Nan Gongyu suddenly recalled the time in Wu Yue Kingdom when Xiao Man, feeling unwell, mistook him for Feng Tianlan. At that moment, the hatred in her eyes was barely concealed. Xiao Man hated Feng Tianlan, but back then, it was merely hatred. Now, Xiao Man’s feelings for Feng Tianlan were far more complex than just hate. What had happened during the time she was taken away by the Imperial Tutor?
"Don't be afraid. I am here. Even he will not be able to harm you in the slightest," Nan Gongyu said in a gentle tone, a murderous glint in his eyes. It was no coincidence that Feng Tianlan returned during the height of the imperial princes' struggle. Nan Gongyu did not believe Feng Tianlan, who had been lurking in Yusheng for years, appearing virtuous and detached, was truly as he seemed. He knew this was merely a facade!
Feng Tianlan was a dangerous man. His clandestine tutelage of Xiao Man was surely not without ulterior motives. One day, he would expose this man's true colors!
"Don't think too much. Get a good night's sleep. You'll be fine when you wake up tomorrow," Nan Gongyu softly comforted Xiao Man in his arms. Sleep soundly, you are no longer alone.
The next morning, Xiao Man had fully recovered. Apart from a pale complexion, there was no trace of her former fragility. After tidying up, she went directly to Xiao Luo's courtyard.
Xiao Luo, accustomed to rising early, was busy alone in the small kitchen. Xiao Man signaled the maid not to disturb them and entered the room directly.
Chu Qingge sat alone by the window, her eyes devoid of their usual sparkle. She didn't even notice when Xiao Man approached her.
"Sister-in-law."
Chu Qingge turned her head blankly. After a long moment, her eyes refocused. "A Man, why have you come?"
Xiao Man sat down beside Chu Qingge and let her rest her head on her shoulder. "The sky looks so bright today. Would you like to take a walk?"
Chu Qingge did not reply. Her vacant gaze followed the sparrows hopping on the branches. Xiao Luo did not dwell on what had happened, and neither did any other member of the Xiao family, but Chu Qingge could not overcome her own inner turmoil.
"Ge'er, it's time for breakfast," Xiao Luo entered with food. A flicker of worry crossed his eyes as he looked at Xiao Man. "Man'er, have you eaten?"
"No, I came specifically to have breakfast with you, brother."
"Wait a moment, I'll get you some bowls and chopsticks." Xiao Luo quickly returned with the utensils. The three sat around the table. The siblings enthusiastically served Chu Qingge, but she remained expressionless. Xiao Luo tried his best to smile, ignoring the subtle pain in his heart, and urged Chu Qingge to eat more.
The day was exceptionally fine, with the sun shining brightly, a rare occurrence in winter. Xiao Man pulled Chu Qingge to the courtyard to bask in the sun. Chu Qingge was reluctant to go out but couldn't resist Xiao Man's enthusiasm. However, as they bathed in the sunlight, the gazes of the servants made her feel as if she were being pricked by thorns.
"I want to go back inside."
"Stay outside. You have to face it eventually." Xiao Man dismissed the servants, leaving only the two of them in the courtyard. Xiao Luo had gone to the study to discuss matters with Xiao Zhen.
Chu Qingge twisted her sleeves, restless. She felt that everyone was mocking her, ridiculing her for losing her chastity on her wedding day and shamelessly retaining her position as the young madam.
"Sister-in-law, often, others cannot help us. We have to find our own way out," Xiao Man took Chu Qingge's hand, forcing her to look at her. "I know you are in pain and cannot face others' gazes, but life must go on. And you did nothing wrong; the fault lies with others. Please, stop torturing yourself."
Chu Qingge pulled her hand back. "You don't understand."
"I understand your pain!"
"You don't understand. Do you know what I've been through? I am a dirty person now. Every time I see the pity in Xiao Luo's eyes, I wish I were dead. I... I am not worthy of him."
"Is chastity important?" Xiao Man asked softly.
"Of course, it's important. More important than a woman's life!" Chu Qingge replied without hesitation.
Xiao Man rolled up her sleeves, revealing the vermilion mark on her wrist. Chu Qingge felt as if Xiao Man's vermilion mark had pierced her eyes and her heart.
However, as Xiao Man's fingers brushed over the mark, it vanished. Chu Qingge grabbed Xiao Man's arm in disbelief. "What's happening? How could this be?"
Xiao Man's expression was calm and serene. "I have not been pure for a long time. Early this year, my dear grandmother colluded with outsiders and drugged me, ruining my purity, all to find a legitimate excuse to kill me. If I hadn't reacted quickly, I would have been nothing but dust by now."
Chu Qingge's eyes widened as she looked at Xiao Man. She had had no idea Xiao Man had gone through such an ordeal. "I'm sorry, I didn't know... I didn't know you..."
"Sister-in-law, you don't need to apologize. After all, it wasn't you who harmed me," Xiao Man lowered her sleeve. "For me, purity has never been important. What matters is staying alive and protecting those I care about. In this family, whether it's me, Father, or Brother, we all genuinely consider you family, cherishing and protecting you. This time, we were incapable and allowed you to be harmed by a petty villain. But sister-in-law, we cannot do things that bring sorrow to our loved ones and joy to our enemies. If you continue to wallow in despair, the mastermind will be delighted, and ultimately, it will be those who love you who will be hurt."
"I just can't control myself. I keep thinking about what happened," Chu Qingge covered her face, weeping uncontrollably.
Xiao Man hugged Chu Qingge. "Sister-in-law, I told you, you did nothing wrong. The fault lies with others. Let what happened pass. If a person lives in the past, they can never move forward. Others' opinions are not important. What matters is that the people who care about you also care about you."
"A Man, what should I do?"
"Calm yourself. You can be dejected and sad, but there must be a time limit. After that period, we must pick ourselves up and begin to fight back. No matter who the mastermind is, we will find them and tear them to pieces!"
Chu Qingge nodded fiercely. Yes, she would remember this debt. One day, she would make the other party pay a hundredfold!
Xiao Luo, hidden in a corner, saw that Chu Qingge had finally burst into tears and breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that she cried; holding it all in would lead to illness.
"Don't worry, Man'er is fine," Xiao Luo glanced at Wen Mohan. Wen Mohan had come to visit, likely having heard something. However, the general's mansion had blocked all news, so he probably didn't know much.
Wen Mohan's gaze fell upon Xiao Man's straight back. A trace of affection leaked from his eyes. Deep within his pupils was a faint worry. He was still too useless, needing to work harder, to become stronger, strong enough to protect her.