Luo Momo was initially confused when she heard this, but then realization dawned, and her expression changed significantly.
She had been reckless earlier, pressing with such direct questions. Ning Wang Manor was unlike any other place, and Yuning Province, which Ning Wang ruled, was the western gate of the Great Sheng nation. For years, the prince had fortified his territory against the neighboring nation of Xiyuan. It was rumored that Qianying Pavilion under his jurisdiction had cultivated numerous secret guards that served as his eyes and ears everywhere.
They were now already in Yuning, right within Ning Wang’s territory, and yet here she was, speaking so audaciously toward her ‘lady.’
No servant would dare to speak to their master in such a manner. If this conversation reached Ning Wang’s ears, suspicion would certainly be aroused.
Luo Momo secretly berated herself—she had indeed been impulsive in the spur of the moment. To her surprise, the substitute bride cleverly attempted damage control, using the inner conflicts of the Xiahou clan to cover her blunder. By framing her as a minion placed by the second branch to control the main branch’s only legitimate daughter, her earlier rudeness could be explained.
Though unwilling, Luo Momo was clear-headed enough to immediately drop to her knees. “Miss, this old servant knows her fault. But please trust me; this old servant had no connection to the second branch’s madam. I beg you to see the truth.”
Qingge’s tone remained icy, “Whether or not you were sent by the second branch is irrelevant to me. I am about to marry into Ning Wang Manor and from that moment on, I will be the Wangfei appointed by the court. Even if you are disloyal, what can you do? Do you think you can act out against Ning Wang’s Wangfei?”
Luo Momo lowered her head, her voice humble. “Miss, you are absolutely right. This old servant would never dare. This old servant follows your every command and is loyal to you alone.”
“Then how do you expect me to interpret what you said earlier?”
Luo Momo felt a pang of despair. She had indeed acted rashly just moments before, and while it was harsh, the solution this woman came up with was indeed effective.
The relentless pursuit suggested that this woman would not let the matter drop, whether for the sake of maintaining the facade or for the pleasure of getting back on her—in any case, she had no choice. Gritting her teeth, Luo Momo raised her hand and struck herself hard across the face. “This old servant was wrong, Miss. This old servant has violated the rules. Please, forgive me.”
Even as Luo Momo slapped herself, Qingge remained silent. Left with no other choice, Luo Momo continued, hitting herself alternately on both cheeks until her face was swollen. Only then, with tears brimming in her eyes, did she plead again, “I beg the young lady’s forgiveness. This old servant knows her fault.”
Qingge’s expression remained indifferent. “Where is Mr. Mo? Summon him.”
Luo Momo bowed her head, her voice trembling, “as you command.”
For Qingge, it was imperative to speak with Mo Jingxi as soon as possible. Having forced Luo Momo to slap herself, the secret guards outside would now understand that she was furious. In such a state of anger, calling in the highest-ranking steward she brought from her natal family to issue commands was reasonable and would not arouse suspicion.
After Luo Momo departed, she quickly brought Mo Jingxi over.
Seeing the swelling on Luo Momo’s face, Mo Jingxi felt puzzled. Luo Momo was a senior servant of the Xiahou clan and had a certain prestige as the person in charge of Xiahou Jianxue’s upbringing. And now, such a person appeared in such a sorry state, her face so red and swollen.
Facing Mo Jingxi’s gaze, Luo Momo covered her face awkwardly and said, “Miss has something to discuss. Mr. Mo, please go in.”
With that, she bowed her head and hurried back to her room, eager to hide from prying eyes.
Mo Jingxi, still puzzled, stepped into Qingge’s room.
As Mo Jingxi entered, Qingge ordered the remaining attendants to shut the doors and windows before dismissing them. She had already verified earlier that no secret guards were stationed nearby, likely due to Ye Min’s presence. With Ye Min personally in charge, everything was in order, leaving no chance of ambush or sudden attacks, so the secret guards did not need to be on constant watch.
There were, of course, more subtle reasons at play. The previous evening, Ye Min had been caught staring at the bride’s back, drawing Ning Wang’s displeasure. Such behavior was undoubtedly improper, and to avoid further suspicion, he needed to keep a respectful distance.
This, however, made it more convenient for Qingge. She didn’t beat around the bush and directly said, “Mr. Mo, I need to remind you of something.”
Mo Jingxi looked at her in response. He could clearly sense that this woman was different from before. If before, she had been acting obediently, as a stand-in he had hired, now it was evident that she had shed her initial restraints and started to act more brazenly, daring to even humiliate Luo Momo.
Nonetheless, Mo Jingxi set aside his complex feelings and said, “Of course, Miss. If there’s something you need, just give the order.”
“I know what you’re planning,” Qingge stated bluntly. “You’re just here to monitor me, trying to control me.”
Mo Jingxi was immediately taken aback, his eyes widened in shock. Qingge, however, watched him in silence, calmly waiting for his response.
After a moment, Mo Jingxi finally understood what she was implying. Her words had a double meaning—though they appeared to be referring to the internal struggles within the Xiahou clan, in truth, she was hinting at the matter of the false bride.
He dropped to his knees. “Miss, this servant wouldn’t dare.”
“I don’t want to waste time on pretenses,” Qingge said calmly. “Let’s be direct. If the Xiahou clan wants me to marry into Ning Wang Manor, so be it. I will marry. But as you can see, His Highness is arrogant and unpredictable. I cannot control him, so don’t expect to use me as a tool to manipulate him.”
Sweat dripped from Mo Jingxi’s forehead. Had he paid a hundred thousand taels to invite a walking disaster? He remained on his knees, not daring to raise his head. “Please restrain your anger, Miss. This servant is loyal to you and harbors no ulterior motives,” through gritted teeth, he finally responded.
“Good,” Qingge nodded. “From now on, you and Luo Momo will accompany me to Ning Wang Manor. As long as I am the Ning Wangfei, if you remain dutiful, there will be benefits for you. But if you cross me—” she spoke icily, “Then none of us will have peace.”
Mo Jingxi took a deep breath. This Wang San was no longer content to be controlled by them—in just a few days, the puppet he had carefully prepared had turned into an untamed beast.
But by this point, there was nothing he could do; Ning Wang had already met her, and there was no way to bring the real Xiahou Jianxue without risking exposure. He had no choice but to continue with the charade.
They were now riding in the same boat, and no one could betray the others.
Once he resolved himself, he gradually calmed down. “Miss, we all are loyal servants of the Xiahou clan and now accompany you to Ning Wang Manor. You are our only master, so of course we will assist you in all matters. Please do not doubt our sincerity; without us, wouldn’t you also find many things inconvenience—”
His words were loaded with meaning. Without their support, it would be impossible for her to continue acting as ‘Xiahou Jianxue,’ she would never see the remainder of the promised money, and finally, if everything fell apart and the Xiahou clan clashed with the imperial family, she, Wang San, would be the first to die.
Qingge naturally understood Mo Jingxi’s implication. Indeed, she couldn’t afford to turn against him. They were in this together; no one could dominate the other, so they had to cooperate for mutual benefit.
With that, she raised her hand and lightly tapped the table with her fingers. “When it comes to rhetoric, Mr. Mo is certainly eloquent. You make a good case here, much better than Luo Momo. I will request His Highness to keep Mr. Mo at the Ning Wang Manor to handle minor affairs and manage the dowry on my behalf. What do you think?”
Mo Jingxi knew what she meant. It had been agreed upon before that the bride’s dowry was off-limits to Wang San, but her future payments would be provided by him. By ensuring that he stayed nearby, she could ask for money at any time.
“Serving you is this servant’s greatest honor, Miss.” He respectfully replied.
“I’m tired now. You may leave,” Qingge lowered her eyes.
Mo Jingxi lifted his head, appearing as though he wanted to say something, but hesitated. Ultimately, he turned away and left in silence.
Watching his departing figure, Qingge was fully aware that both he and Luo Momo now had developed murderous intentions that went beyond the necessity of silencing her.
But for now, they would have to endure.
In two months, when she would have received 70,000 taels in total, she planned to abandon the remaining 30,000. The goal was to flee before they could make a move against her.
As for now… tomorrow would finally be the wedding day. Whatever happened in the future, she needed to get through the wedding night first.
Thinking of the wedding night with Ning Wang, she felt… it might be better to just die.
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Author’s Note:
Qingge/Number 37/Wang San: “At last, I get to release some of my frustration!”
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