Chapter Seven: Luoning Sang Feigns Illness

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“There’s no sense of decorum at all. I fear she’s deliberately making things difficult for the servants while the master is away.”

“Young Master Xiao, you can’t just let this slide. You have to discipline her properly, or she’ll surely cause chaos in the future!”

Xiao Ze’an’s face darkened, but he dared not lose his temper. He clenched his teeth, pretending not to hear, and supported Shen Shuwan as they walked toward the sedan chair.

“Wan’er, I’ll help you—take it slow.”

Seeing this, Luo Ningsang stepped forward to block them, expressionless. “I don’t recall inviting Miss Shen to ride with us. Is it proper for the Prime Minister’s household to have uninvited guests?”

Shen Shuwan froze mid-step, caught between moving forward and stepping back. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she looked to Xiao Ze’an for help.

Xiao Ze’an’s anger flared instantly. Pointing at Luo Ningsang, he shouted, “Luo Ningsang, must you be so difficult? You usually act capriciously, but today you’re really crossing the line! If you continue like this, I’ll never speak to you again, not even if you kneel and beg me!”

A wave of sadness washed over Luo Ningsang’s heart. This was the person she once loved so deeply. Her eyes reddened but she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall.

Shen Shuwan angrily swept her sleeve and left. Xiao Ze’an remained rooted to the spot, not pursuing her.

She looked straight at him, her voice trembling slightly. “Before, when you two rode together in the sedan, I had to follow behind silently and walk back alone—you never noticed.”

“My heart and eyes were filled with you. I begrudged my own needs, but bought you everything you wanted to please and serve you—you didn’t see.”

“I loved you wholeheartedly, humbled down to the dust, only hoping you’d glance my way just once—you still didn’t see.”

“Now, simply because I didn’t let Shen Shuwan ride in the sedan, I’m accused of causing trouble and throwing a tantrum?”

Luo Ningsang recalled her past life with a heavy heart.

She had surrendered military power just to marry him, filled with hope, only to receive his coldness and exploitation.

Those years of betrayal, those deep wounds, surged like a tide, suffocating her until tears streamed down her face, and she realized she had lost control.

Xiao Ze’an had been about to scold her, but seeing her tears stopped the words in his throat.

In his memory, Luo Ningsang always followed behind him carefree; no matter how harsh his words, she never shed a single tear.

Now, her face filled with sorrow and grievance, his heart tightened inexplicably, stirring guilt and tenderness.

Luo Ningsang hastily wiped her tears, took a deep breath, and declared resolutely, “Xiao Ze’an, since my affection only brings your disdain, from now on you can keep Shen Shuwan to yourself—I won’t bother you anymore.”

Xiao Ze’an’s heart panicked. Softening his tone, he murmured, “Luo Ningsang, I… I don’t dislike you. Also, Shen Shuwan and I are just ordinary friends, not what you think.”

After speaking, he glanced toward where Shen Shuwan and Yu Xiaoxiao had already gone, then stepped into the sedan.

Yu Xiaoxiao, daughter of the Minister of Revenue, had been doted on by her father since childhood, growing up arrogant and spoiled, with few friends.

Until she met Shen Shuwan, whose gentle kindness first made her feel the warmth of friendship.

Shen Shuwan would often whisper in her ear that Xiao Ze’an was devoted to her and that Luo Ningsang was a scheming woman trying to steal him away.

Over time, Yu Xiaoxiao grew to loathe Luo Ningsang and seized every chance to make trouble for her.

The sedan began to move slowly. Luo Ningsang sat inside, wiping her tears. Her past feelings truly still affected her deeply.

In the next few days, rumors about bets on Luo Ningsang at the academy spread wildly.

Some mocked her for overestimating herself and trying to shake a mountain with an ant’s strength; others waited eagerly to see her humiliated so they could jeer.

“Shen sister, don’t be upset. That Luo Ningsang is just an ugly troublemaker—dumb and ugly, always scheming to steal Young Master Xiao. She should look at herself first.”

“She just made things difficult for you earlier. I’ll make sure she pays for it—won’t let her off easy.”

“And what’s wrong with Young Master Xiao? Why hasn’t he come after you yet?”

Yu Xiaoxiao rattled on at length to Shen Shuwan.

“Xiaoxiao, let’s go. Brother Ze’an probably won’t come after me. I’m not upset because of Luo Ningsang’s trouble, but because…” Shen Shuwan paused deliberately, sighed, and refused to say more.

“What about her? Quickly tell me, Shen sister. I’m here; you don’t need to be afraid.”

Yu Xiaoxiao anxiously shook Shen Shuwan’s arm.

“It’s because of the birthday banquet Luo Ningsang arranged. I told Brother Ze’an today, but he didn’t oppose it.”

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“I know Brother Ze’an is kind and doesn’t want to embarrass Luo Ningsang, especially since their fathers are close.”

“But… Luo Ningsang knows that Brother Ze’an likes me, yet she still insists on competing with me.”

“There will be so many people at the birthday banquet. If Luo Ningsang confesses and Brother Ze’an is forced to agree just to avoid conflict, what will that make me?”

Shen Shuwan leaned on Yu Xiaoxiao’s shoulder, lamenting as if deeply wronged.

“How did I not see this coming? Indeed! That malicious woman Luo Ningsang is so calculating. When I ran into her at the Gathering Pavilion, she said she wanted to prepare a birthday banquet for Young Master Xiao—I never imagined her true intent.”

“Because in previous years, the birthday banquets for Young Master Xiao were all prepared by Luo Ningsang. A maidservant preparing for her master is normal. This year, she harbors forbidden thoughts, scheming to force Young Master Xiao to be with her.”

“Don’t worry, Shen sister. I won’t let Luo Ningsang get her way!”

Yu Xiaoxiao clenched her fists fiercely. Shen Shuwan smiled faintly, satisfied that her plan had succeeded.

She couldn’t act openly since she had to maintain a gentle and kind image in the world. So she let this fool do her dirty work; success or failure wouldn’t affect her.

“Xiaoxiao, it’s so good to have you by my side. I never had sisters growing up and always treated you like a true younger sister. I see I wasn’t mistaken—since you treat me this way, I’ll repay you a hundredfold.”

Shen Shuwan’s face wore sincere gratitude, her words sweet as honey.

This praise made Yu Xiaoxiao utterly delighted and carefree.

Luo Ningsang and Xiao Ze’an entered the Grand Tutor’s mansion as the sun poured golden light, stretching their shadows long.

Xiao Ze’an quickened his pace to walk beside her. After hesitation, he finally spoke, “Luo Ningsang, would you stay for dinner today? Father instructed the kitchen from early morning to prepare dishes according to your preferences.”

His tone carried an unusual note of pleading, the ending rising slightly with nervousness.

Luo Ningsang froze, surprised beyond measure, instinctively meeting his gaze.

In the past, when this man spoke to her, he always maintained an arrogant air, as if commanding a servant.

At the mansion, meals were always prepared to the Grand Tutor’s taste—when had anyone ever cared about hers?

Confused, before she could think further, her mouth moved of its own accord, replying, “Okay.”

The words escaped before she could regret them, and she bit her tongue in frustration.

What was wrong with her? How could she agree so easily? But retracting now would be too embarrassing. Resigned, she summoned a servant and quietly instructed them to inform the palace that she would not be returning tonight.

Hearing her agreement, Xiao Ze’an’s tense shoulders finally relaxed, and he exhaled deeply.

Yesterday, Luo Ningsang had suddenly slammed the table at the banquet, enraging the Grand Tutor, who summoned Xiao Ze’an to the study and scolded him harshly.

The Grand Tutor ordered him to ensure the princess’s happiness and unwavering devotion, to keep her heart and eyes solely on him.

In his father’s eyes, as long as Luo Ningsang stayed to dine, it would prove that he still held an unrivaled place in the princess’s heart.

This would likely end his father’s meddling in trivial matters involving him and his mother.

Upon entering the hall, the Grand Tutor greeted them with a broad smile—a warmth entirely unlike his usual stern demeanor.

“Ning Sang, come sit, come sit!”

He personally led Luo Ningsang to the seat of honor.

“Princess, I’ve watched you grow. Rest assured, that common-born girl from the Shen family will never set foot in our mansion!”

“She’s just an illegitimate maid. How can she compare to you, a golden branch and jade leaf princess? You and Ze’an have been childhood sweethearts, your bond is deep!”

Afterward, the Grand Tutor turned to Xiao Ze’an, his smile fading into sternness.

“Ze’an, how many times have I told you? Stay away from that illegitimate girl. Even as ordinary friends, keep your distance. Don’t let Ning Sang get the wrong idea. Understand?”

Luo Ningsang sat at the table, watching the Grand Tutor’s obsequious manner, a wave of disgust rising within her.

His forced flattery made her feel utterly uncomfortable.

“I understand, Father.”

Xiao Ze’an replied respectfully, picking up a dish to place in Luo Ningsang’s bowl. Then, very naturally, he leaned over and gently wiped a smear of oil from the corner of her mouth.

Luo Ningsang frowned deeply, nearly spitting out her food.

What preferences? Looking around, the table was filled with bland dishes. She usually craved spicy food—these dishes were far from what she liked.

She had endured Xiao Ze’an feeding her just now, but wiping her mouth was unbearable.

Luo Ningsang set down her chopsticks, forcing a faint smile. “I… I’m full. Please, eat on.”

After speaking, she rose swiftly and left, returning to her room. She truly couldn’t stay a moment longer.

Once inside, she sank heavily onto the bed, bitterness filling her heart.

How utterly humble she had been in her past life!

To please the Grand Tutor, she was cautious in everything, delighting over the smallest approving glance.

With Xiao Ze’an, she dared not hope for anything, only wishing for occasional kindness, which she treasured deeply.

She had secretly taken Xiao Ze’an’s birth details and painstakingly climbed to the most auspicious temple to pray for their union.

The mountain paths were steep and thorny, injuring her ankles, but she was oblivious, her heart fixed on the red slip with their birth data, kneeling devoutly, repeating prayers for a lifetime together.

She had gone to great lengths to learn Xiao Ze’an’s preferences, bribing his servants and maids with silver and sweets just to glean bits of information.

He loved pale moon-colored clothes, so she secretly sourced the finest fabric and embroidered elegant patterns by hand.

He favored tea, so she studied the art and collected rare leaves from across the land, all to brew a perfect cup for him.

Her whole world was him. And what did she receive in return? Cold eyes, ridicule, and endless exploitation.

“Such a foolish heart… How stupid to love such a man,” Luo Ningsang muttered, her eyes reddening but stubbornly holding back tears.

Those past betrayals and deep wounds flashed before her eyes like a slideshow.

“But now, given a second chance, I will no longer be anyone’s pawn! Those who have hurt me will not escape. They will pay a heavy price!”

In these past two days, the Grand Tutor and Xiao Ze’an’s attitudes toward her had shifted greatly, all unfolding as she had hoped.

But it was far from enough!

She would weave a beautiful dream for Xiao Ze’an, letting him revel in it and grow arrogant.

Then, when he thought all was under control, she would shatter that dream, letting him taste the fall from the heights, losing everything he held dear.

Xiao Ze’an, Shen Shuwan—those who had harmed her—none would be spared.

Lost in thought, a soft knock came at her door.

“Luo Ningsang, it’s me, Ze’an. May I come in?”

Xiao Ze’an’s voice was cautious.

Luo Ningsang quickly wiped her eyes, took a deep breath to steady herself, and said coldly, “Come in.”

The door creaked open, and Xiao Ze’an entered carrying a steaming plate of pastries.

“Ning Sang, I saw you barely ate dinner and feared you were hungry. I specially told the kitchen to make your favorite rose pastries—try some.”

He placed the plate on the table and thoughtfully poured a cup of hot tea.

Luo Ningsang glanced at the pastries, a faint, barely perceptible cold smile curling her lips.

In her past life, she had painstakingly made pastries for him, even burning her fingers, yet he had only casually taken them without a taste and tossed them aside.

Now he was eagerly bringing pastries to please her—it was the height of irony.

“Put it down. I have no appetite right now.”

She turned her head, unwilling to look at him.

Xiao Ze’an hesitated, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face. He set the pastries down and quietly left.

After he left, Luo Ningsang tossed the pastries into the flower bushes.

…