Chapter 14: Admit You’re Uninformed?
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“Young Master Du, you learned of Miss You’s visit to the Leaning Plum Courtyard as soon as you returned to the mansion. So, why didn’t you know about the malicious thief lurking in the household?” Yu Zhi Yi asked pointedly.
Du Zi Heng was momentarily speechless.
It wasn’t that he was unaware of the thief’s actions—after all, the steward had given him a summary as soon as he got back. But upon hearing that You Bing Yue had come to the Leaning Plum Courtyard, his immediate thought was that his parents were harassing her again. All his thoughts had then been consumed by ensuring his beloved wasn’t troubled, leaving him no room to process anything else.
He frowned. “What does this matter have to do with those filthy objects?”
Yu Zhi Yi stepped forward, picking up the Formation Talismans and carefully folding them before responding, “These are not ‘filthy objects.’ They are Formation Talismans I created to replace the traditional Formation Flags.”
“Formation Flags are essential tools used by practitioners of the Mystic Sect to establish formations,” she explained. “Using these Formation Talismans, I’ve set up a Defensive Formation. Every night, a protective shield automatically forms over the Chancellor’s Mansion. Except for the main gate and a few side entrances, the shield blocks all unconventional methods of entry.”
Madam Yao’s face lit up with understanding. “So Du Lin didn’t slip from the wall—he was blocked by the formation?”
“Ridiculous!” You Bing Yue scoffed coldly. “What kind of defensive formation? Such a thing doesn’t exist. Claiming this nonsense just to show off—how shameless can you get?”
Yu Zhi Yi smiled faintly. “Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean formations don’t exist.”
You Bing Yue flushed with anger.
How dare this gold-digger imply she was ignorant?! She had experienced luxuries and wonders far beyond this woman’s comprehension. Yet Yu Zhi Yi had already shifted her focus, speaking to Chancellor Du instead.
“Father, to confirm the existence of the formation, simply replace these two Formation Talismans.”
She turned to You Bing Yue, her smile amiable. “Since Miss You and Du Sheng doubt its validity, why not verify it yourselves?”
Chancellor Du did not object.
Du Zi Heng wanted to interject, but his words held little weight in the current situation.
Before long, they arrived at the wall. Yu Zhi Yi placed the Formation Talismans, wiped the dirt from her hands with a handkerchief offered by Zi Yuan, and said calmly, “Miss You, go ahead.”
“Hmph!” You Bing Yue sneered. “Stop pretending. If it’s fake, no amount of calm will save you from humiliation when the truth comes out.”
She leapt gracefully to the top of the wall, light as a sword’s edge cutting through the air.
“Well done!” Du Sheng shouted in admiration, his voice echoing in approval.
Even Du Zi Heng’s eyes glimmered with appreciation and fondness. Her agility and fearlessness had captivated him from the start. Sheng Capital had countless beautiful women, but only You Bing Yue combined beauty with boldness to defy societal norms.
But before he could relish the moment, both men’s eyes widened in shock.
You Bing Yue hadn’t yet landed atop the wall before an invisible force rebounded her. She fell heavily to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.
Yu Zhi Yi smiled brightly. “Miss You, do you believe now?”
You Bing Yue glared, saying nothing as she got back on her feet and tried again. This time, she climbed with leopard-like agility, using the wall as leverage. Yet once she reached the top, she found herself unable to descend.
No matter how she leapt or strained, it was as though an invisible wall barred her exit. She could not breach the unseen boundary.
Her disbelief turned into frustration. There could not truly be a formation in this world! And even if there were, a fake daughter—no, a gold-digging woman like Yu Zhi Yi—could not possibly wield such skills.
Du Zi Heng and Du Sheng searched for weaknesses in the formation but found none.
“Zi Yuan, prepare three chairs,” Yu Zhi Yi instructed leisurely. “This might take some time. And get some supper. Father and Mother must be famished after all this excitement.”
Zi Yuan chuckled and hurried off to carry out the orders.
Before long, chairs and a table were set up. Delicious food was brought out, and Yu Zhi Yi invited Chancellor Du and Madam Yao to dine. She herself sampled the dishes, savoring the moment.
Watching monkeys perform while enjoying good food—what better way to spend an evening?
The failed climbers returned, their attempts thwarted and their appearances disheveled. You Bing Yue was furious, her chest heaving as she glared at the carefree trio.
How dare they?!
She, the so-called Dark Night Queen, had been reduced to a laughingstock! And they had the audacity to treat her humiliation as entertainment!
Yu Zhi Yi finished a pastry and sipped tea, her eyes twinkling. “Miss You, are you ready to admit your limited knowledge?”
“You…” You Bing Yue bristled, nearly exploding with rage.
“Bing Yue! Enough!” Du Zi Heng stepped forward, shielding her in his arms as he frowned at Yu Zhi Yi. “You… clearly have skills. But that doesn’t justify abusing your authority to harm the household staff.”
“Du Sheng has served the mansion loyally since childhood. Yet you claim you could dispose of him at will—that’s too much.”
Yu Zhi Yi blinked, her beautiful face revealing confusion. “Loyalty? Are you referring to his habit of embezzling mansion funds during every errand, or his inappropriate attraction to Miss You, knowing full well she’s your treasured one?”
Chancellor Du and Madam Yao immediately straightened. Having seen Yu Zhi Yi’s skills, they didn’t doubt her words. They were both furious and intrigued.
Well, perhaps not too furious. Their curiosity outweighed their anger.
You Bing Yue pushed Du Zi Heng away, sending the tall man stumbling.
“As a fellow woman, do you not understand how vile it is to spread slander? How could you make such malicious accusations?” she snapped.
Yu Zhi Yi tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “I only said he admired your beauty. I didn’t imply you returned his affections. How is that slander? Why are you angry?”
You Bing Yue fell silent.
Du Sheng, however, was livid. “Young Madam! Even if you’re skilled, you can’t throw baseless accusations! Apart from Miss You’s kindness toward me, I have no improper thoughts. We are innocent!”
Du Zi Heng’s face darkened. “Don’t you realize such accusations can ruin a woman? How can you be so heartless?”
Ignoring him, Yu Zhi Yi looked back at Du Sheng. “You’re quite the romantic. Instead of denying your embezzlement, your only concern is distancing yourself from Miss You.”
She clapped lightly, her face full of mock admiration.
Du Sheng turned red with fury. “Young Madam! Be careful with your words! I’ve always been loyal to the Chancellor’s Mansion. I’d never steal, nor would I harbor such thoughts about Miss You! If you continue slandering me, I’ll… I’ll prove my innocence with my life!”
Yu Zhi Yi, unbothered, replied, “Even if you die, the evidence you left behind won’t disappear.”