After Rebirth, the Green Tea Illegitimate Daughter Became a Master of Schemes

Chapter 65 - Unable to Swallow This Grudge

The madam frowned and had someone pull her away, lightly brushing the dust from her sleeve. She glanced at the Fourth Miss, who was glaring at her in anger, and found it somewhat amusing.

"A mere concubine's daughter, married to the influential Fushan Wang of the current dynasty—are you really feeling wronged?"

Ruan Yuxi was speechless but couldn't help but bite her lip and retort, "If the madam had a daughter... would you be willing to marry her to Fushan Wang?"

This remark displeased Fushan Wangfei, who cast a disdainful glance at her and sneered, "To serve wangye is a blessing earned over several lifetimes. Does Master Ruan not regard our family's status?"

This comment was quite severe. Madam Ji, having tacitly approved of the events today, hurriedly forced a smile and explained, "She's just a little girl from a humble background. What does she understand?"

With that, she had the Fourth Miss dragged away. As Li Momo was about to step forward, she was bitten by the young girl, who refused to let go.

The madam's frown deepened. "You..."

At that moment, footsteps were heard from outside—Fushan Wanghad arrived.

He wore a purple satin robe with gold embroidery in a python pattern. His already corpulent frame made him appear even more massive, like a mountain, and his eyes were cold and subtle.

He approached the trembling young girl and squatted down, lifting her chin with his fingers. His eyes, squinting due to the layers of fat, glinted with a dark light. "What? Are you unwilling to be my woman?"

Even though Ruan Yuxi was unwilling, she dared not speak her mind. She bit her lip, recalling the rumors about the mysterious deaths of women in Wangye's residence, and shook her head.

"Your humble servant... has no objections."

Fushan Wang released her chin and smiled faintly. "That's good."

Thus, the engagement was settled. It was said that when Ruan Yuxi was sent back to the Ruan residence, Concubine Xu fainted upon hearing the news. When she revived, she immediately sought out Master Ruan, pleading with tears for his mercy.

Master Ruan knew his daughter was wronged, but none of his daughters seemed particularly special to him, so he only comforted Concubine Xu with a calm voice.

"You still have Eldest Son. He will succeed and become an official in the future. Naturally, Fourth Daughter's life will improve and be more dignified."

Though he said this, Concubine Xu still felt a tightness in her chest.

Which good family would marry their daughter to such a scheming, old lecher with a harem full of wives and concubines?

After the Fourth Miss returned to the residence, Madam Ji, under the pretext of "preparing for the marriage," had two elderly matrons from the palace strictly oversee her. She was not allowed to leave the house, let alone go out for fresh air. Concubine Xu could only see her a few times and was increasingly anxious as she heard Ruan Yuxi's despairing cries of "Ruan Yuluan harmed me." She grew so distressed that she couldn't eat or sleep.

One morning, while paying her respects, Concubine Xu, looking haggard, couldn't help but cast a resentful glance at the young girl in the light green gauze dress.

"How can it be... both are sisters," Concubine Xu said bitterly in a low voice, "How could she set up such a trap against Xi-er?"

Ruan Yuluan listened calmly, as if not understanding the implied criticism. She reached out for her tea cup, but suddenly frowned, and with a tremor of her fingers, the cup fell to the floor.

Third Miss hurriedly asked, "Are you alright, Fifth Sister?"

The young girl's face was slightly pale. She shook her head gently, touching the bandaged wrist, and spoke softly.

"It's just that this hand... still has some weakness."

Third Miss then asked, "I heard that Fourth Sister went mad and injured you?"

Ruan Yuluan did not respond, but her expression clearly indicated there was more unsaid.

The looks exchanged among the others became subtly tense, and the Sixth Miss also inquired about her injury. Concubine Xu's expression changed, and just as she was about to protest, Madam Ji set down her tea cup with a decisive "clink" and turned her cold gaze toward her.

"Enough, there's no need to bring this up again," Madam Ji said coldly, "As for the events of that day, Concubine Xu, you can investigate for yourself. It will be clear that it was her fault."

Concubine Xu twisted her handkerchief in frustration, her breathing uneven.

She knew her daughter was not entirely innocent, being her own flesh and blood. She was aware of her schemes. Now that the plan had failed and she had been outmaneuvered, it was impossible for her to swallow this indignation.