Chapter Three: Luo Ningsang, Why Do You Refuse to Apologize?

The elder maid interjected, shaking her head as if certain that Luo Ningsang could not conjure up that flattering old regulation.

Luo Ningsang felt a sharp pounding at her temples, her exhaustion instantly ignited into fury by the relentless mockery.

In the past, she would have had red-rimmed eyes, eager to argue and explain, or hurried to Xiao Ze’an’s side to apologize humbly.

But today, she merely took a deep breath, clenched the edge of her garment, cast a cold glance at them without a word, and turned to walk directly toward her long-unvisited chamber.

Her straightened back seemed to conceal a stubborn strength, causing the maids behind her to exchange bewildered looks as their chattering abruptly ceased.

Night deepened, the moon hidden behind clouds, and the lights of the Grand Tutor’s residence gradually illuminated.

Inside Xiao Ze’an’s quarters, candlelight flickered, and the scent of tea lingered. He wore a moon-white brocade robe, his hair tied with a jade crown, reclining lazily on a carved couch while toying with a smooth jade pendant.

Hearing the maids’ derisive voices outside, a faint, self-satisfied smile tugged at his thin lips as he silently thought, “Luo Ningsang, now you’ll understand who holds the power. Let’s see how you’ll beg for my forgiveness today.”

He poured himself a leisurely cup of tea, sipped lightly as the fragrance spread across his tongue, adopting a cold demeanor, waiting for Luo Ningsang to meekly admit her fault. He planned to leave her waiting for three days this time, to teach her a lesson she’d never forget.

But time slipped by like sand through fingers; outside, the night thickened until the third watch struck, yet the anticipated knocking and soft pleading never came.

Frowning, Xiao Ze’an gently shook his tea cup, spilling a few drops that dampened his sleeve.

He set the cup down and shifted uneasily, signaling his attendant A’Fu with a glance, whispering, “Go check—what is Luo Ningsang doing?”

A’Fu obeyed, swiftly running through the courtyard and corridors, returning shortly, breathless. “Young master, Miss Luo… she has already extinguished the lights and gone to sleep.”

“Gone to sleep?” Xiao Ze’an sprang up, stunned, frozen in place, unable to recover for a long moment.

The candlelight cast shadows on his restless face, disbelief filling his eyes as he murmured, “How can this be? Nothing has changed, yet she seems like a different person—strangely so.”

That night, Xiao Ze’an tossed and turned, the bedding in disarray.

Staring up at the dark canopy above, his mind was restless like wild grass overgrowing. In times past, whenever he showed displeasure, Luo Ningsang would stand outside his door all night, shivering in the cold wind, her thin figure evoking pity, softly pleading until he relented and opened it. But now, she had resolutely gone to sleep without any hesitation.

At dawn, Luo Ningsang awoke slowly, washed with simplicity, changed into a plain silk dress, and applied light makeup.

Upon opening the door, fresh air greeted her. She inhaled deeply and looked up to see Xiao Ze’an standing in the courtyard, clad in a dark robe that emphasized his upright posture, though his expression was somewhat weary and shadows darkened beneath his eyes.

Seeing Luo Ningsang, Xiao Ze’an straightened instinctively, cleared his throat, and questioned, “Luo Ningsang, why did you not come to apologize last night?”

His tone bore his usual pride, yet his gaze fixed tightly on her face, as if trying to discern the truth.

Luo Ningsang lifted her chin slightly, meeting his eyes calmly, “Apologize? What crime have I committed? Young Master Xiao, where did you get such an idea?”

Her voice was clear and every word carried unprecedented resolve.

Xiao Ze’an’s heart jolted; his eyes widened in anger. “Where did I get the idea? You upset me and show no remorse—how can you have a reason for that?”

Stepping forward, his imposing figure shadowed her, attempting to intimidate.

Yet Luo Ningsang stood her ground, fists clenched, eyes blazing. “I simply did not act according to your wishes yesterday, and you publicly humiliated and scolded me without restraint. I used to respect and love you, always putting you first, yet all I received was disdain and disgrace. I’ve had enough of this life!”

Xiao Ze’an was momentarily speechless, staring at the unfamiliar, stubborn woman before him. The stark contrast to her previous submissive self stirred a bitter feeling within him.

“Young Master Xiao, please remember your own status. I am the princess of Yan Chi Kingdom!” With that, she sidestepped him and strode out of the courtyard.

Xiao Ze’an stood frozen, fists clenched until his knuckles turned white, emotions tangled as he watched her retreating back.

In the past, Luo Ningsang was like a toy in his palm—called at will, dismissed at whim. He never imagined the day she would so resolutely break free from her bonds, like a wild horse, never looking back.

——

Luo Ningsang and Xiao Ze’an arrived at the academy almost simultaneously.

Xiao Ze’an usually sat beside Shen Shuwan, and Luo Ningsang had to beg him just to sit behind him, where she could see his back and smell his clean, pleasant scent, which made her immensely happy.

But today, Luo Ningsang sat in the very last row, far from Xiao Ze’an.

Shen Shuwan’s gaze lingered on Luo Ningsang. She could not comprehend Luo’s outburst yesterday—how could a mere maid be so arrogant?

Turning to Xiao Ze’an, Shen Shuwan said, “Ze’an, your temper is too mild. Even a maid dares to act so haughtily toward you. If I didn’t know better, I’d think Luo Ningsang were the lady of the house!”

Xiao Ze’an replied, “Her father and mine were old acquaintances. My father instructed me to take care of her, but I never expected her to behave like this.”

Hearing his explanation, Shen Shuwan’s doubts eased.

Luo Ningsang ignored them all, focusing only on learning well so she could one day support her brother and help him secure his rule.

While the other students had already scattered, eager to return to warm meals and soft beds, Luo Ningsang sat quietly at the worn wooden table, clutching an ancient text, brow furrowed as she immersed herself in the dense, difficult words, oblivious to the dimming light.

Xiao Ze’an found it strange. Luo Ningsang’s mind was usually filled with thoughts of him—when had she ever studied seriously?

Catching a glimpse of her slender figure, his footsteps involuntarily halted. He thought, Usually she’s the first to dash off after class; why was she still here?

Unable to resist, he blurted, “Aren’t you leaving yet?” His voice held a natural pride that echoed through the empty academy.

Luo Ningsang seemed not to hear him, not even raising her eyelids, as if his voice were merely a breeze outside the window—not stirring even a ripple in her heart.

Seeing this, Shen Shuwan’s eyes shifted. Delicately, she moved to Xiao Ze’an’s side, gently tugging his sleeve, her soft voice full of warmth: “Ze’an, let’s go. Sister Ningsang wants to study; we shouldn’t disturb her.”

Her tender tone was like the sweetest nectar of spring, enchanting anyone who heard it.

But her soft words acted like a signal, instantly igniting hidden malice in the shadows.

“She’s just pretending to be aloof to get Young Master Xiao’s attention. When has she ever seriously studied?”

Yu Xiaoxiao was the first to lash out, crossing her arms and striding up to Luo Ningsang’s desk. Tilting her head, a sneer curled her lips as she scrutinized Luo’s plain clothes contemptuously.

“Right! I think she’s trying to imitate Shen Shuwan; it’s just a pathetic case of a bad copy!” Liu Yanran joined in, covering her mouth dramatically as if hearing the greatest joke, her eyes and brows full of mockery. She exchanged a knowing glance with Yu Xiaoxiao and laughed loudly in unison.

“A maid pretending to be so high and mighty? With the little learning she has, she probably can’t even recognize characters!”

Qian Cuicui, granddaughter of Maid Qian, refused to be outdone. Hands on hips, chin raised haughtily, she acted as if her ancestors were royal nobility, forgetting her own humble origins.

“Don’t speak like that about Sister Ningsang. She’s so clever; one day she’ll surpass me,” Shen Shuwan interjected just in time, lowering her gaze, nervously twisting a silk handkerchief, appearing delicate and pitiful, afraid to cause trouble.

But her words, though seemingly protective, were laced with subtle barbs. They made Luo Ningsang appear ungrateful and unreasonable, while casting Shen Shuwan as considerate and understanding.

Xiao Ze’an frowned, his gaze shifting between Luo Ningsang and Shen Shuwan, a trace of displeasure stirring.

Though he usually enjoyed being the center of attention and paid little mind to petty squabbles among women, seeing Luo Ningsang besieged like this inexplicably angered him.

His dog only accepts insults from him; others attacking her was an affront to his own face.

“Enough!” he commanded softly, his voice small but imbued with undeniable authority. The academy fell silent instantly, only the rustling leaves outside stirred.

“What is this gathering for? Go back now!”

Xiao Ze’an’s gaze was sharp as he swept the crowd. Everyone fell silent. Though Yu Xiaoxiao and the others were reluctant, they dared not speak further. They hurriedly lifted their skirts and left the academy in dejection.

Shen Shuwan’s eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill. Biting her lip, she looked at Xiao Ze’an with a wronged expression. “Ze’an, I… I only wanted to help Sister Ningsang. I didn’t expect to upset everyone.”

Xiao Ze’an sighed slightly, his expression softening. “Shuwan, it’s not your fault. They went too far. Don’t take it to heart. I’ll escort you back.”

He gently wiped away the tears at Shen Shuwan’s eyes, oblivious to the mocking look Luo Ningsang shot him.

Xiao Ze’an was always like this—no matter what he faced, he stood up for her, shielding her from harm. Such actions repeatedly made Luo Ningsang’s heart sink.

If not for this protection, she wouldn’t have chased after Xiao Ze’an all these years. She believed that if he held no affection for her, he wouldn’t defend her so fiercely.

Without these moments of tenderness, she wouldn’t constantly tell herself that Xiao Ze’an harbored at least a little love for her.

Yet the former Luo Ningsang never considered that beneath the umbrella Xiao Ze’an held over her, the storms he sheltered her from were storms she couldn’t bear.

Xiao Ze’an and Shen Shuwan stepped out of the academy side by side. A gentle breeze stirred their robes. At the gate, a group of servants waited respectfully. The imperial bestowal sedan chair gleamed conspicuously, its golden lacquer shining brilliantly in the sunset, radiating honor.

The emperor had originally arranged this imperial conveyance specifically for Luo Ningsang, though it had since been appropriated by the Grand Tutor’s mansion to flaunt their prestige.

In the past, whenever Luo Ningsang saw that sedan chair, her eyes would involuntarily brighten, for it gave her a pretext to ride alongside Xiao Ze’an.

Inside the cramped carriage, the space was tight. When Luo Ningsang sat close to Xiao Ze’an, she even softened her breathing, fearing to disturb the quiet moment.

Occasionally, when the carriage jostled over stone roads, Xiao Ze’an’s shoulder would inadvertently brush against hers. In that instant, a current seemed to surge through her, flushing her cheeks crimson and sending her heart racing uncontrollably.

Afterward, she would savor that brief touch over and over, pondering its meaning for a long time.

Later, when Xiao Ze’an once suggested bringing Shen Shuwan along, Luo Ningsang’s heart ached bitterly, but she gritted her teeth and agreed.

From then on, the three often shared the imperial carriage. Luo Ningsang would sit in a corner, watching Xiao Ze’an and Shen Shuwan chat and laugh, fingers unconsciously twisting her garment’s edge while maintaining a composed smile.

Today, Xiao Ze’an and Shen Shuwan left first in the carriage, as usual.

The sedan bearers paced steadily, accustomed to prioritizing Young Master Xiao, as Luo Ningsang had originally instructed.

Back then, her heart and eyes were filled with Xiao Ze’an; little did she expect that this arrangement would one day become a dagger piercing her own heart.

Luo Ningsang finally strolled out of the academy slowly, still clutching her textbook. Looking up, she scanned the bustling crowd but saw no trace of the familiar imperial carriage.

Startled, she took a few steps forward.

“Oh? Are you still looking for that imperial sedan chair?” a sharp, biting voice suddenly rang out.

Turning, Luo Ningsang saw it was the scolding old woman who did odd jobs at the academy, known for gossiping and belittling others.

The woman crossed her arms, rolled her eyes, and sneered with sarcasm, “You’re just a maid, not knowing your place! Why do you still covet something as imperial as that?”

A nearby pageboy chimed in, “Exactly! Young Master Xiao and Miss Shen already left in the carriage. That imperial gift from the emperor is a huge honor, reserved only for the Grand Tutor’s legitimate son. You riding along a few times—do you really think you’re the lady of the house?”

Another maid-like figure jumped in, pointing aggressively at Luo Ningsang. “Right! Now that Miss Shen and Young Master Xiao are together, that’s a perfect match—talented and beautiful, well-matched families. Only she deserves to ride in that carriage.”

“As for you, a lowly maid, Young Master Xiao generously let you ride a few times, and now you’re so arrogant as to think the carriage is yours. You should know your place!”

Luo Ningsang listened to these biting words, anger swelling until she laughed bitterly. A mocking curve lifted her lips as her clear eyes stared unflinchingly at those speaking.

——