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墨書 Inktalez
Liu Xuxin had never experienced such intimidation before; she took a few steps back, her footing unsteady. If it weren't for Cui Er supporting her from behind, she might have already fallen to the ground. Gripping the hand of the person behind her tightly, there was no trace of a smile left on her face—only sheer terror.
"Still not leaving? If that's the case, don't blame me for being ruthless and driving you out!"
With such exclusion, Liu Xuxin had no face to stay any longer. She exchanged a glance with Cui Er and then exited the courtyard. Along the way, her expression was grim, her lips pressed tightly together, and the good mood she had just moments ago vanished completely.
Cui Er sensed her mistress's low spirits and timidly glanced at her, softly saying, "Miss, don't be upset. After all, she's just a woman; she can't affect us much."
"Slap!" Before anyone could react, Cui Er's face was already turned away from the force of the blow.
Even in the dim candlelight, it was clear to see her fair cheek instantly flush red. In just a moment, five distinct fingerprints appeared on her face.
"How dare you speak out, you servant! Now you can talk! Why didn't you say anything when I asked you before?" As she cursed, Liu Xuxin showed no mercy in her strikes. After a few blows, Cui Er had hardly any unscathed spots left on her body apart from her face.
"You dog servant! Talking too much! You must be happy to see me humiliated, right?"
Cui Er dared not resist and could only endure it silently. Liu Xuxin vented all her frustrations on the maid. This was not the first time such an incident had occurred; each time, Cui Er could only bear it without daring to fight back.
"Miss, please don't be angry. That woman is just acting arrogant for now. Once you have the general's favor, she won't matter anymore," Cui Er said while covering her bruised cheek with one hand and bowing respectfully, still trying to comfort her.
However, her words did nothing to improve Liu Xuxin's mood; instead, they made her feel even more frustrated. With another swing of her hand, Cui Er's face was struck again, quickly turning away as blood seeped from the corner of her mouth. Her cheeks swelled up significantly, showing clear signs of being beaten!
"Afterthought! You think saying something nice will make me happy? Why don’t you make that Jade Bitch unhappy instead? Now you can talk so well! Why didn’t you say anything when I needed you? Useless thing!"
Liu Xuxin's emotions grew increasingly agitated as her harsh tone echoed down the quiet path.
Cui Er kept her head down, silent, allowing the woman beside her to hit and scold her. Her expression showed a hint of unwillingness, but she dared not speak up in front of the person before her.
"Useless!" Liu Xuxin cursed harshly, as if venting her frustration, while tidying her hair with both hands, breathing heavily.
"Miss... please don't be angry. The banquet isn't over yet. How about we go back first?" Cui Er suggested softly, her tone filled with caution.
"I can go back by myself." Liu Xuxin looked at her with disdain and said, "With your face like that, how can you show yourself in public?" Her tone was laced with disgust, and with a cold snort, she turned and left without a trace of reluctance.
Cui Er stood there with her head down until she could no longer hear the footsteps. Only then did she slowly lift her eyes. Under the moonlight, tears brimmed in her eyes, but she dared not let them fall.
With a hint of resentment that was not very obvious, she stared in the direction Liu Xuxin had disappeared for a long time before slowly turning around and returning to the courtyard.
After the woman left, Mo Xier's courtyard did not return to the expected calm. Xinrong stood by the bed, looking at her in a daze, showing signs of hesitation.
"My lady, don't mind it. Such chaotic people will definitely not appear before you again!"
Meeting her earnest gaze, Mo Xier suddenly chuckled and shook her head. "What I care about is not this. If you want to let such women in in the future, feel free to do so. I have nothing better to do anyway; it's quite fun to spar with them verbally."
Her seemingly joking words left Xinrong unable to discern their truthfulness, and she could only nod blankly.
"You can go now. If you want to take a look at the banquet, go ahead. I am already trapped in this courtyard; how can I let you be like me?"
Turning her gaze away from Xinrong, she lay down with her back to the door. Her lonely silhouette was heart-wrenching to behold.
"What are you saying, my lady? I won't go anywhere; I'll stay here with you!"
Mo Xier turned her head and met her determined gaze, which even held a hint of tears, more so filled with sympathy. She lightly raised her hands, the chains on her wrists clinking, interrupting her next movement.
She forcibly withdrew her hand, smiled slightly, and said, "I'm not a three-year-old child who needs someone to accompany me to sleep. If you don't want to go to the banquet, just go back to your room and rest, like you did a few days ago. You don't have to stay by my side."
"Doesn't the young lady feel even a little sad?" After a long silence, Xinrong finally asked with a trembling voice.
Mo Xier was taken aback for a moment, completely unprepared for the question. She instinctively smiled and slowly shook her head. "What is there to be sad about? I have no ties to your young master; why should I feel sad?"
However, there was a hint of forcedness in that smile that others could not perceive, but she was very clear about it in her heart.
After hesitating and glancing at her a few times, Xinrong finally left the room, looking back three times as she walked away. As the door closed behind her, the smile on Mo Xier's face instantly vanished.
In the empty room, her lonely gaze reflected a solitude unlike any other moment.
To say she didn't care was a lie! If she truly didn't care, why would she bother with Liu Xuxin? Why would she even argue? If it were someone unrelated, she wouldn't waste her breath and make herself upset for no reason!
Irritated, she tugged at the chain on her wrist, producing a loud clanking sound. The chain was indeed as the man had said; no matter how much she pulled or dragged, it remained immovable.
When she returned to the banquet, Liu Xuxin's expression had already returned to normal, showing no signs of the earlier emotional turmoil.
"You're back. Why did you take so long?" Old Madam looked at her and asked softly.
With a gentle smile, Mo Xier respectfully bowed and replied, "I apologize for keeping you waiting. Cui Er suddenly felt unwell, which delayed me for a bit."
Old Madam nodded slightly and did not pursue the matter further. With a smile, she said, "Fortunately, you arrived just in time; he is about to come. Let's take our seats first."
She obediently nodded, supporting Old Madam's hand as she sat down at the table, her eyes lowered in a quiet demeanor.
Within those lowered eyes was a swirl of thoughts. Today, when asked, Old Madam still claimed that Night Star had never had a woman. If that were truly the case, then what about the woman in the courtyard?
As her mind raced, she couldn't help but wonder if Old Madam was deceiving her. She slightly raised her gaze, filled with doubt as she looked at Old Madam. But in just a moment, she shifted her gaze away again. The loving smile on Old Madam's face did not seem like that of someone who would lie.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she recalled the sight of that woman sitting on the bed. It felt like something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. However, just from the level of security in the courtyard, it was clear that not just anyone could enter. Did Old Madam really not know that her son was hiding a beauty? The more she thought about it, the more plausible this reasoning seemed!
In an instant, everything became much clearer to her. What was there to fear about a woman even Old Madam didn't know?
With fewer worries in her heart, her expression brightened considerably. The smile at the corners of her mouth became less restrained, and she felt genuinely happy from within.
Beside her, Madam Liu's fondness for her grew even more, praising Old Madam for having such good judgment.
Just moments after taking their seats, a young servant rushed over to report. His voice was loud enough for everyone at Old Madam's table to hear.
"Report to Old Madam, the young master has arrived and is in the front hall. I came to announce that we can begin!"
Liu Xuxin's eyes instantly lit up as she adjusted her previously casual posture, straightening her back and looking ahead with keen anticipation.
Shortly after the servant's announcement, the much-anticipated man appeared before everyone. He carried his usual indifference, his gaze fixed straight ahead without paying any attention to the surrounding ladies.
Today, he wore a gray formal outfit adorned with exquisite patterns—subtle yet unmistakably precious fabric. If it weren't for the power of the general's household, others would truly be unable to afford such material.
The gray attire made him look exceptionally spirited; even his cold demeanor seemed somewhat intimidating against this color. He walked straight up to Old Madam and respectfully knelt down to pay his respects. Night Star's every gesture was filled with respect, showing no hint of negligence.
"Son pays his respects to his mother, wishing her good health. He apologizes for being delayed in arriving here due to some matters, and asks for her understanding." The words are filled with utmost respect, expressing both greetings and an apology, showcasing a profound sense of reverence.
All eyes in the room are focused on him, admiring how Old Madam has raised her son well; this man appears to be a devoted son.
A young man of talent who respects his elders is a rarity in the capital! It’s no wonder that many beautiful young women at this banquet are vying for his attention.
Without Old Madam's permission, the man remains kneeling, his back straight and firm, his eyes slightly lowered.
Seated at the head of the table, Old Madam lets out a light huff and casually raises her hand, seemingly unaffected by his respect, her expression not particularly pleased. She simply says, "Since you are already late, there’s no need for any pretense. Quickly sit beside Xiner, so we can start the banquet."
There is no greeting or interaction between mother and son; when they come together, they seem more like strangers. To outsiders, it appears that Old Madam is indeed strict with her son, not even giving him a pleasant expression at the banquet.
"Yes." He stands up neatly and responds decisively, sitting down beside the woman without hesitation.
With Night Star's arrival, the atmosphere at the dining table begins to liven up; all the women's gazes are fixed on him, unable to look away for a long time.
Having long been accustomed to such attention, he remains composed, raising his glass and loudly proclaiming, "Today, I am grateful for everyone’s presence at the General's residence. I will first drink to express my sincerity; please feel free to enjoy yourselves."
After saying this, he tilts his head back and finishes the drink in his hand. "Everyone, please! No need to be polite!"
His movements are so decisive that they add to his masculine charm! The young ladies present cannot help but let out soft gasps; having spent their lives mostly indoors, they have only imagined the general's charisma through plays and their own fantasies—never before have they seen it in person like this.
In an instant, it seems as if many pink hearts are floating in the air throughout the banquet hall; the sweet atmosphere feels almost tangible!
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