court.

The sports facilities in a luxury complex were built with the same neat order as everything else. The basketball court sat beside the tennis courts, all enclosed behind wire fencing.

The rain from the morning had not fully dried. The court still gleamed damply, though there were no puddles left. At this hour, it was completely empty.

The two of them walked in one after the other through the entrance.

Mu Wan stepped onto the court and went straight under the hoop. Looking up at the rim high above her, she stretched out one white arm and tried to touch it.

She fell a long way short.

Still, Mu Wan had always believed she had decent athletic instincts.

She lowered her arm and called toward Liu Qianxiu, who was standing outside the three-point line.

“Liu Qianxiu, pass me the ball.”

Her soft voice echoed over the rain-damp court.

Liu Qianxiu tossed it over.

Perfectly straight.

It rolled right to her feet.

Under a sky still veiled with pale cloud, in air that was damp and clean, the slender woman lifted the ball beneath the blue backboard, aimed at the hoop with both hands, and threw.

Bang.

The brown ball struck the backboard and fell away.

She did not get discouraged.

Picking it up again, Mu Wan gave two little practice motions toward the hoop, then put more force behind her arms and threw once more.

This time it only clipped the rim.

The ball traced a clean line through the open air and bounced down behind her. Mu Wan turned, brows drawing together slightly as she panted softly, lips parted and damply red.

“Liu Qianxiu, I can’t make it in.”

Her voice was sweet, like fruit just past ripeness.

Walking after the ball, she added, “Can you make that shot?”

The ball had rolled all the way to his feet.

Liu Qianxiu stood beyond the line, looked at her once without expression, then bent slightly and picked the ball up one-handed, his knuckles paling faintly with the pressure.

Mu Wan stood at the center court, looking at him with uncertainty.

“You’re so far away. Can you really make it from there?”

He did not answer.

He set the basketball into his right hand, his wrist bending back slightly.

In the damp air, his dark eyes looked like two clear springs too deep to see the bottom of.

Then his wrist snapped forward.

The ball left his hand, passed over Mu Wan’s head, and in the next instant, when she turned—

Swish.

The ball dropped cleanly through the hoop, as cleanly as Liu Qianxiu had entered her heart.

It hit the ground and bounced again and again, the sound ringing through the empty court.

Mu Wan’s eyes followed the brown ball in little jumps. By the time it rolled to the base of the backboard, the court had fallen quiet again.

She stared for a moment, then turned back to Liu Qianxiu.

Under the low dark clouds, the man stood tall, long-legged, eyes like water, utterly clean and still.

“Liu Qianxiu... are you my god?” Mu Wan asked, tilting her head, her eyes full of bright starlight. Smiling, she said, “It feels like you can do every single thing I can’t.”

The sky hung high and thin.

The wind moved through the trees.

And somewhere, quietly, someone’s heart trembled.

“I’m going to make one too,” Mu Wan declared.

She ran lightly to retrieve the ball. Her pale fingers spread over the surface, each one cleanly shaped and beautiful. She backed up two steps until she stood beneath the hoop.

Just before she threw, someone came up behind her and wrapped both arms around her.

Mu Wan smelled a faint trace of mint.

Her jaw trembled.

Her body was rising, slowly, steadily.

In front of her, the rim drew nearer and nearer, until it seemed almost within reach.

“Shoot,” Liu Qianxiu said quietly behind her.

Her god had come to help her.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 20 Part 3

Incurable Chapter 20 Part 2

Chapter 20 (2/3)

The two of them met at a Sichuan-style hot-pot place in Jinzhe Tower.

It had still been raining in the morning, so the weather remained pleasantly cool, and the restaurant was crowded. The décor was bright and festive, all red and bustle. The hostess led them to a booth by the window, and once they sat down, the two of them leaned together and started ordering.

Mu Wan took the pencil and immediately circled a yin-yang split broth.

Their tastes had aligned for years—that was part of why they had stayed friends so long. They had always loved hot pot, the spicier the better.

Lin Wei stared at Mu Wan in disbelief.

“Why are you ordering that?”

“I’m having the clear broth,” Mu Wan said, eyes still on the menu. “I’ve gotten too used to eating light lately. I can’t handle heavy flavors anymore.”

Lin Wei threw herself back against the seat and just looked at her.

Mu Wan glanced over.

“What?”

Lin Wei let out a long sigh.

“I swear,” she said, “you went off to seduce Taoist Liu, and instead of dragging him into the mortal world, you’re the one becoming more and more abstinent. If this keeps up, you’re going to end up his Taoist companion.”

Mu Wan twirled the pencil once between her fingers.

“So what if I do? If I become his Taoist companion, then I’ll cultivate with him.”

Her voice was not loud.

Yet once the words came out, several nearby tables looked over at the same time.

Lin Wei wore a look of profound pain.

Mu Wan: “...What?”

“‘Cultivate together’ doesn’t mean what you think it means. It’s not just two people practicing together. It means—actually, forget it. Go look it up yourself.”

“...”

Mu Wan did not wait until later.

The moment the broth came to a boil, she pulled out her phone and searched it. Steam rose from the pot. Her face started to warm.

Biting into a sticky rice cake dusted with brown sugar, Lin Wei watched Mu Wan’s face turn redder and redder and laughed inwardly.

Such a baby chick.

“Well?” Lin Wei asked. “Do you know what it means now?”

“I know.”

Mu Wan took a drink of water, as though to suppress the dry heat rising in her. Then she said, “Different roads, same destination. In the end, it still comes down to dual cultivation.”

Lin Wei burst out laughing.

After laughing for a while, Lin Wei seemed to remember something.

“Oh, right. My studio just took on a project. A villa in the south district with an ocean view. Several tens of millions.”

Lin Wei’s studio specialized in high-end interior design, so her clients were usually already rich.

But even so, a project in that range was not something she saw every day.

“That’s good news,” Mu Wan said.

She picked up a piece of sticky rice cake, too. It was so sweet it nearly melted her.

“The more expensive the house, the more you make.”

“Do you know whose place it is?” Lin Wei asked.

Then she answered her own question.

“Mu Qing’s.”

Mu Wan paused mid-bite, one brow lifting.

Back in high school, Mu Qing had attended the same school as Lin Wei and Mu Wan. Lin Wei knew the Mu family’s people and their mess well enough. She let out a cold little snort.

“She specifically came looking for my studio. After all these years, she hides it so well on the surface—but in the end she still couldn’t resist showing off in that sneaky little way.”

Mu Qing knew Lin Wei was Mu Wan’s close friend.

That was exactly why she had chosen Lin Wei’s studio.

Mu Wan had a faint feeling that Mu Qing’s intent was not quite as simple as mere showing off.

“Have you signed already?” she asked.

“I have.”

Lin Wei arched one brow.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s just a house. At worst, I breach the contract. Your girl here is a rich second generation.”

“Then you can pay for today’s meal,” Mu Wan said immediately.

Lin Wei: “...”

After the hot pot, the two of them wandered around the mall and bought a pile of clothes before Lin Wei drove Mu Wan home.

Once she got back, Mu Wan showered and collapsed straight onto her bed. The moment she closed her eyes, she was asleep.

By the time she woke up, it was already four in the afternoon.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, she texted Liu Qianxiu.

At halftime in the basketball game, the sound of the ball striking the court still echoed through the gym. The lights were bright overhead. Liu Qianxiu sat off to one side, tilting his head back to drink water.

He had just come off the court and was damp with sweat. As he drank, droplets slid down along the line of his throat. There was something crisp and unguarded about him after exercise, something unexpectedly sensual.

Even the cheap plastic bottle looked intact and elegant inside his long, strong hand.

After drinking, Liu Qianxiu set it aside and lifted the hem of his jersey to wipe his sweat away.

His build was lean, but tightly drawn. When the white jersey lifted, it revealed the clean definition of his waist and abdomen, flashing a stark masculine force. Yet once the jersey dropped again, the coolness of his face remained unchanged. Even after hard exercise, his skin still carried that pale, cool undertone, as though his body and spirit were two separate things that never interfered with each other.

Just as he let the jersey fall, the phone beside him lit up.

He picked it up, read the message, put it away, and said to Huai Jing beside him, “I have to go.”

Huai Jing had just finished drinking too. Elbows braced on his knees, he was also soaked in sweat, but looked not the least bit tired.

He checked the time.

“Going back this early for what? It’s barely after four.”

“To cook,” Liu Qianxiu said.

Huai Jing: “...It’s barely after four.”

“Mm.”

Huai Jing leaned back, long legs stretched out, both arms braced behind him on the seating row.

“I heard from Xingkong that there was a woman with you yesterday,” he said. “Should I take that as a sign you might want to introduce her to the group sometime?”

By “introduce,” he meant the kind of thing Xu Xingkong had done when she was first brought to meet everyone—sharing a meal, making it official quietly.

Liu Qianxiu stood up from his seat and looked at Huai Jing.

Huai Jing returned the look in silence.

Liu Qianxiu was quiet for a moment, as though thinking it through.

Then he said, “Later.”

“Fine.”

Huai Jing did not press further.

That was always how it was between them. If it were something Liu Qianxiu could say, he would say it on his own. If he did not say it, then it simply meant there was no need for them to know yet.

Liu Qianxiu showered in the gym’s locker room, changed clothes, and drove back to Nanfeng Apartments.

Mu Wan had texted to say she was already on her way.

By now, she should be arriving.

He parked in the underground garage, a sports bag slung over one shoulder and a basketball in one hand, and swiped the elevator card.

The elevator began rising from B1.

When it reached the first floor, it stopped.

The doors opened.

Mu Wan was standing outside.

She had been looking at an advertisement playing on the digital screen by the elevator. When she heard the doors open, she looked in. The moment she saw Liu Qianxiu, the corners of her eyes curved.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 20 Part 2

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 280

~ DO YOU LIKE YOUNG MASTER NING? ~ 

Mu Yunyao especially ordered two dishes for dinner. The kitchen didn’t dare to smuggle anything down, and the taste was also very delicious. Both mother and daughter pair ate very happily.

After the meal, Jin Lan and Jin Qiao brought some fragrant tea over. Both mother and daughter spoke to each other, “Yao’er, what happened in the Palace? How come the attitude of the Meng family and the Su family changed so much all of a sudden?”

Su Qing still had an unreal feeling, especially that Meng Yanran. Wasn’t she arrogant before? Why did she come to apologize today and ask Yunyao if she forgave her after getting slapped?

Mu Yunyao told Su Qing everything that had happened in the Palace today, thoughts running through her eyes, “... That is how I entered the Palace today roughly. In the beginning, the Emperor didn’t say anything, but later, when I was about to leave, he suddenly added a word that told me to fight back. When I got back, I thought about it. It must be something that the Meng family has done that has displeased the Emperor.”

“I think so too. After all, the Meng family is not the house of an ordinary official, and I’ve heard that the Imperial Concubine De is legitimate of Grand Preceptor Meng. Although she doesn’t have a son of her own and looks weak in the Palace, she can’t stand the favor of the Emperor, and she is in great limelight!”

Mu Yunyao was a little curious, “Where did Mother hear this from?”

“Si Qin told me.”

“Si Qin?”

Su Qing glanced at her reproachfully, “Although Mother grew up in the countryside and didn’t have much knowledge, I am not stupid. Not only did Si Qin and the other three girls have excellent skills, their manners and demeanor were also extraordinary. They definitely couldn’t have been bought from someone else by Liu Liang. Mother had thought about it carefully for a long time. The most likely outcome would be that these four girls were groomed by Young Master Ning.”

Mu Yunyao slightly pursed her lips. “I let Mother see that. I didn’t want to hide it from you at first, but I’m afraid that you won’t be able to trust these four girls in the future…”

“Yao’er, you … Are you really fallen for that Young Master Ning?” Su Qing felt that she should carefully plan things out. In another two months, Yunyao would come of age. They had no one to rely on, so they could not let the Su family interfere and ruin Yunyao’s second half of her life.

Mu Yunyao was stunned, then hurriedly shook her head. “Why would Mother think that? Me and him ... It’s absolutely impossible.”

Su Qing patted the back of her hand with a smile on her face. “Mother is also someone who has passed through the past. After some time, you will reach adulthood. It is not too early for you to think about your marriage. We’re also in the Capital now. Isn’t that Young Master Ning also here? If his background is not bad and he is interested in you as well. It just so happens that…”

Mu Yunyao quickly explained, “Mother, don’t let your imagination run wild. Young Master Ning and I are only working together to earn some silver. To put it nicely, we’re friends. To put it harshly, we’re just using each other.”

“Yao’er, your mother knows that because of the past, your mood is unavoidably heavy, but you can’t stop eating because of choking, you...”

“Mother, aren’t we talking about the Meng family? How did it come to that Young Master Ning? We are in the Su family now, and we can’t even stand firmly. How can we think about that? Besides, you see that Young Master Ning already in his early twenties! How old can you say the children are?”

“There aren’t children. I’ve asked around about it. Young Master Ning doesn’t even have a concubine to share a room with …”

“Mother, who did you ask about it from?” Had her mother misunderstood something and asked if Yue Wang had a concubine in his residence?

Su Qing coughed awkwardly, “I just chatted casually with Steward Qin and said a few words..”

Mu Yunyao was a little stunned. Steward Qin had avoided her several times when she met Yue Wang. Although his attitude wasn’t apparent, she could faintly feel the meaning of the matchmaking. When her mother and Steward Qin started to talk about this, who knew if Yue Wang turned around, how would he feel?

Su Qing looked at Mu Yunyao’s appearance and thought she was thin-skinned and embarrassed, so she tactfully changed the topic, “Yao’er, let’s talk about the Meng family. After today’s incident, I can see that Miss Meng’s gaze was really chilling when she left. She won’t come back to find faults in the future, right?”

Mu Yunyao came back to her senses, feeling that she was once again confused by Yue Wang, and she couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed, and she quickly put all her thoughts behind her: “Mother, don’t worry too much. Meng Yanran’s way of doing things is too overbearing. Even when treating her sisters in the family, she’s always bullied and spoiled them. Now that she suddenly lost her composure, how could those people she threatened easily let her go? There were also those ladies and concubines who only wished for their daughters to be pampered. Previously, when they were proud, they didn’t feel that it was right. However, when they were disappointed, they realized that they had made many enemies. What they should worry about is her.”

“Mn, then Mother is relieved now.”

However, Mu Yunyao understood that things would not end like this. Although she didn’t need to worry too much about Meng Yanran, the Meng Family would definitely hate her because of this, especially Imperial Concubine De in the Palace. Her heart has never been big. But these things haven’t happened yet, there was no need for her mother to worry about it, so there was no need to say anything else.

“The matter of the banquet has already been settled. I haven’t seen my adoptive mother for a long time. Speaking of which, I really miss her a bit.”

“That’s right. We can meet at the banquet.”

“Yes.”

Su Qing and Mu Yunyao chatted for a while before they both went back to rest.

However, the Eldest Madam was so angry that she couldn’t even eat a single mouthful in the room. Su Yuyi carefully sat on the side and said, “Mother, since it’s like this, there’s no point in thought too much. You’d better have something to eat.”

The Eldest Madam also understood this logic, but the more she thought about Mu Yunyao slapping Meng Yanran, the angrier she felt. She angrily threw the chopsticks in her hand away, “I’ve been beating geese all day. Who would’ve thought that the geese would peck back at their eyes?” Who would have thought that a girl from the countryside could act so arrogantly?”Mother, it’s all your daughter’s fault. If I hadn’t been so anxious to invite Cousin Yanran over, things wouldn’t have developed to this point.”

“I don’t blame you. Even if Meng Yanran didn’t get involved in this matter, Mu Yunyao would think of something else. She wanted to use this opportunity to establish her prestige in the Su family, from the master to the servants, so no one would dare to look down on her and Su Qing anymore!”

“Mother, your daughter really doesn’t understand. Why would the Emperor agree to let her beat up Cousin Yanran?”

“A few days ago, when checking the salt tax, the Li family met with trouble. Your grandfather also heard some provocations from somewhere and secretly attacked the First Prince. But not only did she not succeed, she instead stole the chicken and ate the rice, causing the First Prince to come to the Emperor and cry about how miserable he was. The Emperor dislikes party disputes the most, so it was inevitable that he had a grudge against the Meng family in his heart. This time, it is just a warning.”

“No matter what, my aunt has served the Emperor in the Palace for many years. The Meng family has also made a lot of contributions to the court. The Emperor’s move is really chilling!”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 280