Chapter 1 Previous Hatred and Drowning
"Miss, Ning Ziying has been beaten and is passed out. Should I continue to beat her?"
Two women in fine clothes were sitting high up in the Yunying courtyard of the Lord Protector's Manor scornfully looking at the thing that was huddled up on the ground. It was badly mutilated and could be recognized as a human being. They picked up their teacups and slowly took a sip of tea.
One of them walked forward and brushed aside the matted hair on the face of that person. She said with affectation, "Sister Ying, wake up, Sister Ying!"
Having been awakened by the pain on her face, Ning Ziying raised her dirty face covered with mud, where a few deep blood stains could be seen that had just been scratched by Ning Ziyan's nails.
"Sister Ying, don't hate your elder sister. You had an affair with another man before marriage. It is really shameful. How could Brother Yuhang marry a dirty woman like you..."
"Ning Ziyan!" she raucously bellowed with difficulty, "it is you who had an affair with a man and made my fiance break it off with me!"
Ning Ziyan put her hand holding a hanky under her nose as if to block something dirty while she said with disdain, "Brother Yuhang and I are fond of each other. It's you who shamelessly messed around with him! At first, I took pity on you. It's OK to let you become Brother Yuhang's concubine as the minister's mansion can afford a concubine who serves me with drinks, but you were unlucky. When you had a tryst with a man, you ran into Brother Yuhang and me, so I had to take action..."
Looking at the perky Ning Ziyan in front of her, Ning Ziying just felt a surge of anger. This woman, who had secretly had an affair with her fiance and even got pregnant out of wedlock, had falsely accused her of having an affair with another man before her wedding in order to take her marriage away! How could there be such a vicious woman in the world like her, whom she had treated as her own elder sister before?
With her eyes full of hatred, Ning Ziying had been beaten unconscious by the servants. She was only able to lie on the ground. Suddenly, she rushed at Ning Ziyan and fiercely bit her hand, making her mouth bloody and teeth break. She felt her teeth cut open the skin on her hand and become embedded in the flesh, where bright-red blood oozed out. It was unknown whether that blood came from her mouth or Ning Ziyan's hand!
Madam Ling, the Lord Protector's wife, who sat next to Ning Ziyan watching the fun, just then rushed over to beat and scold Ning Ziying. But no matter how much pain Ning Ziying felt when her back and body were being beaten, she did not let up her bite. She stared straight at Ning Ziyan and bit her with greater and greater force.
"Bitch!"
A powerful male voice suddenly resounded among the noise, which came from Xia Yuhang!
The next moment, Ning Ziying felt that her abdomen had been ferociously hit by something. Completely unguarded, she was hit and flew straight out, smashing into a large stone by the lake! A mouthful of blood sprayed out, which stained the ground red in front of her!
"How dare you hurt Yan'er! Throw this shameless bitch into the lake," Xia Yuhang said coldly.
"How dare you bite me! Drown this bitch in the lake!" Ning Ziyan shouted with madness...
Ning Ziying wanted to look up at the man who had spoken sweet words to her yesterday but today could mercilessly kill her. However, the next moment several people grabbed her hair and dragged her into the nearby lotus pond.
"Miss!" The scream came from Xiang'er, her personal maid. She tried to look back, but she could not see what was in front of her eyes.
She was violently suffocating and her numb body could not feel pain any longer. With her last bit of strength, she tried to focus her eyes on the faces of Madam Ling, Ning Ziyan, and Xia Yuhang. She smiled silently toward the sky. Her sad, distorted smile could be seen through the fluctuations of the water surface, and it was cold and bloodthirsty...
"Someone come over here, put stones onto them, and make them sink into the water. After tomorrow, we'll tell others that they have drowned." Madam Ling stood up and coldly instructed once the water's surface no longer fluttered and the mistress and her maid were dead.
"Yes, madam!" Several ladies sharply grabbed either side of a stone and tied to Ning Ziying and Xiang'er, then pushed it hard into the lotus pond with a big splash. Immediately, it turned into light ripples. No one knew that the owner of the Yunying Courtyard had died in this lotus pond.
"Yan'er, you were bitten badly by the damn bitch. Go and see the doctor. Don't put off tomorrow's wedding because of that." Madam Ling turned her head to Ning Ziyan and spoke empathetically after she had dealt with everything in sight.
"Mom, don't worry about my minor injury. Will the death of Madam Ming delay my and Brother Yuhang's wedding?" Xia Ziyan pointed to the southeast corner of the backyard where Madam Ming, the co-wife of Lord Protector Ning Zu'an, lived. Just now, someone had reported that Madam Ming was dead!
Madam Ming was the co-wife of the Lord Protector and had the same position as her, the wife of the Lord Protector. If the news were to be spread out, Ning Ziyan, as her daughter, could not marry until three months later. But even though she could wait, her pregnant belly could not!
"That bitch didn't die earlier or later, but at this moment. Don't worry, Yan'er. I will put off the time of her death until the day after tomorrow," Madam Ling snorted coldly. The bitch should have died long ago, but unexpectedly she had a hard life. Her death was postponed for half a month, which happened to be in collision with her baby daughter's wedding day!
As they spoke, their group of people suddenly walked out of the door of the Yunying Courtyard. The last lady to leave closed the door, and the Yunying Courtyard was restored to peace and quiet again. No one would have thought that this empty, closed yard had lost its owner...
But that sinking body suddenly woke up in the water. The floating body made her grasp something in front of her subconsciously.
Awake!
As she opened her eyes and looked at the strange surroundings, Ning Ziying was full of doubts.
She had undoubtedly been drowned in the lotus pond. So, where was she now?
Chapter 2 Ning Xueyan Reborn at the Funeral
"Where am I?"
Seeing the white clothes on her body and the simple arrangement of a funeral in the house, Ning Ziying suddenly felt dizzy, and a lot of strange memories poured into her mind.
Ning Xueyan was the cowardly, 14-year-old Fifth Young Lady of the Lord Protector's Manor. Her natural mother was the unfavored co-wife of the Lord Protector, Madam Ming, who had died the day before. Ning Xueyan had died at her mother's funeral due to grief and weakness.
And Ning Ziying was reborn in Ning Xueyan's body. She was no longer the Ning Ziying who went to the Lord Protector's Manor for shelter.
The sound of joy and laughter in the front yard made her feel that it was a dream...
According to Ning Xueyan's memories, it was Xia Yuhang and Ning Ziyan who were married now.
They thought that Ning Ziying had died!
Every dog has its day. Now she was no longer the same as she used to be. This time, it was her turn to send them to hell...
"Fifth Young Lady, Fifth Young Lady." Mother Han's voice came from the door.
"Mather Han, I'm here." There was a mute voice in her throat. She had lost consciousness and been hungry for a day. She was lucky to be able to make a sound.
Hearing the sound of Ning Xueyan, Mother Han rushed over and said, "Fifth Young Lady, I brought you some water. Have a drink and rest for a while."
"Mother Han, hasn't madam arranged someone to send me food yet?" After drinking some water, Ning Ziying did not feel any pain in her throat. She slightly recovered her original voice and her gaze became serious. At this time, the bride had left, but the guests were still there according to noise outside. "Everyone will see if I go out now and make trouble for them," Ning Xueyan thought.
"I have asked them, and they said..." Mother Han swallowed hard as she looked at Ning Xueyan, "they said that the First Madam would ask someone to send food to you soon."
"Mother Han, let's go and get it ourselves!" Ning Xueyan stood up suddenly with a mocking smile on her lips. If she remembered correctly, aside from the Madam Dowager, who very much valued face, there was a Madam Dowager Liu in the Lord Protector's Manor, and both were extremely respectful of the rules.
This Madam Dowager Liu was the aunt of Ning Zu'an, the Lord Protector. Her dead husband was a famous scholar in the regions south of the Yangtze River and she only had a daughter. After her husband died and her daughter was married, she lived alone. So Ning Zu'an went to her home to bring her to the Lord Protector's Manor to take care of her. At that time, all the people in the court said that Ning Zu'an was filial.
"What? We... we'll get it ourselves?" Mother Han widened her eyes in shock and looked incredulously at the Fifth Young Lady, who had always been weak and protected by her.
"Yes, we'll get it ourselves. They said that my mother has died and I'm unlucky now, so they don't allow me to go to the front yard. I'll go!"
Ning Xueyan spoke coldly, with hatred in her eyes!
"Ning Ziyan, don't think everything is okay as long as you enter the Xia's Manor. I'll mess it up. Besides, the Lord Protector's Manor never has been peaceful."
"Fifth Young Lady, you can't go. The Madam Dowager and First Madam will punish you if they find out." Mother Han was shocked by Ning Xueyan's sudden decision. She grabbed Ning Xueyan's sleeve tightly for fear that she would recklessly rush out.
"Mother Han, don't worry. I won't be rash." Ning Xueyan's eyes were indescribably deep.
Seeing that the Fifth Young Lady was persistent, Mother Han could only pick up the lantern on the ground and hold Ning Xueyan with her hand.
Ning Xueyan walked toward the bustling front yard. Everything was full of happiness, and her white linen clothes were more dazzling than the others.
Most of the servants in the manor did not know that someone had passed away. And Ning Xueyan had not been out of her Bright Frost Garden for many years due to cowardice. The new servants did not know who she was, secretly guessing her identity.
"Who is she? How does she dress like this? It looks as if someone died."
"It's the Fifth Young Lady. Look at her, she doesn't look like a lady of the Lord Protector's Manor."
"She has no manners. The First Young Lady got married today, but she is dressed like this. What does she want to do?"
Suddenly, a woman rushed out of the crowd and reached out to stop her, saying rudely, "Fifth Young Lady, why did you come here? You're not in good health. You needn't come out. The First Madam asked you to go back to rest."
Everyone in the Lord Protector's Manor called Madam Ning "First Madam" while they called co-wife Madam Ming "Second Madam". The comer was Madam Ming's trusted Mother Yun. Ning Xueyan recognized that she was one of the villains who had drowned Ning Ziying the night before. She could not help looking at her with great hatred.
"Mother Yun, the Fifth Young Lady hasn't eaten for a day. Why hasn't anyone sent her food yet?" asked Mother Han.
"We all are busy serving the guests. Madame and Madam Dowager haven't eaten yet. Why are you in a hurry? When everything is done, we'll send a meal to the Fifth Young Lady," Mother Yun said impatiently.
"When everything is done? When will that be? Mother and grandmother also haven't eaten for a day?" Hiding the hatred in her eyes, Ning Xueyan raised her head and asked in amazement.
The Fifth Young Lady, who had always been cowardly and seldom spoke loudly, had refuted Mother Yun today, which stunned Mother Yun. She raised her head and looked up at the cold eyes of Ning Xueyan and felt afraid.
Chapter 3 Ning Xueyan Shows Off Her Great Change
"Mother Yun, I heard that you are in charge of the kitchen today. Why didn't the masters have dinner, yet all the servants have eaten?" Ning Xueyan stretched out her hand and pointed at the greasy corner of Mother Han's mouth, smiling ironically.
"Fifth Young Lady, you're the daughter of the Lord Protector's co-wife. It's very disgraceful of you to argue with us. You'd better go back first, and when we're not busy, we'll send it to you." Mother Yun was shocked to see that Ning Xueyan was so fierce today. But when she remembered that it was madam's order to neglect the Fifth Young Lady and her cowardice, she was perfunctory again.
After that, without waiting for Ning Xueyan to answer, Mother Yun turned to the two women following her and said, "Come on, take the Fifth Young Lady back!"
Mother Yun was Madam Ling's trusted servant, so she knew that she had to prevent Ning Xueyan from going to the front yard. So, Mother Yun asked them to take Ning Xueyan away, as she could not let her destroy the wedding ceremony.
"Who dares to touch me!" Looking at the two women coming at her in a threatening manner, Ning Xueyan suddenly gave a sneer and spoke sharply.
The indignation on Ning Xueyan's face threatened the two women, and they did not dare to come closer.
Mother Yun felt humiliated and shouted at the two women, "Go ahead and take Fifth Young Lady away."
Ning Xueyan sneered in her mind. Madam Ling's servants dared to bully a mistress, but this was exactly what she needed. She pushed aside Mother Han who was protecting her, stepped forward, and slapped Mother Yun. "I am the mistress, and you dare to bully me!"
She slapped Mother Yun's face heavily with great hatred.
No one expected that the cowardly the Fifth Young Lady would slap the First Madam's personal servant!
Mother Yun had never received such treatment in the manor. She covered her face subconsciously and roared with a fierce look on her face, "How dare you slap me!"
She was dizzy now, just feeling the buzz in her ear. She felt that she was losing face when she saw several maids and women on the side secretly laughing.
She forgot that Ning Xueyan was also the mistress of this manor due to being enraged and she rushed at Ning Xueyan and was going to hit her!
"Sure enough, you're an evil flunky and dare to beat a mistress," Ning Xueyan thought with mockery in her eyes. She moved to one side, but pretended to be unsteady and fell down. Before she fell down, she secretly stretched out one foot and tripped Mother Yun, who then fell down beside Ning Xueyan.
Looking at Mother Yun coming over to her, Ning Xueyan stretched out from a very hidden angle and pinched Mother Yun hard on her breast. Then she fell down on top of Mother Yun, so it seemed that it was Mother Yun who had dragged her down.
Mother Yun screamed out in pain because of Ning Xueyan's hard pinch. She completely forgot that Ning Xueyan was the mistress of the Lord Protector's Manor, and was going to beat Ning Xueyan while she scolded her. "Bitch! How dare you hit me! I'll kill you today."
The maids and women around them responded at this time, and immediately rushed up to stop Mother Yun. Mother Han reacted quickly and protected Ning Xueyan with her body. It was chaos.
"Stop! What's going on?" The angry sound came from over their heads. Madam Ling, who came in hurriedly, almost went mad when she saw the scene! She stared at Mother Yun fiercely. Mother Yun felt afraid so she let go of Ning Xueyan's arm and hurried to explain.
"Madam, the Fifth Young Lady slapped me. Look, my face is swollen." Mother Yun complained to Madam Ling, pointing at her swollen face. It had become red and swollen, and it could be seen that she had been slapped.
"Fifth Young Lady, what's the matter? You don't stay well in the Bright Frost Garden. Why did you come here and slap my servant?" Madam Ling frowned and looked at Ning Xueyan, who was being protected by Mother Han.
Ning Xueyan held Mother Han's hand and stood up with difficulty. Her face looked pale. She pointed at Mother Yun and said, "She not only scolded me, but also bit me. Mother, please exercise justice for me."
"Ah!"
All of them screamed, and their eyes fell on Ning Xueyan's sleeves, where there was a large bloodstain and blood still dripped from the sleeves. They all realized that Ning Xueyan's pale face was caused by excessive blood loss.
This sudden change surprised everyone except Ning Xueyan! She hid all the hatred on her face. Because of her pale face and bleeding wounds, she looked more miserable in the eyes of the people around her.
"Madam, I didn't bite her!" Mother Yun was also shocked, hurrying to explain. Even though Ning Xueyan was not favored, she still was a mistress of the manor.
"Do you mean that I bit myself?" Ning Xueyan stood unsteadily, covering her head with one hand. It looked like she was going to faint, but she still forced herself to turn her head to Madam Ling. "Mother, please exercise justice for your daughter."
She emphasized the word "daughter" when she begged, then fell back after saying it. Mother Han hurried to reach out to catch hold of her. Before fainting, Ning Xueyan said something in Mother Han's ear in a low voice.
Chapter 4 Disorder and the Evil Servant
The surrounding maids and women reacted because the Fifth Young Lady still was a mistress of the manor even though she was not favored. If something bad were to happen to her, all of them would be punished. So they were overwhelmed at the moment, just trying to wake Ning Xueyan up and calling for a doctor.
The shouts in the garden passed to the front yard, where the madams were having a banquet. They looked at each other, not knowing what had happened.
At this time, a blood-stained female servant hurriedly walked by, but was stopped by a madam in splendid clothes. "What happened in the backyard?"
Mother Han did not know why Ning Xueyan had asked her to go to the front yard before she fainted. But now, she suddenly understood. The Fifth Young Lady wanted all these madams to go to the garden!
So she quickly said to the madam, "A servant stunned the Fifthe Young Lady in the garden. I'm going to fetch the doctor!"
Mother Han's words shocked all the madams.
A servant dared to hit a mistress! Were there no rules in the Lord Protector's Manor?
These madams' interest of gossip was aroused, so they walked to the garden while gossiping about it.
Seeing these madams coming over, Madam Ling became extremely angry because she knew that things could no longer be controlled. She stared at Mother Yun, who then realized things would get worse, and knelt down beside Ning Xueyan.
"What's wrong with the Fifth Young Lady? Who hurt her?" The Madam Dowager walked out, frowning. She became unpleasant when she saw the fainted Ning Xueyan and her injured arm.
Today was Ning Ziyan's wedding. But the Lord Protector's Manor lost its face because of such a thing. Why was Madam Dowager happy?
"Madam Dowager, please exercise justice for the Fifth Young Lady. Mother Yun not only starved the Fifth Young Lady for a day, but also scolded and beat her when the Fifth Young Lady came to ask her about it. Look, Madam Dowager, the Fifth Young Lady... Fifth Young Lady..." Mother Han, who came back with those madams, pointed to Ning Xueyan's bloody hand and spoke with grief and indignation.
They all looked at Ning Xueyan's hand. Some timid madams could not help crying. Although they did not see the bloody wound, the blood dripping down from Ning Xueyan's hand made them shiver. What a cruel servant! She should bite a mistress like that!
"Madam Dowager, it wasn't me. I didn't bite the Fifth Young Lady." Mother Yun anxiously explained, sweat dripping from her face.
The evidence was obvious, but Mother Yun still denied it. Some madams could not bear it and said with dissatisfaction, "If you didn't bite her, why does her hand look like this! What a damn servant."
"She should be beaten to death. There's no reason for servants to bully their masters."
"How could there be such an evil servant in the Lord Protector's Manor?"
"Come on, shut her up and take her away to beat her to death!" Looking at this chaotic scene, Madam Dowager made the decision. She just wanted to end this chaos quickly. Otherwise, the face of the Lord Protector's Manor would be lost!
"Help, First Madam! Help me!" Mother Yun turned to Madam Ling, crying for help.
But immediately, two women came up and covered her mouth with a handkerchief and were going to take her away.
"Wait a minute. Mother, we haven't asked about it clearly yet before taking her away... It's, it's not good!" Although Madam Ling was afraid of Madam Dowager, she now had to stop Mother Yun from being taken away. If she did not help her personal servant, who was going to be beaten to death and begged her for mercy, no one would dare to follow her in the future.
"You mean we should just let her go?" Madam Dowager reprimanded Madam Ling and was more dissatisfied with this daughter-in-law who came from a small family and did not know it was inappropriate for such a matter to happen now. What's more, Madam Dowager was displeased with the clothes that Ning Xueyan wore when someone died.
She was afraid that Madam Ming's death would be exposed, and they all would get into trouble if that happened.
Having been reprimanded by Madam Dowager in front of all the madams, Madam Ling was ashamed and angry and could not speak for a moment.
"Sister, wait a minute. Today is Ziyan's wedding. It's unlucky if someone dies today!" Madam Dowager Liu, who stood at the side, tried to persuade Madam Dowager.
Madam Dowager Liu's words were reasonable. So, Madam Dowager nodded her head and wanted to lock up Mother Yun first, and then interrogate her separately after the wedding.
Ning Xueyan, who pretended to be unconscious and listened to their conversations, knew that it was time to wake up.
Chapter 5 The Strange Fragrance at the Funeral
Ning Xueyan unsteadily stood up, holding onto Mother Han's hand, and said, "Grandma, please spare Mother Yun. We were too impulsive just now."
All the madams were stunned by Ning Xueyan's unexpected pleading for Mother Yun. Ning Xueyan was still young and her face was pale, but she behaved elegantly and had a delicate appearance. Her behavior and words made people feel close to her.
They had not unexpected that there was such an outstanding girl in the Lord Protector's Manor. They only heard that the First Young Lady was gentle and elegant, but now, they felt that Ning Xueyan was better.
"Xueyan, why did you plead for her? She doesn't respect you and even hurt you. She's an evil servant." Looking at the gentle and graceful Ning Xueyan, Madam Dowager Liu felt happy and spoke with a soft smile on her face.
"Grandmother, she has to be punished because she hurt me. But I think today is important and it's not suitable to kill her. She has been working in the Lord Protector's Manor for many years. How about asking her to go to the backyard... It's also a punishment for her negligence as a servant..." Ning Xueyan smiled when she said that sincerely, but everyone could see that she was in pain. And they all felt confused by Ning Xueyan's complete words.
"What is she going to do in the backyard?" Madam Dowager Liu also did not understand what Ning Xueyan meant, and asked in puzzlement.
Realizing that Ning Xueyan wanted her to keep vigil at the funeral, Mother Yun shouted in horror. She crazily pushed away the two women and cried out in a hurry, "No! No! I don't want to keep vigil for Madam Ming! First Madam, I won't go. Help me, I won't go! The funeral... Madam Ming... funeral..."
This sudden change scared everyone!
When they heard clearly what Mother Yun said, all the madams changed their expressions. Ning Xueyan had waited for this scene for a long time. She looked down slightly to hide the coldness in her eyes.
The death of Madam Ming was strange. When Ning Xueyan was at the funeral, she smelled a sweet scene. After careful distinction, she found that the fragrance came from the coffin! The source of this fragrance was a kind of poisonous food. Long-term consumption of it would lead to dizziness and illness, and the fragrance would stay in the body.
The slight, sweet fragrance must have had something to do with Madam Ling. Ning Xueyan's mother, Madam Ming, had left her a set of methods for making incense, so she knew that that incense was harmful. Mother Yun was Madam Ling's trusted personal servant, so she knew the truth about Madam Ming's death. Therefore, she was afraid of keeping vigil for Madam Ming.
"You damn servant, what are you talking about here?" Madam Ling rushed over and slapped Mother Yun before she finished her words, interrupting Mother Yun.
But Mother Yun's words had caused amazement among the madams who were watching.
Mother Yun's words caused chaos in the backyard.
The Second Madam had died in the backyard, but they held a wedding banquet in the front. How could the Lord Protector's Manor do such a disrespectable thing!
"Damn servant, what are you talking about? Come on, shut her up and take her away. Beat her to death directly!" Madam Ling did not expect Mother Yun to say that. She shouted at the two female middle-aged servants in a panic, totally forgetting that she had pled for Mother Yun just now.
"Beat me to death? Madam, I have..." On hearing Madam Ling's vicious word, Mother Yun cried out. But before she finished her words, she was stopped and held back.
At this point, Madam Dowager already knew that the death of Madam Ming could not be covered up. Looking at Madam Ling, she trembled with anger. This matter not only brought shame on the Lord Protector's Manor, but also would affect her son's prestige. Faced with the gaze of the madams, Madam Dowager felt ashamed and angry, her face turning pale. She could say nothing now and finally fainted.
Then it became more chaotic. The doctor who had been called to cure Ning Xueyan happened to come over and was pulled to cure Madam Dowager first.
All the madams knew that the Lord Protector's Manor had done something disrespectable. They all wanted to see how the Lord Protector's Manor would end this wedding ceremony. Originally, some madams heard that there were other daughters in the Lord Protector's Manor and wanted to take the opportunity to take a look at them. Now, none of them wanted to. It was said that the First Young Lady of the Lord Protector's Manor was elegant and gentle. But in order to get married, she hid the death of her elder, which was greatly disrespectable.
She was not cultured or steeped in propriety at all!
According to Madam Ling's guilty look, it was obvious that she already had known. She treated Ning Xueyan badly, allowed her servants to bully a mistress, and hid the death of Madam Ming, so a daughter taught by such a mother was no good either.
"Don't beat her to death first. Take her away, we'll deal with her later." Madam Dowager Liu withdrew her smile and stared coldly at Madam Ling. At this time, there had to be someone to order.
Ning Zu'an, the Lord Protector, had great respect for his aunt, so no one dared to disobey her even though she did not take charge of anything during ordinary times. Immediately, two women took Mother Yun away to stop her from saying anything more.
"Young Lady, are you all right?" The maid Qingyu ran over and supported Ning Xueyan. She had been arranged to help in the wedding ceremony by Madam Ling and could not leave. Now she came when no one noticed her.
"Go and see where Mother Yun will be locked up," Ning Xueyan leaned against Qingyu and said in her ear with a quiet voice.
Chapter 6 Ning Xueyan Relieves Madam Dowager's Anger
"Go and see where Mother Yun will be locked up."
"Young Lady..." Qingyu looked at Ning Xueyan and asked with a quiet voice full of doubt.
"Go!" Ning Xueyan pushed her hard.
This time, Qingyu did not hesitate, but turned and ran away.
Looking at the back of Qingyu, Ning Xueyan smiled.
Mother Yun was Madam Ling's accomplice who knew a lot. How could she let her die so simply?
The Lord Protector's Manor was holding a wedding ceremony and the banquet was arranged near the second door. But the backyard was already in chaos.
Nobody noticed that somebody was watching them in a loft near the second door.
In the vast, luxurious living room, an extremely handsome man sat against the railing wearing black clothes on which there were many bloody flowers.
He was extremely beautiful, but also daunting. Several guards stood far away at the entrance of the stairs, not daring to move.
He lifted up a glazed cup and took a sip from it slowly, his beautiful eyes reflecting coldness. The temperature around him was lower than that of other places.
At this time, he looked at the thin Ning Xueyan with great interest.
"It's really interesting. I didn't expect there to be such an interesting little girl in the Lord Protector's Manor!"
He said that as if he had found some interesting prey.
From there, he could clearly see the movements of Ning Xueyan.
"What a surprise!" he thought. Ning Xueyan was just a delicate girl who only knew how to cry, he had not expected her to be as fierce as a wolf.
She bit herself without any hesitation. Everyone knew that it was easy to be cruel to others, but difficult to be cruel to oneself!
"The Fifth Young Lady of Lord Protector's Manor is so interesting!"
It was late, and the Lord Protector's Manor was dark. Two people were on the way to the Madam Dowager's Lucky Garden with a lantern. Just now, the Madam Dowager asked Ning Xueyan to see her.
"Young Lady, why does Madam Dowager want to see you now? Will she blame you for what happened just now?" Mother Han was quite anxious, and could not help asking with a quiet voice.
"Don't worry. They won't do anything to me at this time!" Ning Xueyan sneered. She clearly knew Madam Dowager's purpose. Maybe aside from Madam Dowager and Madam Ling, her father was also in the Lucky Garden.
So many people gathered there only for one purpose—they wanted Ning Xueyan to be responsible for this matter!
Unfortunately, today she would not let them do what they want.
"Young Lady, but..." Mother Han was still worried.
"Mother Han, when I enter the Lucky Garden, you wait for me outside. Then at the proper time, come in to do what I told you." Ning Xuyan Looked down at the road beneath her feet with a resolute look. Knowing their purpose, she had prepared well before coming.
Looking at the confident Young Lady, Mother Han relaxed and nodded forcefully. "Don't worry. I've got it all in my mind."
When they arrived at the Lucky Garden, the whole place was ablaze with lights. A large number of servants stood still outside, not daring to move and fearing to provoke the masters in the house.
In the room, the Madam Dowager sat on the couch with an unpleasant look, and Madam Dowager Liu sitting beside her also frowned.
Ning Zu'an sat calmly to the right of the Madam Dowager, and Madam Ling stood beside his chair with her head bowed.
The Madam Dowager in her seat stared at Ning Xueyan angrily as soon as she came in. She knocked on the ground severely with the crutch in her hand and shouted at Ning Xueyan, "Kneel down."
The atmosphere became more tense.
Ning Xueyan was not in a hurry. When she came in, she saw the entire scene clearly and knew that Madam Ling must have said something bad about her.
The Madam Dowager also wanted to suppress her by using this opportunity. Ning Xueyan sneered at them."If I were the cowardly Ning Xueyan from before, I would listen to you now after being scolded. But I am not!"
Taking a cup of tea brought in by the maid, Ning Xueyan stepped forward and gently said, "Grandmother, are you better now? Don't be angry. Your health is the most important."
Hearing her words, the Madam Dowager could not help feeling eased.
Madam Dowager Liu nodded off to the side. "This girl is kind-hearted. At this time, she still worries about her grandmother's health. It's totally different from what Madam Ling said."
"Xueyan, did you intentionally make trouble in the front yard this time?"
Madam Dowager Liu asked before the Madam Dowager could tell Ning Xueyan to kneel down again.
"Grandma, I'm a mistress of the Lord Protector's Manor, how could I do that? My mother has died, I was very sad and I didn't eat for a day, so I felt dizzy. But I can't be ill. Otherwise, no one would keep vigil for my mom. I had no choice but to go to the kitchen to get some food with Mother Han."
Ning Xueyan said that sincerely with tears in her eyes, letting them know that she was telling the truth.
"Madam Ling, what's the matter? Why there was no servant in Bright Frost Garden? And no one sent meals?"
Madam Dowager asked angrily, and almost at the same time, Ning Zu'an stared at Madam Ling.
Madam Ling did not expect Ning Xueyan to say that so methodically in front of so many people.
At this time, when she saw that the Madam Dowager was staring at her and her husband, who had always favored her, was unhappy, she trembled due to fear, stared at Ning Xueyan, and cried out her grievances.
Chapter 7 Who Will Be Responsible for the Scandal?
Hearing Madam Dowager's inquiry, Madam Ling hurried to cry out her grievances!
"Mother, I did arrange it. Maybe the servants were too busy to serve the Fifth Young Lady. Today, there were so many guests, I can't always be with the Fifth Young Lady! Those servants came out to laze around on their own. It really has nothing to do with me."
"You've been in charge of this manor for some time. How can there be evil servants who deceive and bully the masters! Although Xueyan lives in a remote house, she is also a mistress of the Lord Protector's Manor. Later, you will arrange more servants in her Bright Frost Garden, she can't be slighted." Madam Dowager stared at Madam Ling unhappily for a while, then ordered in a deep voice.
"Yes, Mother. I was too busy to neglect Xueyan. Xueyan, it's mother's fault, sorry."
Madam Ling made an apology quickly this time, then turned to Ning Xueyan and was going to salute her.
If Ning Xueyan were to accept Madam Ling's salute now, she would be criticized for not respecting elders.
Madam Ling had changed her plan to frame Ning Xueyan.
Ning Xueyan sneered in her mind and glanced over at her father, whom she did not hold out any hope for. But she looked at Madam Dowager Liu for a while.
In order to achieve their goals, the Madam Dowager and Madam Ling used the carrot and stick. They wanted Ning Xueyan to know that they were a family.
Unfortunately, this time they were wrong. She already had a solution.
Ning Xueyan stepped away and avoided Madam Ling's salute with a cold smile on her face. Then she looked up and said in surprise, her cold smile already disappearing, "Mother, you are the First-class Marchioness and my elder, how dare I accept your salute!"
"Madam Ling, don't embarrass Xueyan. What's important is what to do next. As the Marchioness, don't you know it's a scandal to hold a wedding ceremony when a member of our family has died!"
Ning Xueyan felt surprised, but she behaved well. However, Madam Ling wanted to salute her daughter regardless of her identity, which showed her flippancy. Madam Dowager Liu frowned and directly asked Madam Ling in an unpleasant tone.
"I..."
Madam Ling could not answer for a moment then turned to the Madam Dowager.
The Madam Dowager coughed and was asked by Madam Dowager Liu before saying anything, "Sister, you don't know about it, do you?"
This remark surprised the Madam Dowager, making her cough for a while. Then she drank tea with the help of the maids and said, "Madam Ling has covered that up. I didn't know."
Saying this, the Madam Dowager was more unpleasant regarding Madam Ling.
Madam Ming had died the night before, but the Madam Dowager found out about it this morning. At that time, the wedding ceremony had started and the bridal sedan chair had left.
Now, the Madam Dowager was so passive because of Madam Ling.
"Now we have to come up with an idea to make up for it. It's not good for anyone if the reputation of Lord Protector's Manor is destroyed. Xueyan, just tell others that your mother told you on her deathbed not to announce her death until after your sister's wedding. This is also your mother's love for the younger generation."
At this point, the Madam Dowager did not want to hide it anymore. She told Ning Xueyan her purpose directly.
Someone had died in the family, but they held a wedding instead of a funeral. Now they wanted Ning Xueyan and Madam Ming to be responsible for that. The Madam Dowager and Madam Ling distorted the facts, but thought it was justified!
Only Ning Zu'an, who sat on one side, stopped looking at Ning Xueyan with guilt on his face.
That was the reason why they had called her at this time!
Ning Xueyan clenched her hands in her sleeves and tried her best to suppress the rising anger. Anger and hatred flashed in her eyes!
"You want me and my mother to be responsible for that! How shameful of you! Unfortunately, you can't achieve your purpose."
Ning Xueyan nodded with a smile and said, "Grandmother, I know your difficulty. I'm willing to do what you said!"
Hearing Ning Xueyan's words, Madam Dowager was relieved and thought her granddaughter was understanding.
Seeing that the Madam Dowager had been relieved, Ning Xueyan smiled and continued to speak.
"But now the entire city knows that we held a big wedding while hiding the news of someone's death. If we put it another way, I'm afraid people will think that we spare no efforts to slander the dead people to cover up the scandal. If some people make irresponsible remarks to expose it to His Majesty, I'm afraid..."
The Madam Dowager became fearful, her gaze wandering. At this point, Ning Xueyan knew that her aim had been achieved.
Realizing that the Madam Dowager was going to change her mind, Madam Ling hurried to speak with a smile. "How could His Majesty know about such a trifle? Xueyan, don't talk nonsense. You've frightened your grandmother!"
Madam Ling's meaning was that Ning Xueyan was unwilling to help the Lord Protector's Manor and had intentionally frightened the Madam Dowager.
"Mother, do you think His Majesty doesn't know? Or do you think this kind of thing won't be exposed to His Majesty? Mother, don't doubt His Majesty's ability. If this matter is spread to His Majesty..."
Ning Xueyan looked at Madam Ling with a cold smile, which scared Madam Ling. Then she said slowly, "The crime of deceiving the monarch is unforgivable!"
Chapter 8 The Threat Comes from Ning Xueyan's Uncle
When Ning Xueyan finished saying that, they were all silent due to fear. The entire house was in silence.
"Who... No one will tell His Majesty!" Madam Ling struggled to speak.
Madam Dowager Liu pounded the desk heavily and suddenly stood up. She pointed at Madam Ling, then turned to stare at Ning Zu'an.
Madam Dowager Liu was so angry that she could not speak for a moment. After a while, she said angrily, "Madam Ming has died, but you still want to humiliate her. Madam Ling, you have replaced her, aren't you satisfied? Why did you make trouble all day? Zu'an, you tell me, was Madam Ming sorry for you? She has died, why don't you let her go? Do you feel guilty when you wake up at night?"
Originally, Madam Dowager Liu thought the Madam Dowager's decision was not proper and realized the consequences after Ning Xueyan's words. In daily life, she disliked people who did not behave well. Now she saw that Madam Ling wanted Madam Ming to be responsible for what she herself had done. And it might bring collapse to the Lord Protector's Manor. She could not restrain her anger anymore and scolded Madam Ling and Ning Zu'an.
"Aunt, I..." Ning Zu'an was scolded so that he could not speak a word, frowning slightly. He gave a look to Ning Xueyan and sighed, saying nothing.
"Aunt, I'm also unwilling to do that. But it will affect the Marquis's career if it's known by others. I have no choice..." Madam Ling disliked Madam Dowager Liu, but she had to pretend to be aggrieved, wiping tears with her handkerchief. It looked like she really took the Lord Protector's Manor into consideration and had no choice.
Ning Xueyan sneered in her mind when she saw Madam Ling pretend to cry. She would cry for real later on.
Just now, Madam Dowager Liu realized that it was Madam Ling's decision to hide the news of Madam Ming's death, so she scolded her. "Mandan Ling, what else do you want to say? You're the Marchioness, how can you do such unruly things? Was Ziyan so anxious to marry? Why couldn't you wait a few months?"
Ning Ziyan was not Madam Ming's biological daughter, so she only needed to observe a three-month mourning period instead of three years. Madam Dowager Liu was extremely angry. It was not a big deal to postpone the wedding for three months. She took the cup in her hand and smashed it at Madam Ling's feet.
Madam Ling did not expect for this normally gentle old lady to get so angry. She was frightened backward, tripped directly on the foot of the chair, and fell to the ground.
Several people were talking when suddenly there was a noise at the door. The Madam Dowager waved her hand with an unhappy look. A woman immediately turned up and came in to report to her. "It's Mother Han, she said there's an urgent matter to report to the Fifth Young Lady."
"Mother Han, you're just in time!" Ning Xueyan looked down to hide her sneer.
"What's the matter at this time?" Madam Dowager was unhappy now as she impatiently asked.
"Grandmother, maybe it's uncle's letter!" Ning Xueyan said before Madam Ling drove away Mother Han.
"Your uncle's letter? He hasn't contacted your mother for 10 years," Ning Zu'an was stunned, then he suddenly raised his head and asked, panic flashing in his eyes. Madam Ming's brother, Ming Feiyong, had been guarding the border for 10 years and had never returned to the capital. Because of the events of the past, he was unhappy about his sister and had not contacted Madam Ming since he went to the border. Why did he send a letter here at this time?
"I don't know. Mother Han mentioned it before, saying that there may be a letter from uncle. So I asked her to report to me as soon as she got the letter," Ning Xueyan said, appearing confused as if she really did not know the reason. But ridicule appeared in her eyes. Like Mother Han said, Zing Zu'an was afraid of Madam Ming's brother.
"Bring over Mother Han!" the Madam Dowager frowned and said.
The woman went out and she brought in a sweaty Mother Han.
"Madam Dowager, Marquis, First Madam." After saluting them, Mother Han hurriedly turned to Ning Xueyan and said in a hurry, "Young Lady, the letter says your uncle will arrive in the capital soon to see you and your mother, but now the Second Madam..."
Ming Feiyong had not seen his sister in 10 years. So it was normal he wanted to see Madam Ming. But the problem now was that Madam Ming had died.
Now they all became frenetic and confused.
Ning Xueyan frowned at the right moment and said with worry, "But my mother... What should we do?"
"What a coincidence!" Madam Dowager murmured, her gloomy gaze turning from Ning Xueyan to Madam Ling. Just now, she wanted to force Ning Xueyan to be responsible for this scandal. But now, she had to reconsider it carefully. Ming Feiyong was irritable. If he found out the truth, he would report it to His Majesty. At that time, the entire Lord Protector's Manor would get into trouble.
The crime of deceiving the monarch was unforgivable. The Madam Dowager felt scared inwardly. She struggled for a while and made a decision in her mind.
"Mother, what should we do now?" Ning Zu'an asked, losing his mind. Now, he did not dare to push these things onto Madam Ming and Ning Xueyan again. His Majesty became more and more suspicious. This was a matter among women, but it was possible that it would lead to the exposure of the past events and cause their deaths.
"There's no choice. Madam Ling assumes all responsibility. Anyway, this was her own idea." Madam Dowager stared at Madam Ling. At this point, no one could assume responsibility for this matter aside from Madam Ling.
"Yes. It's her own fault. We also have to explain that Ziyan has nothing to do with this matter. She was influenced by her disappointing mother." Madam Dowager Liu nodded at the side.
Hearing their conversation, Madam Ling sat on the ground and cried, "Marquis, Marquis..."
And this time, she did not need to pretend to cry, as tears dropped down from her face.
Chapter 9 Mother Yun Escapes to Her Sister's Home
Ning Zu'an stood up, glanced at Madam Ling, and left quickly, disregarding her screaming.
"Was Ning Ziyan innocent?" Ning Xueyan sneered in her mind. Ning Ziyan framed her for having adultery, stole her fiance, and asked others to drown her. How could Ning Ziyan be innocent!
"Madam Ling, this is just beginning, you'll take on the responsibility you deserve."
The next day, the scandal of the Lord Protector's Manor shocked the court!
Many officials impeached Ning Zu'an in court. They said that Ning Zu'an had hidden the news of his co-wife's death and dared to hold a wedding ceremony regardless of rituals and principles. Such a vicious act was abhorrent!
In the end, it was proved that it was Madam Ling's fault and she should be the one to blame. But Ning Zu'an was the Marquis and should be responsible for it as well. If he had valued his co-wife, he should have known about her death and this scandal would not have happened.
Such a big scandal happened in the Lord Protector's Manor. His Majesty was so angry that he threw the memorial to the throne to Ning Zu'an and asked him to read it while kneeling. And as for Madam Ling, if not for Ning Zu'an's entreaty and that she was the mother of Ning Zu'an's only son, she would have been killed directly.
"Young Lady, Madam Ling has been taken to the palace by the people sent by the empress. I heard that her title of First-class Marchioness will be stripped and she will be beaten 20 times!" Mother Han had pried the information in the morning. When she came into Ning Xueyan's room, she could not help screaming with happiness.
Ning Xueyan just got up and had not cleaned up yet, sitting at the window. Listening to Mother Han's words, she showed a slight smile.
The punishment from the empress would not only punish Madam Ling's body, but also destroy her dignity as the Marchioness.
Madam Ling was Ning Zu'an's Official Wife, but she was no longer the First-class Marchioness. It meant that she could not stop Ning Zu'an from marrying someone else as the Marchioness. At that time, she would become the co-wife.
This totally humiliated Madam Ling!
"Is she back?" The Imperial Morning Conference had been over for a while.
"Not yet. But the doctors are ready there, just waiting for Madam Ling to come back for treatment. I heard that the punishment in the palace is more severe than that of the manor. 20 floggings would disable someone!" Mother Han said in a low voice, "It's better to..."
"Mother Han, this can't be talked about!" Ning Xueyan became serious at once and reminded Mother Han.
"Don't worry, I won't tell others." Mother Han immediately nodded, looked around carefully, and left.
When Ning Zu'an came back from the palace, the bloody Madam Ling had been sent back.
The doctors who had been waiting hurried to treat her. The people in the manor were all flustered.
No one expected Mother Yun, who had been locked in the firewood room, to escape.
Of course, Ning Xueyan knew that!
Qingyu, who monitored Mother Yun secretly, returned and was called to dress up Ning Xueyan.
Today, she would keep vigil for her mother in the main hall, accepting the condolences of the guests. The Lord Protector's Manor would hold a funeral for Madam Ming with the standard of Official Wife to show that they did not maltreat Madam Ming to cover up the scandal.
"Young Lady, Mother Yun didn't return to her home, but went to her sister's on East Street early in the morning. Do I need to monitor her?"
Qingyu asked while dressing up Ning Xueyan.
Qingyu's eyes were bright and her face was full admiration for Ning Xueyan. But for the same face as before, she could not believe that her weak and cowardly master would become so smart and powerful, and even predicted that Mother Yun would not escape to her own home.
Such a Young Lady made her unconsciously convinced, and also made her happy. Her mistress was no longer the obedient Fifth Young Lady!
"Don't worry about her. You needn't monitor her for the time being. Did you bring the powder I wanted?" Ning Xueyan stood up and asked. It was not the best time to expose Mother Yun's escape.
"Yes. Everyone was in chaos in the morning. So I went to the pharmacy at that time and found the powder you mentioned. Here you are. Is it what you wanted?" Qingyu took out the powder hidden in her arms and put it on the table.
Ning Xueyan looked at it. It was exactly what she needed. She nodded and said, "Go to the garden and take a few pots of malus halliana koehne for me."
Malus halliana koehne was one of Madam Ling's favorite flowers, and it was fully blooming at this time.
"Qingrui, why are you just coming back now? Where were you last night?" Mother Han's voice in the yard came in with dissatisfaction.
Chapter 10 The Maid Who Took Advantage of Her Power
Ning Xueyan looked out and saw that Qingrui was back.
She was another first maid of Ning Xueyan, but in fact, she was one of Madam Ling's people. She usually relied on Madam Ling's influence and had bullied Ning Xueyan much.
Whatever happened in Bright Frost Garden was always known by Madam Ling's side first, and that was all because Qingrui was trying to curry favor with her.
It could be said that this Qingrui was put in Bright Frost Garden by Madam Ling to monitor Ning Xueyan. She likely also had something to do with Madam Ming's death.
There was something odd about Madam Ming's death.
"Of course I have something to do. The first miss gets married, it's an important issue. I have to help her. Unlike you, you can also rely on the Second Madam to be lazy." Qingrui, dressed in a beautiful new satin dress, looked disdainfully and sneered at Mother Han, who was covered in coarse linen and white cloth.
"Qingrui, how dare you say that!" Mother Han was trembling with anger as she cursed in rage.
"Give your fire a rest, Madam, you're also so old. What kind of temper do you have so early in the morning? The Fifth Young Lady needs to get up, and you should go serve her now!"
Qingrui lifted up her head. With Madam Ling backing her, she was not afraid of Mother Han, so she twisted her waist to walk toward her room. She did not want to come if the First Madam urged her.
She was just a dying thing that kept consuming medicine. What was so important about it?
Ning Xueyan stood silently at the window, watching Qingrui's brilliant red skirt disappear around the corner. Only then did she raise her voice and call out, "Mother Han."
Hearing Ning Xueyan's call, Mother Han, not caring her anger toward Qingrui, hurriedly put down her things and went in. "Young lady, do you want to have breakfast? Please wait for a moment. Qingrui is not here today. Qingyu went to fetch it. She's a little late."
Ning Xueyan's food had always been taken from the kitchen by Qingrui, but this food was often replaced by her. Madam Ming was ill and Ning Xueyan was cowardly. How could she argue with Qingrui because of this?
"Madam, have Qingrui get the noon meal." With her thoughts turning, Ning Xueyan had come up with a countermeasure, and a cold smile appeared on her pale face.
This issue could perhaps break Madam Ling's reach into Bright Frost Garden. If Madam Ling suffered losses this time, she would never let it go. So, she should start at a faster pace and take advantage of Madam Ling's business...
White flags fluttered, and cries were heard in the mourning hall of the Lord Protector's Manor.
Ning Xueyan knelt in front of the coffin, burned paper offerings and incense. She was clad in white and looked gaunt. She was exhausted after having knelt for a morning, and her eyes had turned red because of constant crying, which made people feel sorry for her! The guests who came to pay their respects sighed for her when they learned that her biological mother had lost her life and had been treated unfairly. Everyone felt that Madam Ling had done too much.
She finally had time after launch. Then, she greeted the guests who last came to the hall.
Except for her, the other one knelt in front of the coffin was the Fourth Young Lady, Ning Lingyun. She was the daughter of the aunt, so she naturally had to kneel in front of the coffin with Ning Xueyan as an act of filial piety. Although she was just a common woman, she kept flattering Madam Ling's daughter, and she also very much despised Ning Xueyan, thinking that Ning Xueyan simply could not compare with her.
At this point, seeing that no one was coming, she stopped pretending to mourn and let her old maid take some food. She also ignored Ning Xueyan and ate on the small table at the side.
At this time, it was unlikely that anyone would come, so people attending the coffin had slackened off.
"Young lady, why hasn't Qingrui brought the food yet?"
Qingyu went to the door, looked outside, and then looked at Ning Lingyun who was eating. She then walked to Ning Xueyan and asked anxiously.
The Fourth Young Lady had eaten almost all her food. Why didn't Qingrui bring the food over? This girl was in poor health and had been busy all morning. If she was hungry, she could even faint.
"Don't worry, I'm not hungry, Qingyu. First, go to Madam Dowager and ask Mother Qin if she has the Frigid Pill for Madam Dowager. Just say that my chest is congested and I want some Frigid Pills to lift my spirits. Then, go back to Bright Frost Garden and get some of my clothes. I'm a little cold."
Ning Xueyan picked up the paper offerings nearby and watched the fire in the stove burn slowly while speaking softly.
An elderly lady like Madam Dowager would have these refreshing Frigid Pills at hand, which could lift her spirits and relieve slight symptoms such as chest tightness and asthma when she felt uncomfortable.
"Yes, I will go right away," Qingyu hurriedly replied when she heard that Ning Xueyan was having trouble breathing. She did not dare to be slow, so she stood up and hurried to Madam Dowager's auspicious courtyard.
Not long after she left, the maid Qingrui walked in with a teapot, followed by a woman carrying a basket of food. This time, she looked quite normal outside as she had on a plain white dress. Ning Xueyan, kneeling on the ground, saw a small piece of red under the white dress with her sharp eyes, which appeared from time to time when she was walking.
Ning Xueyan quietly withdrew her eyes and sneered in her heart.