Lu Li enters my study unannounced. Carrying a tray, I notice a small bowl on top with a soup spoon set on the side.
"You didn't have breakfast with us today again. I brought you a little something."
Without looking up, I say, "No need. I'm not hungry."
She freezes momentarily before continuing to set down the bowl and stirring the congee with the spoon.
"Even if you aren't hungry, at least eat something to retain energy."
Please just leave my study.
She stands still, holding the tray close to her body.
"Anything else?" I finally ask.
"Yi Huai... Would it make you feel better if we have Mu Dan move in with us?"
I inhale deeply to control my frustration. What gives her the right to make such a suggestion?
Her voice persists to reach my ears. "Although I am your official wife, I wouldn't mind it if you take in Mu Dan as a concubine. I'd love to meet her."
Slamming my hands on the desk, Lu Li jumps from the loud noise.
"Don't talk about her. You have no right to be speaking about her to me." I leave her alone in the study. I need to contain myself before I really lose it.
Take in Mu Dan? I have to tread lightly around Lu Li and her father if I want Mu Dan to live. She proposes I take in Mu Dan as a concubine? That's basically appointing Mu Dan to torture from my parents and a possible execution from His Majesty.
Walking near the pond, I see Li Xiao about to leave the estate. I run to him with the intent to extort information about Mu Dan.
"Hey! Li Xiao! Wait!" I catch up to him and he turns around.
"Young Lord." He gives me a slight nod.
"How is Mu Dan? Did you hear any news from father?"
"Young Lord, I cannot disclose anything to you."
"Look, Li Xiao. I know you're not heartless. You could have abandoned Mu Dan in that small town where you found us, but you brought her back to her grandmother. You even told me my parents had planned something. I'm not asking you to do anything for me. Can't you just tell me how she's doing?"
"I cannot say. It's for your own good."
"Wha-- What do you mean?"
"I can just say that your parents left behind a good amount of money for Young Lady Mu Dan and her grandmother."
"That's impossible. You know they won't willingly sacrifice any of their riches for anyone."
"That is indeed what they did."
I don't doubt Li Xiao. He is not one to lie.
"Then did Mu Dan ask about me? Is she doing well?"
"She..."
"What is it?"
"Young Lord, you must promise me that you will not run away to see Mu Dan if I tell you."
"I swear!"
"Your parents orchestrated a false wedding for you and Mu Dan during their last days in the village. They wanted to prove to Mu Dan's grandmother and the townspeople that you have forsaken her. Master and Madam gave her a letter stating you didn't love her and didn't want to marry her."
YOU ARE READING
Every Lifetime I Fall {COMPLETED but undergoing revisions}
RomanceEvery lifetime, Li Rong Xin reincarnates and dies a virgin maid failing to enter a marriage. It is all the fault of Yang Zi Huo! The first lifetime: she was left at the altar by her childhood friend because he said she was too stupid! The second lif...
