Chapter 77

Chapter 77: By What Right

Sheng Zhi Wan knelt and gathered the little dog Lai Fu into her arms. “He has followed me for many years,” she murmured softly. “Since she wishes to become Qi Shu Xian’s concubine, I shall grant her that wish. Besides, what she did… it was I who guided her. Her sins are not worthy of death.”

Ting Lan immediately protested, “But how can this be your fault? You only told a story and received a secret remedy from the Han Residence. She was the one blinded by greed. No one can blame you!”

Sheng Zhi Wan only smiled at that and said nothing. She picked up the little yarn ball An Zhi had made for Lai Fu and set it at the top of a slope. They watched as it rolled gently downward, slow at first, then quickening until it dropped into a hollow and could roll no farther.

Huan Zhu had indeed gotten what she wanted—she became Qi Shu Xian’s woman. But before the official ceremony to raise her as a concubine, she was still required to stay in Pinglan Residence.

Sheng Zhi Wan arranged for her to be moved into a room of her own.

Huan Zhu kept her head low, not daring to meet her eyes.

Sheng Zhi Wan waved her hand, signaling the others to withdraw. Only An Zhi and Ting Lan remained outside. Huan Zhu’s body shivered.

Sheng Zhi Wan gave a cold laugh. “Why do you tremble so? The one who wished you dead was never I—it was the man you cling to so desperately. You must realize, had I not arrived in time, you would already be a corpse.”

She paused, her tone still cool. “Even if you’ve become his concubine, what then? Do you truly believe he’ll treat you kindly after what you’ve done? One day, he’ll find an excuse to dispose of you.”

Hearing that, Huan Zhu couldn’t help but recall the cold expression Qi Shu Xian wore when he ordered her silenced.

“Princess!” she cried out, falling to her knees and crawling toward Sheng Zhi Wan. “Maidservant thanks Princess for saving her life. Princess, Maidservant will never dare again. That day, after hearing the story, I was bewitched! Princess, I beg you, spare me!”

As she spoke, she slapped herself fiercely across the face. After only a few strikes, her pretty cheeks swelled and turned red.

By now, she had realized how unlikely it all was.

A story, a secret remedy… and she just happened to overhear both?

Sheng Zhi Wan sighed lightly. “Enough. You grew up alongside me, after all. How could I not understand your thoughts? That story—I did intend for you to hear it. But you only listened to the first half. You didn’t hear the warning at the end. And just then, the Han Residence’s medicine arrived and you overheard that too…”

Huan Zhu blinked in surprise.

Only now did she remember—yes, there was more to the story. But at the time, her heart had been lost in dreams of being like the heroine, lost in a fantasy of being seen by the Heir.

Now that she thought back—

Indeed, Xing Tao had been favored by Eldest Young Master Jiang. But not long after the new bride entered the household, Xing Tao was discarded with a flimsy excuse and sold off.

Though Jiang grieved, he did not look back. He reformed himself, eventually becoming a great minister.

But Xing Tao, worn down by hardship, died miserably.

From beginning to end, she had only been a stepping stone for Eldest Young Master Jiang’s transformation.

As the truth struck her, Huan Zhu’s heart flooded with regret. Her tears fell in steady, silent streams.

Watching her, Sheng Zhi Wan felt no pity. Still, she offered one final word. “What’s done is done. You must think carefully about your future. I can shield you for now, but what lies ahead depends on you. If you wish to follow Meng Yang’s path, you must ask yourself—what did she rely on to enter the Duke’s household?”

Her message clear, Sheng Zhi Wan left the room.

Huan Zhu sat there stunned. Today’s events had shaken her to the core, her mind overwhelmed by panic.

Only now did she recall something crucial—

Meng Yang was with child.

And she…

Huan Zhu’s face turned deathly pale. Unless she too conceived, Qi Shu Xian, who already despised her, would surely find a reason to cast her aside.

When news spread that Qi Shu Xian had taken another maidservant, the whole residence stirred.

Madam Cui was surprised at first. But then, assuming her son had simply grown fond of carnal pleasure after his first taste, she let it go. On the contrary, she was quite pleased. The more distracted he was from Sheng Zhi Wan, the better.

“What was Sheng Zhi Wan’s reaction?” she asked.

“It’s said the Heir Consort left the Heir’s quarters in tears,” the nanny replied.

“Hmph, serves her right,” Madam Cui sneered. “That should’ve happened long ago.”

“She’s also agreed to raise both Miss Meng and Miss Huan Zhu as concubines in a few days, through the side door.”

“At least she knows her place. Go have someone measure their sizes. Even concubines shouldn’t enter the household in rags.”

“Yes, Madam.” The nanny left to carry out her orders.

The news reached the Endless Courtyard as well.

When Meng Yang heard Qi Shu Xian had touched another maidservant, her heart ached like it was being ripped open.

Even when someone came to take her measurements for the concubine ceremony, she could hardly focus.

[No… this isn’t how it’s supposed to be.] She was a transmigrator. She was supposed to be the center of the story. How could the Heir touch someone else after already having her?

She wanted to send Qing Xing to investigate, but feared it might displease Qi Shu Xian, so she swallowed the impulse.

Still, she had once been an expert in seduction. After the tears dried, she calmed herself.

With her current status, she had no right to question anything.

No, the wiser path was to be gentle, considerate—and more importantly, to use the advantage only she possessed as a transmigrator.

So the next day, after a tearful night, she timed it perfectly and arrived at Madam Cui’s courtyard just as Qi Shu Xian came to pay his respects.

To her surprise, Duke Qi himself, who rarely stayed home, had not gone out that morning.