Font Size:
The Marquis stood amidst the chaos, his face dark as thunder. His gaze swept between Bai Linglong and Concubine Li, eyes flickering with conflicting emotions—pity at Concubine Li’s disheveled appearance, anger at the breach of decorum within the Marquis’ residence, and growing suspicion at the murky truth behind it all.
After a long pause, he let out a heavy snort, flung his sleeve, and barked, “What kind of behavior is this? In the Marquis’ household, raising your hand against someone is unacceptable. Even if she’s a concubine, you should still consider the reputation of this house. Such recklessness is disgraceful.”
At those words, Bai Linglong’s eyes reddened instantly, her face filled with grievance and fury. She retorted without hesitation:
“Father, she called me a wretch the moment she opened her mouth. In her eyes, am I, the rightful daughter of the Marquis’ household, truly so lowly? If I am a wretch, then what does that make you—an old wretch?
She is merely a concubine, yet she insults me with such venom, completely ignoring the distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate status, trampling on my dignity without restraint. How is that not a violation of our household’s rules on her part first?”
Concubine Li turned pale at those words, her voice trembling with fear as she cried out, “My Lord, I didn’t mean it like that! She’s deliberately twisting my words and slandering me!”
Bai Xinyao quickly added fuel to the fire from the side, “Father, it’s only because she was exposed that she flew into a rage and uttered such outrageous words!”
The Marquis’ brows furrowed deeply, a tight knot forming between them. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke in a low, stern voice, “This matter must be thoroughly investigated before the truth is clear.
But Bai Linglong, it was wrong of you to raise your hand against someone. You are to be confined to your Courtyard for half a month to reflect on your actions.
Concubine Li, as a concubine of this household, you should set an example in guiding the younger generation. Since you have failed to do so, your monthly allowance shall be halved for one month.
Bai Xinyao, as her younger sister, you failed to intervene or advise appropriately. You will copy the ‘Virtues of Womanhood’ ten times as punishment.”
“I will obey Father’s teachings and reflect earnestly,” Bai Linglong replied with a bow. “But I also beg Father to uncover the truth as soon as possible, and clear my name.”
Although Concubine Li and Bai Xinyao were inwardly unwilling to accept the outcome, the Marquis had already issued his judgment. They dared not protest further and could only grit their teeth in silence, plotting in their hearts how to take revenge on Bai Linglong another day.
Once everyone had dispersed, Bai Linglong returned to her own Courtyard. A glint of frost flashed through her eyes as she muttered to herself,
“This was merely a light warning. If you still refuse to restrain yourselves, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”
Night had fallen over the Marquis’ Residence, casting a shadowy stillness across the estate. Bai Xinyao crept silently into Concubine Li’s room, her face full of frustration and fury. As soon as she stepped inside, she slammed the door shut with a heavy thud.
Concubine Li was sitting at the edge of the bed, pressing a cold cloth against her still-swollen cheek. At the sight of Bai Xinyao, hatred instantly flared in her eyes.
“That little wretch,” she hissed, her voice sharp with rage. “She made me suffer such a loss today. I’ll make sure she pays dearly for it!”
She ground her teeth, her anger making her voice shrill and venomous.
Bai Xinyao sat down beside her, eyes gleaming with malice. “Mother, we can’t let this go. She’s getting more arrogant by the day. If we don’t do something soon, we won’t have any peace left in this household.”
Concubine Li flung the ice cloth aside with a snap. “Hmph! She’s just relying on being the legitimate daughter, thinking the Marquis will always shield her.”
She narrowed her eyes. “We need a plan—something that will punish her thoroughly, but won’t lead back to us.”
Bai Xinyao’s eyes lit up with a sinister glint. She leaned closer to Concubine Li, lowering her voice to a whisper.
“Mother, I heard there’s a sorcerer in the western part of the city, skilled in using venomous insects. We could seek him out and get some potent gu parasites. Then we can secretly slip them into Bai Linglong’s food…”
“…Once the gu parasite takes effect, she’ll suffer unbearable stomach pain—worse than death. By then, even Father won’t be able to protect her.”
Concubine Li’s eyes lit up with vicious delight, though a trace of worry crossed her face. “But what if someone discovers the gu? What then?”
Bai Xinyao sneered. “Don’t worry. That sorcerer’s methods are top-notch. The gu parasite is colorless, tasteless—completely undetectable. As long as we’re discreet, no one will ever suspect us.”
Concubine Li patted Bai Xinyao’s hand, her face contorting into a sinister smile. “My clever daughter. Once she’s infected, I want to see her kneel and beg, to taste what it’s like to be utterly at someone’s mercy.”
“That’s not all,” Bai Xinyao continued coldly. “Once she’s on the brink of death, we’ll spread rumors that she’s possessed by evil spirits—punishment for all the wicked deeds she’s done.”
The more they spoke, the more excited they became, completely unaware that just outside the window, Bai Linglong was standing silently, having heard every word of their vile conversation.
A cold smile curled on her lips as she thought to herself, Very well. If you insist on playing with fire, don’t blame me for turning the flames on you.
This Marquis’ Residence… is not a place where you can run wild without consequence.
With light steps, Bai Linglong slipped away from the window, returning to her courtyard with a steely glint in her eyes. It was time to plan carefully—this malicious mother and daughter duo would soon pay the price for their cruelty.