Read Novel Full CHAPTER 28 PART3
CHAPTER 28 PART3
A gust of wind suddenly swept through, scattering the fine, thread-like rain, with droplets falling from the window, covering the ground.
A few crystal-like raindrops landed on Gu Feichi’s mask, his long, delicate lashes, and some even slipped into the collar of his robes, sending a cool chill down his neck.
Gu Feichi: “…”
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp and deep, like a cold pool or a sharp blade.
It was as if a lightning bolt had struck his mind, and suddenly, he understood—understood what Xiao Yanfei truly wanted him to investigate…
He casually plucked a pear blossom, fallen by the rain. His fingers gently stroked it, and the snow-white petals, wet from the rain, trembled slightly, resembling a beauty shedding tears, fragile and pitiful.
The room was silent, with only the increasingly clear sound of the rain falling outside.
After a moment, Gu Feichi instructed, “Look into where the two young ladies of the Marquis’ household were born—whether it was in the capital or elsewhere. Find out where the midwife is now and if there were any others present at the time.”
Ying Qi, being perceptive, blinked twice, immediately guessing what Gu Feichi was alluding to. He raised his head to glance at him, then lowered it again, responding respectfully, “Yes, Young Master.”
Ying Qi moved soundlessly, retreating, leaving behind only the wet trail of water on the floor.
Gu Feichi remained by the window, gazing in the direction of the palace. The humidity in the air had thickened, shrouding the sky in a misty haze.
A few days ago, when he entered the palace, the emperor mentioned the upcoming selection of a bride for the Crown Prince at the Qianfang Banquet. Subtextually, he was probing into Gu Feichi’s own marriage.
Gu Feichi had brushed it off with a casual reply.
He had too many secrets that couldn’t be revealed, and marrying a wife would be like driving a nail into his household.
That would make things far too inconvenient for him, and if he wasn’t careful…
Gu Feichi casually tossed the pure white pear blossom out the window, then picked up the piece of silk paper Ying Qi had presented earlier and took another look at it.
When the rain stopped, Gu Feichi took the silk paper and personally went to the Marquis of Wu’an’s residence.
So, the next morning, Xiao Yanfei found a piece of silk paper pressed beneath the jade sleep fox paperweight in her small study.
The desk by the window was damp from the rain, but Xiao Yanfei paid no mind. Almost eagerly, she picked up the silk paper and carefully examined it.
It was just one page, and before long, she had finished reading it. With a sigh, she sat down on the circle chair by the window, disappointed.
What was written on the paper wasn’t much of a secret; she already knew most of it. There was no substantial evidence about the exchange of the two children by Concubine Cui.
Sigh!
Thinking about it, it’s only been three days, and these events are from fifteen years ago—how could it possibly be so easy to uncover the truth?
This was the ancient era, not the information-rich modern world… even in the modern day, it wouldn’t be that simple to investigate something from fifteen years ago.
Xiao Yanfei patiently read the silk paper again, her gaze lingering on the section about events from sixteen years ago.
Sixteen years ago, the Marquis of Wu’an’s household fell into decline due to the old marquis’s defeat in battle. Madam Yin married into the household and became the wife of the heir, which left Concubine Cui to become a concubine.
Could it be that Concubine Cui felt Madam Yin took her rightful place as the main wife, and that was why she treated the original owner this way?
Thinking this, Xiao Yanfei held a corner of the silk paper to the flame of the oil lamp.
The orange-red flame quickly consumed the paper, leaving only a pile of ashes behind.
The wind blew, and the ashes scattered, leaving no trace behind.
When Haitang entered with a set of freshly made clothes, she vaguely smelled the scent of something burning in the air. She glanced around the room but didn’t see anything that had been set on fire.
Xiao Yanfei took out a handkerchief and wiped her hands, gently brushing away the remaining ashes from her fingers.
“Miss,” Haitang hesitated for a moment before reporting, “I heard from Tingyue Pavilion today that they invited Physician Wang from Guangyu Hall again. Concubine Cui’s wrist was accidentally burned, and it’s formed several large blisters…”
At this, Xiao Yanfei finally reacted, lazily lifting her eyelids.
She clearly remembered how Concubine Cui’s wrist had gotten burned.
Haitang continued, “Last night, when Concubine Cui was sleeping, she accidentally pressed on the blisters. Now, the wound has become infected and is oozing pus. Concubine Cui has been running a fever since yesterday and has taken several doses of medicine, but the fever still hasn’t subsided.”
“The Marquis heard that Guangyu Hall is skilled in treating burns, so he sent someone to invite Physician Wang to check on Concubine Cui. Physician Wang said the wound isn’t healing well; it’s become infected, and it looks like it will most likely leave a scar.”
“Concubine Cui fainted when she heard this…”
Haitang looked at Xiao Yanfei with a complex expression, her lips slightly twitching.
Concubine Cui’s skin was as fair as snow, flawless and admired by everyone in the entire Marquis’ residence. It was something she took great pride in. The idea of having a scar left on her body would likely be a significant blow to her.
“Miss…” Haitang hesitated, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself. She was about to ask whether Xiao Yanfei should go to Tingyue Pavilion to visit Concubine Cui, but ultimately didn’t voice it.
The young miss had always been filial to Concubine Cui, always thinking of her when something good came her way. The maids could all see this and remembered it well.
Sigh… They couldn’t help but wonder what Concubine Cui had done to break the young miss’s heart so completely.
Xiao Yanfei gave a half-smile, the corners of her mouth curving in a way that suggested amusement and a touch of irony.
The “cry wolf” game backfired and now, what was supposed to be a feigned illness had turned into a real one.
Haitang sighed inwardly, bringing over the new set of plum-colored clothes. She changed the subject, “Miss, the needlework room has finished altering the dress for the Qianfang Banquet. Would you like to try it on?”
“Madam Tao said that if there’s anything you’d like changed, she’ll have it fixed for you tonight.”
Ever since Xiao Yanfei’s medicine had alleviated Madam Tao’s foot ailment, Madam Tao had treated her with the utmost reverence, even prioritizing new clothes, shoes, and socks for her at the Yuechu Pavilion. This had also brought benefits to the maids and servants in the courtyard.
Xiao Yanfei nodded, and Haitang called for Dingxiang to come in. The two of them helped Xiao Yanfei try on the dress.
The Qianfang invitation required the young ladies to wear riding outfits for the banquet, so this new outfit was a tailored, form-fitting Hu-style robe. The cut and size were perfect, accentuating Xiao Yanfei’s slender figure, though the waist was a little loose by half an inch. Haitang promptly sent the dress back to the needlework room for a minor adjustment.
The next day, when Xiao Yanfei left the house, she wore the new clothes.
The fresh, plum-colored Hu-style robe was beautiful, with embroidered butterflies fluttering around orchids on the hem. The butterflies danced gracefully, and the orchids were delicately arranged, creating an elegant, refined design.
On the water-red edging, there were vibrant embroidered motifs of spring peaches, summer lotuses, autumn chrysanthemums, and winter plums—each representing a season, lending the outfit a fresh, understated charm that made Xiao Yanfei appear even more delicate and radiant.
“Second sister, this dress looks truly stunning on you!”
As soon as she stepped into the carriage, Xiao Luanfei’s first words were full of generous praise. “But there’s still something missing.”
She looked Xiao Yanfei over from head to toe, then took out two plum-red velvet flowers from a box, pinning them beside the peony gold hairpin in her hair. She also handed her a small mirror.
The girl in the mirror, now adorned with the two small velvet flowers, looked like summer flowers in full bloom—her beauty was even more striking.
“Thank you, elder sister,” Xiao Yanfei smiled.
Before long, the carriage jolted as it drove out of the gates of the Marquis’ residence.
Xiao Luanfei personally poured tea for Xiao Yanfei, her movements incredibly graceful, and she stole a glance at her from the corner of her eye.
“Second sister, have some tea,” she said, pushing the tea towards Xiao Yanfei.
Xiao Yanfei leaned back comfortably against the carriage wall, letting Xiao Luanfei observe her. She drank tea now and then, occasionally weaving a knot with thread.
Compared to embroidery, shoe-making, or sewing clothes, Xiao Yanfei found weaving knots far more interesting.
The carriage sped along, and the interior was quiet.
Xiao Luanfei, however, was somewhat restless. Several times, she brought the cup of tea to her lips but only sipped a few drops. Her gaze kept drifting uncontrollably toward Xiao Yanfei.
It was said that on the day Zheng momo came to deliver the Qianfang invitation, Xiao Yanfei also went to the main courtyard, but she didn’t enter the room. Afterward, there was no sign of anything unusual from Xiao Yanfei, and no one knew if she had overheard anything that day.
She must have heard something, right?
The thought briefly crossed her mind. At that moment, Xiao Luanfei’s bracelet lightly bumped against the teacup on the small table, producing a faint clink.
Xiao Yanfei glanced up at Xiao Luanfei’s wrist. It was a red-gold, layered-silk bracelet with a butterfly design, set with rubies, accentuating the slender, pale beauty of her wrist.
Noticing Xiao Yanfei’s gaze, Xiao Luanfei ran a finger gently over the raised floral pattern on the bracelet, her half-lowered eyes glinting with light.
“This was a gift from the Crown Prince.”
“You’re my sister, so it’s fine to tell you,” Xiao Luanfei said with a generous smile, her lips curving upward. “I met the Crown Prince at Jiulong Mountain. That year, I went hunting with Princess Ning Shu and the others and happened to run into the Crown Prince, who was in disguise. The Crown Prince was bitten by a poisonous snake. Fortunately, I had various medicinal pills with me and saved his life.”
“At the time, I didn’t know he was a prince, and we….”
She lightly bit her full lower lip, her voice growing softer and softer, almost shy, like a blooming flower, exuding a unique charm that only a young girl could possess.
The carriage sped on, rocking rhythmically. From outside came a cacophony of voices, the sound of wheels turning, and the clatter of horses’ hooves.
Xiao Luanfei removed the bracelet and spoke softly, “Second sister, I will become the Crown Prince’s consort. I will make Mother proud of me, and bring her honor.”
“Mother has always loved me the most. She treats me like a precious treasure. When I was ill, she stayed by my side, never leaving. Whatever I wanted, she would always make sure I got it. This time will be no different.”
“She’ll be happier than anyone to know I’ve found a good match.”
“Mother once told me that others are just passing figures in her life. No one compares to me. I am her flesh and blood, the continuation of her life… I am the most important.”
As she spoke, she lifted her eyes to look at Xiao Yanfei. The brilliant, gleaming red-gold bracelet made her eyes shine brightly, almost unnaturally so.
Xiao Yanfei stared directly at Xiao Luanfei, who was no more than three feet away.
What Xiao Luanfei had just said left a rather uncomfortable feeling. Every word was laden with meaning, and the final sentence felt almost like a subtle challenge, as though she were hinting that Xiao Yanfei should keep her distance from Madam Yin.
Or was Xiao Luanfei trying to imply that, for her future happiness, Madam Yin would eventually have to yield to Gao An?
Xiao Luanfei continued to watch Xiao Yanfei, her eyes narrowing slightly. She slowly spoke again, “Second sister, don’t you think so?”
Xiao Yanfei said nothing.
She pressed her lips together in silence, her fingers absentmindedly twisting the half-done knot under the table.
Interesting.
Xiao Luanfei was afraid.
She was also panicking.
As the legitimate eldest daughter, what made her lose confidence, believing that Madam Yin would favor her at her expense?
Unless she had something to feel guilty about.
She knew that secret!
Xiao Yanfei’s long, curled eyelashes trembled slightly.
At that moment, the carriage began to slow down, and one of the maids outside called out, “Miss, Second Miss, we’ve arrived at Qinghui Garden.”
Xiao Luanfei casually lifted the curtain and glanced outside.
Qinghui Garden was located in the western outskirts of the capital, in the Yunshan area. From Yunshan to the nearby Anshan, there were nine lakes. This region was known for its picturesque scenery, with clear waters, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes.
Outside the carriage, a long winding line of carriages could be seen, all elegantly crafted, parked in front of Qinghui Palace, waiting their turn to enter the garden.
Only those from the royal family, noble houses, and princesses’ residences were given special treatment by the palace attendants, allowing them to enter first. Most other carriages had no choice but to wait passively.
The surroundings were noisy, with the sound of horses neighing, people talking loudly, and the crack of whips all blending together.
Looking around, the familiar carriages made Xiao Luanfei feel at ease. This was her world.
A slight smile tugged at the corner of Xiao Luanfei’s rosy lips. She let go of the curtain, and in doing so, the red-gold bracelet encrusted with rubies slipped from her hand and fell out of the carriage window.
“Oh no,” Xiao Luanfei murmured, looking at Xiao Yanfei with a half-smile. “My bracelet fell. Second sister, could you help me pick it up?”
The carriage came to a stop.
Xiao Luanfei tilted her head, her delicate face unwavering as she stared at Xiao Yanfei, a slight smile playing on her lips. She exuded a silent, yet undeniable pressure.
It was a subtle declaration of dominance, one that came with the air of someone at the very top.
In her past life, she had allowed Xiao Yanfei to take everything that belonged to her.
But this time, she wouldn’t.
***