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"When my father and the others met with misfortune, I fled, avoiding all pursuit, living incognito in Jiangnan... At first, I wore mourning clothes, and people thought I was a devoted widow. I didn't correct them; at least life was simpler and more peaceful that way," Sister Yun explained the events of those years.
Qing Luan looked at Sister Yun's swollen red eyes, feeling deep sympathy. The tragedy had unfolded before her eyes; she had witnessed her parents die right in front of her. Yet, Sister Yun had faced everything with strength. How many tears had flowed beneath that smiling facade?
"After the tragedy occurred, I wanted to die. But I promised my dying parents that I would live, that I would live well. So I lacked the courage to return to the palace. I feared that if I suppressed my feelings too long, rebellious words would slip out. At that point, I would have betrayed my parents' desperate struggle and escaped everything to start anew!" These thoughts were hidden deep within her heart, a secret suppressed for so long.
Having known Qing Luan for so many years, she had never shared the reasons behind her actions. If it hadn't been for Consort De's aggressive demeanor that day, she wouldn't have spoken so harshly.
She didn't want to see Qing Luan repeat her own tragedy—having someone she deeply loved yet being used as a tool. That was the last thing she wanted.
She couldn't control others, but for Qing Luan, she absolutely would not allow it. After being alone for so many years, meeting Qing Luan had finally brought some peace to her turbulent heart. Therefore, for this bond, even if it meant returning to the palace's intrigues, she had no regrets.
"I'm sorry; it's all my fault," Qing Luan said tightly embracing her, filled with guilt. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have stepped back into this turmoil. I'm sorry; it's all my fault!"
"Silly girl," Sister Yun said with a light laugh as she gently stroked Qing Luan's hair. "This isn't your fault. It's because I felt I could no longer run away. No matter what the truth is, continuing to evade it means I'm still unable to let go... I should thank you; without your courage to move forward, I think I would have continued living in a daze..."
"Sister Yun, no matter what happens, the Merchant Alliance will always be your home. You are welcome to return anytime," Qing Luan said, knowing that between them, there was no need for further words; they understood each other well enough.
"Yes, of course!" With her heart finally at ease, Sister Yun's smile became more genuine and her tone much lighter.
Qing Luan quickly accepted Sister Yun's new identity; however, Yu Wei and A-Song were feeling downcast. Members of the royal family were untouchable figures. In front of Sister Yun, their usual playful banter disappeared, replaced by caution and restraint—much to Qing Luan's amusement and frustration.
"Qing Luan, I've mentioned you to the Emperor and warned him to alert those in the palace not to focus their attention on you; otherwise, they will face the consequences!" She spoke these words through gritted teeth.
Qing Luan knew that her situation was due to the pressure from Consort De. Thinking of herself, she lightly laughed and said, "With Consort De's lesson, who would dare to seek humiliation again?" She had witnessed Lin Ya's actions and was ready to accompany anyone who wanted to embarrass themselves in public.
"Qing Luan, don't underestimate the people in the palace. They know your worth and will stop at nothing. I'm just being cautious," Sister Yun said, aware that Qing Luan had her ways of protecting herself, but it was exhausting. She pouted and added, "I told the Emperor that if he offends you again, he should be careful; the trouble will be greater than losing a city to the Barbarians!"
"Ah!?" Qing Luan was stunned by her words.
"What do you mean 'ah'? This is a warning. If they really provoke me, I won't mind stirring up some trouble. After all, I have my own grievances," Sister Yun said nonchalantly.
"Uh!" Qing Luan was at a loss for words, her mind racing with thoughts. She secretly scoffed, "My dear lady, could you be any more arrogant? You hold a high status, and no one dares to touch you. Even if the Emperor resents you, he will turn a blind eye because he feels indebted to you. But if he knew I had the means to rebel, wouldn't he do everything in his power to eliminate me?"
"Zhu Qingluan, so you have things you're afraid of too, huh?" Sister Yun laughed at Qing Luan's dumbfounded expression. She pinched her cheek playfully and tilted her head. "By the way, Qing Luan, what are you planning to do about the Chen Family? Chen Yan'er is dead, but Huang is still alive. If you don't deal with her, your resentment won't dissipate."
"Hehe, a good show is about to unfold; just wait and see!" As for Huang, she certainly wouldn't let her off easily. However, confronting her directly felt as unexciting as squashing an ant. Just as she had designed her own fate and that of her mother, she intended to repay those debts in kind.
The good show Qing Luan spoke of was a nightmare for Huang—a nightmare that would not fade away.
Chen Xiaode had been busy socializing outside. Huang thought of giving him some courage; he wouldn’t dare act recklessly. To her surprise, he had taken a young and beautiful mistress outside, which she found unacceptable. Just when she was about to cause a scene, it turned out the mistress was pregnant.
With four legitimate daughters of the Chen Family either dead or missing, Chen Xiaode found several new wives under the pretext of continuing the family line and welcomed them into his home with great fanfare.
Huang's resentment stemmed from the fact that when she entered the household as Aunt Huang, it was cold and quiet—nothing festive at all. Yet this new Aunt Huang entered with such exuberance that it nearly surpassed a formal wedding ceremony, leaving her seething with anger and making others wary of approaching her.
"Once Rou'er gives birth to a son, I will elevate her to the status of a primary wife," Chen Xiaode said excitedly, completely oblivious to his surroundings.
"How about a daughter?" Huang retorted angrily, only to be met with Chen Xiaode's fierce and resentful glare. He shot her a venomous look and spat, "Even if it's a daughter, she would still be a secondary wife!"
In his life, nothing irritated him more than people saying he could only father daughters. Huang knew this all too well, yet she dared to say such a thing, as if she didn't regard him at all.
A woman like that was utterly useless; it was better to keep her at a distance from now on.
If Huang thought this was her tragedy, she was gravely mistaken. Qing Luan's methods were anything but simple. The Aunt Rouer who had entered the house was someone she had arranged, having spent months secretly getting close to Chen Xiaode, earning his affection and trust before finally stepping into the Chen Family.
Everyone knew that Chen Xiaode only acknowledged sons; anyone else held no value in his eyes and amounted to nothing. Huang's life was truly miserable.
One day, while Huang was dozing off in a daze, a vague figure entered her room, prompting her to open her eyes warily. However, upon seeing that it was Chen Xiaode, her face immediately lit up with joy as she playfully scolded, "My lord, what brings you here?" This man had not entered her room since that little beauty arrived; she couldn't let this opportunity slip away.
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