Chapter 84: Lu Xueqing’s Completion (Second Update) – Please Subscribe and Vote

Chapter 084: Lu Xueqing Has Fallen (Second Update) — Please Subscribe and Vote

Because of the selection process, Lu Xueqing was causing a daily commotion in the residence, crying endlessly and smashing the furnishings at least three times. Each time she broke something, Lady Xu neither scolded her nor showed anger; instead, she had servants redecorate the room anew. Allowing her to vent her dissatisfaction freely, everyone in the Prime Minister’s mansion was utterly stunned. The position of this eldest young lady in the old madam’s heart was so exalted that even the master himself could not surpass it.

Naturally, the concubines of the other branches felt displeased, their eyes burning with jealousy. Even Lu Xuexiang was driven mad with envy and resentment. How could the old madam be so partial? She was also her legitimate granddaughter, yet she wouldn’t even spare a single golden hairpin for her. Lu Xueqing smashed and smashed again, shattering countless antique vases and tearing several precious calligraphy scrolls, but the old madam did not get angry; she simply ordered the servants to clean up and replace them with new ones.

Though both were daughters of the principal wife, the treatment of the eldest legitimate daughter and the second legitimate daughter was worlds apart. What was it that made her sister superior? Lu Xuexiang was driven mad by jealousy and berated Lady Xu thoroughly. She even obtained clothes previously worn by Lady Xu and Lu Xueqing, cut them into rags, and crudely sewed two small dolls the size of palms. She affixed their birth charts and secretly procured strands of their hair, then hid under the covers to curse and needle them for two days straight!

Such witchcraft was strictly forbidden in all households. Even harming ordinary people was prohibited, let alone cursing the household’s mistress. Once discovered, it meant fifty lashes with a cane — and even if it didn’t kill, it would cost half a life! No one knew where Lu Xuexiang had learned such a vile trick, but now she felt disgusted whenever she saw them, and she had not gone to pay respects to Lady Xu for at least half a month!

For over a month, Leng Yiyun had been enduring the torment caused by Lu Junfan’s injury and the turmoil over the Ministry of Rites’ roster, leaving her spirit depleted. She looked thinner, her eyes sunken, her face pale and bloodless. Now, she hated An Ran with an unbearable itch in her teeth. After paying respects to Lady Xu morning and evening, she secluded herself in her quarters, plotting how to eliminate An Ran. She no longer cared about any matters in the Prime Minister’s mansion, nor did she pay attention to Lu Xueqing, much less the disfavored youngest daughter, Lu Xuexiang.

Therefore, Leng Yiyun was completely unaware of some of Lu Xuexiang’s recent misdeeds. If she had known about those foolish curses against her own family, it would surely have driven her mad!

In contrast, Lu Xueqing had been unusually calm lately. She felt constantly fatigued, utterly weak, wanting to sleep during the day but unable to at night. Over the past two days, she had spent seven out of twelve hours sleeping. She couldn’t explain it; her taste bud dulled, as if food had no flavor. Even her favorite crab roe soup repulsed her, its fishy smell nauseating her. Only sour preserved fruits lifted her mood. In fact, she had devoured two plates of sour plums in just the last two days.

“Qing’er, why have you been so absent-minded these past two days?” Lady Xu set down her tea and snacks, tilting her head to see Lu Xueqing’s bewildered face and vacant eyes, as if lost in thought.

Lu Xueqing did not reply but remained deep in contemplation. Lady Xu shook her head heavily, feeling an indescribable sorrow.

She had hoped that having Lu Xueqing participate in the selection would, with the aura of the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter, secure the best marriage among the princes and perhaps one day ascend to the throne and become empress dowager. But ever since the palace announced the roster of candidates, the entire household was shrouded in gloom. What joy could she have alone? Her son was unhappy, her favorite granddaughter was unhappy — how could she be happy?

“Qing’er, you look unwell. Don’t attend to this old woman anymore—go rest!” Lady Xu patted Lu Xueqing’s hand, her voice tinged with age.

Lu Xueqing came back to her senses, slightly startled, pursed her lips, and said, “Then I shall come again tomorrow.”

“Mm.”

Lu Xueqing lightly stepped out of the hall. The maid attending Lady Xu kept staring at her retreating figure, feeling that the young lady had been acting oddly these days. At first, she cried and threw tantrums wildly, but there was no other choice — she had to participate in the selection. Whether she would be chosen or not, she had to go. But recently, she had become quiet yet appeared sullen. The maid’s heart suddenly tightened; could the young lady be harboring suicidal thoughts?

“Old madam, I have something to say but don’t know if I should!” The maid who had taken over Lu Xueqing’s duties quietly said while massaging Lady Xu’s shoulders.

“It’s just the two of us here; speak freely.” Lady Xu closed her eyes.

The maid leaned close and whispered, “The young lady was causing a big fuss before, but these past days she suddenly changed, becoming quiet and dispirited. Do you think she might be seriously troubled?”

“What? Qing’er… troubled?” Lady Xu’s eyes snapped open, her voice rising sharply. She was terrified. Fortunately, the maid had warned her. She had sensed something was wrong with Qing’er but never imagined she might have suicidal thoughts. Lu Xueqing was her cherished treasure—such a thing must never happen!

Supported by her maid, Lu Xueqing returned to her courtyard. As soon as she entered her room, nausea surged in her stomach accompanied by a burning sensation in her chest. She hurried inside, clutching the chamber pot to vomit. Only when her stomach was emptied did she feel some relief.

A bath and a good sleep would help. Perhaps she had eaten one too many crystal shrimp dumplings that morning, upsetting her stomach. She comforted herself. If she still felt this way tomorrow, she would have to see a doctor.

“Zi Ya, bring me some water to rinse my mouth! Also, I want to bathe!” Lu Xueqing leaned against the bed, feeling somewhat better inside but overwhelmed by the foul taste in her mouth.

Zi Ya quickly ordered servants to bring in the bathing water, scattering flower petals into the tub and pulling a screen around it. After rinsing her mouth, Lu Xueqing waved the attendants away. “You may all leave. I want to be alone.”

“Yes, young lady.”

Zi Ya led the others out. Lu Xueqing quietly stepped behind the screen, undressed until only a peony-embroidered undergarment remained. Her jade-like skin was as white and flawless as lotus root, her curves perfectly balanced, and her face breathtakingly beautiful. Such a woman would make any man’s heart race, eager to claim her for himself. Who would be willing to let her go?

Jun Dingyue, though an old man, was still a man, wasn’t he? Just by seeing Lu Xueqing’s face, he would immediately make her his consort. How could he possibly be willing to give her to his own son, allowing the younger man to enjoy such a stunning beauty?

Lu Xueqing stepped lightly into the bath, her delicate toes gently stirring the petals floating on the water’s surface. She smiled softly. How many men’s souls would be lost at the sight of such a beauty bathing? She leaned against the tub, letting the hot water caress every inch of her skin, nourishing every pore. She sighed gently—it was truly a pleasure.

Yet, at the thought of entering the palace to serve a decrepit old man, her heart plummeted to the depths of despair. How could she accept a man old enough to be her grandfather as her husband, lying beside him under the same roof? The thought made her stomach churn again.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes wide, fear shining brightly in them. But in the blink of an eye, that fear was replaced by a sharp determination. She absolutely refused to resign herself to fate. She would never attend the selection. Once she stepped through that door, she would never come out. She refused to wait for the emperor’s death or to seclude herself in a temple with flickering candles and ancient monks, or to be buried alive as a sacrifice. She wanted to live well—she wanted to rise higher and stand further than ever before!

A blooming smile spread across her mouth. She lifted a petal and stuck it on herself—one petal, two, three...

“Ah—!”

Lu Xueqing screamed. Hearing her cry, Zi Ya and the other maids rushed in immediately.

“Young lady, what’s wrong?” Zi Ya looked around but saw nothing unusual. Yet Lu Xueqing submerged her body below the neck beneath the water, her face still pale and fraught with panic.

“I… I’m fine…” Lu Xueqing struggled to steady her breathing. She could not let anyone know; if word got out, her reputation would be ruined, and she would end up branded as a wanton. She had to remain calm and keep silent...

“There was just a rat that ran behind the screen, it startled me terribly! I’m fine, really fine. Please all leave now!”

Fearing Zi Ya would not believe her, she repeated “I’m fine” several times, making the maid even more suspicious. But they didn’t know what was going on; their only duty was to serve their mistress. Other matters were none of their concern.

Zi Ya nodded and led the others out. Before closing the door, she glanced back inside. Seeing nothing amiss, she secured the room.

“Ahem…”

Suddenly, a man emerged from Lu Xueqing’s bathwater. Clad in a thin, soaked shirt clinging tightly to his muscular frame, he wiped water from his face and smirked, “Young lady’s bathwater is truly fragrant—no wonder you smell so sweet!”

“What nonsense are you talking about!” Lu Xueqing, both embarrassed and ashamed, covered her chest with both hands. Her back pressed firmly against the tub’s wall as she whispered urgently, “How did a man get into my room, let alone hide in my bath? I want to scream, but if I call anyone in, my life will be ruined.”

“Miss Lu, you’re not only famous throughout Moon City but also more courageous than other ladies. A strange man appearing in broad daylight in your chamber, yet you handle it without panic—I admire that!” The man stepped out of the tub and used his internal energy to dry his shirt. Steam rose around him, and in moments his clothes were dry!

Lu Xueqing was shocked by his martial skill but felt anger. She still hid in the tub, threatening, “Do you know that trespassing in the Prime Minister’s mansion is a capital offense? Leave at once or I will call for help!”

The man snorted coldly, his eyes sharp and clear. “If it weren’t for the Prime Minister’s household, I wouldn’t bother coming here. Go ahead and call, but I wonder what position you’ll be in when they see you.”

“You—” The young unmarried lady blushed crimson, her feigned composure utterly shattered. She was terrified. What should she do?

“I usually don’t go back for second helpings, but Miss Lu, you’re just too tempting. I can’t help but come again, even at risk.”

In the blink of an eye, the man appeared behind Lu Xueqing, one hand playing with her jet-black hair, the other gently touching her fair skin.

“Ah—go away!”

Terrified, Lu Xueqing trembled violently, her face ashen.

“Hehe… I came for you; how could I leave so easily?” The man said, grabbing her delicate arm and lifting her from the tub.

Lu Xueqing was doomed!

Meanwhile, An Ran, holding a little fox, had just stepped outside when she saw a maid wearing a floral short blouse and long skirt lurking suspiciously at her door, glancing inside from time to time.

Upon seeing An Ran, the maid’s eyes lit up. She hurried over and knelt before her, bowing deeply three times.

“Miss An, please take my mistress’s pulse! I beg you!” The maid was about fifteen or sixteen, fairly pretty, tears streaming down her face as she kowtowed repeatedly.

Her kneeling immediately drew the attention of bystanders, who seemed to look at her as if she had committed an unforgivable crime, their eyes filled with reproach.

“Stand up first,” An Ran said coldly, stepping back two paces with a strong sense of distance.

But the maid refused to rise, her tearful eyes meeting An Ran’s as she kowtowed twice more. “Please, Miss An, take my mistress’s pulse. If you don’t agree, I will wait here until you do.”

An Ran watched this scene with disdain. Was she being coerced? If she refused, would she be committing an offense? She hated being threatened, especially in public.

“If you won’t get up, then forget it. I have other matters to attend to. Go back!” An Ran turned to leave.

Seeing her about to step away, the maid clung to An Ran’s leg, crying pitifully. “Please, Miss An, have mercy and take my mistress’s pulse. I beg you…”

Han Bing and Han Shang stood far away, watching coldly. Their hearts were colder than ice, harder than stone. They were unmoved by such pleas.

But several onlookers, unable to bear it, whispered criticisms and exchanged low talk nearby. An Ran’s keen hearing caught their words clearly. She shook her head slightly, wondering why they were so convinced she must diagnose the illness.

“Miss An, my mistress knows you are kind-hearted. She specifically sent me here to wait for you. She insists on inviting you back,” the maid said, more shrewd now, having realized her previous approach annoyed An Ran. She changed tactics.

An Ran curled her lips and asked condescendingly, “Which mistress?”

The maid, sensing a chance to negotiate, immediately kowtowed twice more. “The third mistress of the Prime Minister’s mansion!”

Oh? An Ran smiled faintly. Since it was the Prime Minister’s third mistress, all other concerns could be set aside. This illness—she would treat it!