Chapter 70: A Frightful Morning and Infighting Among Allies

Chapter 070: A Morning of Terror, Intrigue Among Kin

"Naturally, when Jun Yihong awakens, he'll be scared out of his wits!" Wanxia replied with a touch of pride. She had just infiltrated the Prince Jing's residence, placing twelve severed heads in a circle around Jun Yihong's bed, while the desiccated corpse hung above his canopy. Though hideous, it exuded a faint, sweet scent. As soon as Jun Yihong opened his eyes at dawn, he would see the corpse's wide, angry, unclosed eyes staring back at him.

After the initial fright, Jun Yihong would surely try to calm his terror, sit up, and as his hand brushed against a gruesome head, he'd see twelve skulls arranged neatly—enough to jolt his senses anew. Such a morning would haunt him forever.

Wanxia had anticipated every step, every reaction Jun Yihong might make!

Returning, Wanxia wondered whether Prince Jing was brave enough to withstand such a scare. What if he was frightened to death by those vengeful heads? What then?

"Miss, you needn't have gone to such trouble," Wanxia ventured, unable to hold her tongue. In her opinion, there was no need to sneak into the residence; with her skills, she could have taken Jun Yihong's head directly, avenging her mistress more thoroughly.

"I owe Jun Moli a debt," Anran replied quietly. She still brooded over that ginseng flower, outwardly cold to Jun Moli but inwardly grateful. Though she agreed to treat Madam Qin's illness, transferring her debt to Qin Ruoyang and the Qin household, she remained thankful to him. Since learning that Lu Xuexin was alive, nothing mattered more than her daughter's survival.

"But all those people were sent by Jun Yihong, and now they're dead. He won't let this go," Wanxia said.

Anran understood this well. Though Jun Yihong wouldn't forgive her, she spared his life, hoping he'd make better choices.

"Though troublesome, this lets me repay Jun Moli my final debt. I will hint to him," Anran's voice was calm, yet tinged with fatigue and sorrow.

If she truly wished Jun Yihong dead, she had countless ways to torment him; her poisons alone could kill him a hundred times over. But she wanted to give him a chance to live. "If he fails to appreciate this, and comes seeking trouble, he'll need a reason convincing enough to satisfy the masses."

Anran had Wanxia use those heads to warn him, to teach him a lesson, make him realize his murder-for-hire plot was exposed.

Jun Yihong might seek revenge, but he had no evidence that Anran was the killer. Those thirteen were assassins from Dark Star Pavilion—a prince allied with assassins was scandalous. Anran and he were strangers, with no grievances; how could he accuse her outright?

If he did, he'd have to admit to sending assassins after Anran. A prince colluding with killers would be a stain on the imperial family—a disgrace he'd have to swallow if he wished to avoid expulsion from the royal lineage.

Anran hoped he would escalate the matter, for it would drag him down and expose Lu Xueqing. Qin Ruoyang, the Chief Justice, was known for incorruptibility; even if faced with the emperor, he'd never show favoritism.

If investigated, Anran might be charged with self-defense, while instigating a prince to murder would be a far graver crime. Jun Yihong, for his reputation and for the sake of the beloved Lu Xueqing, would keep silent.

Thus, Anran could both repay Jun Moli and ensure Jun Yihong kept quiet. Every step she took was calculated; she would never leave herself exposed, for her road to vengeance had only just begun.

Her daughter had suffered neglect and abuse for more than a decade, living worse than a pig. Now, it was time for Lu Anrong and Leng Yiyun to pay their debts.

That morning, as Jun Yihong awakened, he smelled a faint floral aroma and glimpsed something dark hanging above his canopy. Groggy, he frowned and reached out, only to feel something furry at his hand.

Alert, he was about to scold the servant for putting his head upon the bed. But as he opened his eyes, the sight above nearly sent his soul fleeing. At some point, a corpse had been hung above him, its long hair falling free, its eyes wide and full of terror. Though the face was shriveled, he immediately recognized it.

Jun Yihong, terrified, stared at the corpse overhead, wondering how it had become a dried husk overnight. Last night, he had been waiting for the man's report, convinced that dealing with a woman would be easy. When the man did not return, he'd been puzzled, never expecting such a grim outcome.

Shocked, his bed trembled, causing the corpse to sway. Its hair brushed his cheek, sending chills down his spine, and he nearly leapt off the bed.

He landed to the side, thinking he'd grabbed the servant's hair, but it felt too light. Trembling, he lifted the hair and found another head, its eyes wide in terror. Instinctively, he flung it away. Turning, he saw eleven more grotesque heads arranged on the bed, and vomited on the spot. Cold sweat drenched him, soaking his clothes.

He knew this was a warning, and suspected who it was: the woman Qing'er spoke of, warning him in this ghastly way.

Cruel, venomous, ruthless—these words hardly sufficed to describe her. Her malice was monstrous.

More terrifying than the warning was the person who had entered his residence undetected. If she'd wanted his head instead of a warning, it would have been as easy as reaching into a bag.

Jun Yihong vomited for some time at the doorway, his limbs weak, unable to escape. The more he thought, the more fearful he became—who could have evaded the guards sent by his seventh brother to protect him? He looked back at the twelve heads and the corpse, trembling, helpless.

If he pursued this matter, it would only grow worse, so he could only swallow his humiliation.

Though he understood this, he was unwilling to concede defeat. He didn't expect to win the struggle for the throne, but couldn't accept being schooled by a country girl. He'd used Dark Star Pavilion's resources, albeit only the lowest-tier assassins, but the master would soon know.

He now feared both Dark Star Pavilion and sudden changes from Anran's side. He quietly ordered his trusted men to dispose of the corpses and heads, and had his room redecorated. He dared not sleep there again.

Three years ago, when Dark Star Pavilion was at its height, its master approached him for cooperation. Unable to resist temptation and intimidation, he agreed. He never told Jun Moli, fearing his brother's involvement in the underworld and that the Pavilion would threaten his sickly brother.

Yet, though he joined, in three years they'd given him little to do, and never allowed him into their headquarters. He only knew Dark Star Pavilion was an assassin alliance, with assassins ranked into upper and lower tiers. He'd never used the elite ones, only the lowest.

After considering many possibilities, Jun Yihong finally went to the palace to greet Lady Fu, but his pallor betrayed his illness.

Wanxia delivered food to Lu Xuexin and Madam He that morning. With Anran's carefully prepared tonics and meals, Lu Xuexin had visibly gained weight, though she remained melancholy and seldom spoke.

"Miss, Madam He sees how well Miss An treats you. She says your mother sent her to look after you. Once you recover, we can ask Miss An to take you to see your mother—isn't that wonderful?" Madam He offered a spoonful of silken bird's nest porridge, gently coaxing Lu Xuexin.

Lu Xuexin pressed her lips together, twisting her handkerchief, silent and downcast. Madam He ached for her.

Madam He knew Anran's presence made her miss her mother. Yet Anran never spoke of it; in this vast world, with so few acquaintances, how could they find Lu Xuexin's mother? Leaving the Prime Minister's household was impossible, let alone affording the journey.

Madam He sighed and wiped her tears, setting aside the porridge. She had chores to do, rising early each day to help in the kitchen so Aunt Qiu wouldn't notice their improved living conditions.

Wanxia left later that morning, seeing Madam He hadn't eaten, so she brought her a bowl of porridge, saying warmly, "Miss says you are to be treated the same as Miss Xin. Don't save food for her; I'll bring you meals regularly!"

Madam He wept with gratitude, thanked her, and finished the porridge in one gulp, saying, "I must go now—if Aunt Qiu comes, that'll be trouble."

With that, she hurried out of Lotus Breeze Garden.

Wanxia looked at Lu Xuexin, and after some thought, decided to take her out of the Prime Minister's residence.

Anran, a light sleeper, was surprised to see Wanxia bring Lu Xuexin out. Wanxia never acted without orders.

"Xin'er!" Anran called, rising with hair disheveled, forgetting her outer robe.

Wanxia excused herself, closing the door and heading to the front courtyard.

She knew Lu Xuexin was important to Anran, though Anran never revealed why. Wanxia suspected some blood relation, but never guessed Lu Xuexin was Anran's daughter from a past life.

Two hours had passed; Prince Jing's residence must be stirring.

Anran had the maid buy delicate pastries and let the little fox keep Lu Xuexin company, entrusting her to the maids and heading to the front courtyard herself.

"Any news from Prince Jing's residence?" Anran stirred the tea leaves in her cup, watching them unfurl and sink, eyes deep and soft.

Her heart was as the tea leaves—rising and falling, floating atop turbulent waves.

"Prince Jing's residence is unusually quiet—not a sound has leaked out."

"There's been no rumor at all today," Wanxia replied, puzzled. She was sure she'd arranged the twelve heads around Jun Yihong's bed and hung the corpse above, positioned so that anyone waking would be terrified—indeed, would be scared out of their soul—yet the residence remained as calm as if nothing had happened.

Anran was also perplexed; she'd expected a scream at sunrise. Perhaps Jun Yihong was either braver than she thought or possessed great composure, disappointing her initial expectations but heightening her anticipation.

If Jun Yihong had screamed, he'd be nothing special—a brother of the famed general Jun Moli, but lacking backbone. Yet the calm suggested he was no ordinary man, able to endure and conceal his emotions.

"Wanxia, do you know what this means?" Anran mused, her eyes smiling. "I thought this game would end as a prank, but now... the game is only beginning, and will grow ever more colorful."

There are no walls without leaks; with Wanxia's abilities, the task would never fail. Jun Yihong must have seen the grisly heads and the corpse; since no news had come out, he must have quietly kept score, waiting to retaliate.

"Miss, last night I found two other groups besides Prince Jing's guards surrounding the residence!"

Strangely, besides the prince's guards, two other factions lay in ambush—was Prince Jing so important?

"Oh?" Anran drew out her words, eyes flashing with amusement. She sipped her tea and spoke slowly, "If I'm not mistaken, those two groups belong to Prince Li and the emperor."

Jun Moli, though retired due to illness and living under the emperor's nose, remained a legend among soldiers. The emperor, aged and without an heir, had many sons vying for the throne. With Jun Moli's influence, he could rally old troops, threatening imperial power, which no ruler would tolerate.

Thus, Jun Moli's mother was likely held as a hostage, and Jun Yihong was a tether.

Anran admired Emperor Jun Dingyue's ruthlessness—fifteen years ago, he slaughtered his brothers to seize the throne, and now tests his sons with equally cruel methods. Tiger mothers do not eat their young, but Jun Dingyue was seven times more venomous.

Wanxia nodded, weighing the situation. Jun Yihong likely didn't know he was already under the emperor's scrutiny. Oblivious to danger, he still courted the Prime Minister's daughter—a fruitless endeavor.

"Wanxia, return Xin'er by noon, and don't bring her out again without my permission. I must visit Prince Li's residence," Anran said, stating a fact without complaint or blame.

Xin'er shouldn't be exposed; if others learned of her, Anran couldn't negotiate privately with Lu Anrong. A little longer, and Xin'er could live under a new identity, free from her past.

Wanxia accepted, her lapse only due to a moment of softness.

Anran left the hall, walking leisurely through winding corridors, basking in the August sun, breathing in floral scents mingled with fresh leaves—a scene that soothed the soul.

She paused, gazing at the blooming golden osmanthus. Once, her son Chen'er had called beneath them, "Mother, mother... come here..."

"Miss, Prince Li is here!"

"Ah—"

Anran was startled by the maid's voice, breaking out in cold sweat.

"Miss, are you alright? Should I fetch a doctor?" Xi'er, the maid, rushed forward, seeing Anran pale and sweating.

Though Xi'er was worried, Anran herself was a renowned doctor.

"Get away! Don't touch me!"

As Xi'er touched her arm, Anran reacted like a cat struck on the tail, sharply pushing her aside.

Xi'er, frightened, stared at the usually gentle, non-abusive Anran, tears in her eyes—her mistress seemed a different person.

Anran collected herself, wiping tears from her eyes, her gaze icy. "Mind your own business today!"

How could she be so unsettled? Xin'er shouldn't have come. Lately, memories of Chen'er haunted her—his bloodied cries for rescue.

"Yes, yes... I understand..."

Xi'er trembled, terrified by the icy aura. Anran's eyes were bottomless, a chilling abyss.

After Xi'er kowtowed several times, the lonely figure vanished down the corridor.

Lu Xueqing awoke in good spirits; she'd dreamt a satisfying dream—seeing Anran abused by many men, her dress torn apart, writhing and screaming, blood trailing as the men laughed behind her. Such a savage, humiliating scene would have shamed any maiden, but Lu Xueqing relished it.

She hated Anran for disrupting the Lu household, breaking her brother's legs, casting doubt on her sister's lineage, shaming her mother, all because of that country woman. How could she not hate?

Dreaming of Anran's torment, she felt overjoyed.

After dressing and washing, Lu Xueqing joined Leng Yiyun to pay respects to Lady Xu.

Leng Yiyun had only been allowed to rest late last night, after kneeling for hours, her legs numb and bruised. Called early by Lu Xueqing, she could barely stand, her legs failing her. She was full of resentment and fear, having lost her authority as mistress, and now dared not err lest Lady Xu exile her to a country estate.

She knew that, had Prince Jing not spoken for her yesterday, Lady Lu wouldn't have allowed her to return. Today, without the prince, the household was back under Lady Lu and Lu Anrong's rule.

Lu Anrong was famed for filial piety, praised even by the emperor as a model son. Lady Xu's word was law, and the entire family bowed to her.

Though Leng Yiyun understood this, it was too late. Lady Xu was angry, and she had to curry favor, hoping to regain trust and status. The sisters also needed to perform well before Lady Xu; united, they could avoid being outmaneuvered.

Despite reluctance, Leng Yiyun forced herself up, washed, and let the sisters help her outside. On the way, she reminded them: winning Lady Xu's favor was key to her comeback.

"Qing'er, Lady Xu has handed you the mistress's authority, showing her esteem for your years of devotion. You must speak well for me, lest she send me away!" Leng Yiyun urged.

"You are my mother; how could I not care for you? Don't worry, I've remembered."

Lu Xueqing had already heard these words eight times today, annoyed but unable to show it. She patted her mother's hand, signaling reassurance.

Lu Xuexiang, meanwhile, was impatient—why did her elder sister get all the good things? Beauty, talent, fame in the capital, admirers, Prince Jing's devotion—she envied her deeply.

She adored Brother Li, but he was cold to her.

Though both daughters of the same mother, the difference in treatment was vast. Was it all due to being the eldest versus the second daughter?

She sought parental favor, fasting at temples, but was accused of idleness. She tried to avenge her brother by confronting Anran, only to be protected by Brother Li and escorted home. Anran spread rumors she wasn't Lu Anrong's child, causing doubt and ridicule.

Why did all good things go to Lu Xueqing, leaving her with nothing? Only now did she realize her sister's shy humility was a calculated act.

For years, the noble youth knew only Lu Xueqing's talents and virtues; few paid attention to the second daughter, whose appearance and skills paled in comparison.

She longed to marry Jun Moli, but Lu Xueqing's status overshadowed her. Prince Li was of marriageable age, and if Lu Xueqing became his consort, Lu Xuexiang wouldn't even qualify as a secondary wife. The recent scandal and doubts about her bloodline had tainted her prospects.

She was still a year from coming of age; otherwise, her future would be bleak. She needed a plan.

Lu Xuexiang walked with head down, plotting her future. With her status, her sister could enter the palace as a consort. The selection day was approaching, and Lady Xu had returned from the country estate—was she preparing to send Lu Xueqing into the palace?

If so, might Lu Xuexiang finally have a chance with Brother Li?

"Xiang'er, what's wrong?" Leng Yiyun noticed Lu Xueqing had stopped, looking displeased. "If you could win Lady Xu's favor like your sister, I'd be at ease."

Again, the comparison to her sister—Lu Xuexiang resented it.

She hurried after them, speaking blandly, "Mother, I'm thinking how to please Lady Xu."

Lu Xueqing glanced at her sister, her expression impatient, and said, "Just mind your words, Xiang'er. I'll speak to Lady Xu."

"Yes, I'll listen to you, sister!"

Leng Yiyun agreed, waving dismissively, full of mistrust. This girl had stirred up trouble with Anran, involved Prince Li, nearly ruined her reputation—how could she trust her?

Lu Xuexiang burned with resentment, barely able to contain her bitterness—was she really so useless?

"Mother, actually I..."

"Enough, I appreciate your intent. Let's hurry, or we'll be late!"

Leng Yiyun brushed her off, not seeking her help, only hoping Lady Xu wouldn't punish her.

Just as Lu Xuexiang was about to protest, Aunt Hu interjected, "Oh, what's wrong, sister? Why is the eldest Miss helping you? Is your leg alright—shall I massage it for you?"

Aunt Hu, sharp-tongued and jealous, resented Leng Yiyun's dominance. She had often been made to serve, so hearing of Leng Yiyun's punishment, she was delighted.

Lu Xueqing was about to retort, but Aunt Hu, accompanied by her daughter Lu Xueming, greeted them with a smile, "Greetings to Madam, Eldest Miss, Second Miss!"

"Xueming greets Mother, Eldest Sister, Second Sister!" Lu Xueming was adorable, her features still childlike, but destined for beauty in a few years. Though only three days younger than Lu Xuexiang, she was a concubine's daughter.

Lu Xueqing found no fault, silently lowering her gaze. Aunt Hu was more troublesome than she'd thought. Lu Xuexiang, less adept, snorted and looked away, jealous that even Lu Xueming was prettier.

"Aunt Hu, mind your words—people might think I can't tolerate you!"

Leng Yiyun saw Aunt Hu and Aunt He, with Lu Xuechun and Lu Juntao, entering. She forced a smile, suppressing her anger—she wouldn't fall for their provocations.

They greeted her and Lu Xueqing, but Leng Yiyun barely acknowledged the children, convinced Lady Xu favored her daughter above all.

"Why aren't you inside? Expecting Lady Xu to wait for you?" Lu Xuexiang snapped, marching ahead, unwilling to see their false faces.

Aunt Hu and Aunt He exchanged smiles, gloating over Leng Yiyun's misfortunes. She seemed cursed lately, with one disaster after another—life was about to get interesting.

Leng Yiyun worried about Lu Xuexiang's odd behavior, glanced at Aunt Hu, and entered first.

Madam Pan was timid, as was her son Lu Juntao. Aunt Hu scorned them, dragging her daughter and Aunt He inside.

Lady Xu had risen early, breakfasted, and was drinking tea in the flower hall with her maid Biquing, who massaged her shoulders and praised her blessings. The two were so engrossed they failed to notice Lu Xueqing and her mother enter.

Before crossing the threshold, Lu Xueqing heard Biquing's praises and felt proud, her beauty radiant as golden clouds.

"Qing'er greets Grandmother!"

Lu Xueqing curtsied gracefully, her voice sweet, her figure elegant. Lu Xuexiang followed reluctantly, barely curtsying.

Leng Yiyun was careful, bowing properly.

Lady Xu welcomed Lu Xueqing, ignoring the others. Biquing noted their expressions—Madam had mellowed, but the second Miss grew ever more unruly.

"Qing'er, come here," Lady Xu beckoned, her manner gentle, as befitting a grandmother, but her warmth was reserved for Lu Xueqing.

Lu Xueqing joyfully stepped forward, took over from Biquing, and massaged Lady Xu's shoulders. "Grandmother, does this feel good?"

"Yes, just right!" Lady Xu nodded, eyes closed in pleasure.

Aunt Hu and the others entered, awkwardly watching the scene, their envy palpable. What should have been a warm family moment was, to them, as painful as being pricked by needles.

Lu Xueqing shot Aunt Hu a triumphant look—her earlier smugness was gone.

Aunt Hu twisted her handkerchief, nails digging into her palm—Lady Xu only had eyes for Lu Xueqing; the other grandchildren were negligible.

Leng Yiyun kept her head down, Lu Xuexiang wished she could slap Lu Xueqing—how long would they stand here?

"Biquing, the second and third concubines are here to pay respects," Biquing reminded Lady Xu.

"Yes," Lady Xu replied coldly. "It's already late—go back to where you came from!"

Aunt Hu and Aunt He nearly spat blood—having stood at the door for half an hour, yet told they were late.

"Kneel to thank Lady Xu,"

Aunt Hu's group knelt and left, unhappy. Leng Yiyun lingered, ignoring Lu Xuexiang's urging—she wouldn't leave without permission.

"Why are you still here? Anrong only punished you by kneeling for a few hours—far too lenient! You know whether you've wronged Anrong. Go copy Buddhist scriptures to cleanse your filthy thoughts before returning!" Lady Xu suddenly snapped, sending Leng Yiyun away, leaving only Lu Xueqing.

Leng Yiyun was scolded, retreating meekly, frustrated but forced to endure.

Worst off was Lu Xuexiang—called "second girl," as if a servant, no different from a country woman's daughter.

"Xiang'er, look how much your sister pleases Lady Xu—learn from her!"

Leng Yiyun still favored her eldest daughter, even though Lu Xueqing hadn't spoken for her.

"Enough!"

ps: Recommended—my friend Hongshao Jianjian's cultivation novel "Heaven-defying Beauty, Dominant Yin-Yang Master."