Chapter 454: She’s Carrying Poison!

Chapter 454: She's Poisonous!

Yu Mingzhu was only twelve years old, still quite young. Her captivating gaze and delicate skin, pampered by the entire Duke of Xinguo's household, made her stand out even among the noble ladies.

She turned her head to speak to another young lady surrounded by her, "Ruirui, for the New Year, my elder brother gave me a box of beauty cream from the Western Regions as a tribute. I heard it works wonders on scars. Later, I'll have my maid open my dressing case and bring it to you. For us girls, with our delicate skin, how can we afford to have scars?"

The girl named Ruirui was on the verge of tears. She said excitedly, "Mingzhu, do you still remember the fall I had last year? ... That's a tribute, and a gift from your elder brother. I can't possibly accept it."

Others chimed in, "Yes, it's too precious."

Yu Mingzhu looked troubled, "But Ruirui, your scar..."

Ruirui became even more moved and quickly waved her hand to decline, "It's nothing, just a little mark on my leg. It's no big deal. Such a precious thing—I can't take it. What would people think of me?" Tears welled up in her eyes, "Mingzhu, you treat me so well."

Yu Mingzhu softly exclaimed, "Ah! I have an idea—that box is quite big. How about this? I'll have my maid scoop some into a smaller box for you!"

Ruirui was about to decline again, but Yu Mingzhu feigned displeasure, "Ruirui, being so distant, are you not treating me as a friend?"

Only then did Ruirui, tears in her eyes, gratefully accept.

The young ladies around Yu Mingzhu showed envy and praised her for being so kind to Ruirui.

Xingxing, sitting in the corner, nibbled on a pastry, watching the scene unfold. She thought to herself, 'Sister Lou was right—Miss Yu really knows how to handle people.'

Yu Mingzhu was like the moon surrounded by stars, showered with praise and flattery by the young ladies.

Bai Huanqin entered from outside. The moment Yu Mingzhu saw her, she warmly greeted her, calling out "Qinqin."

When Bai Huanqin entered, her expression was still sour, but upon seeing Yu Mingzhu, it softened slightly as she called out "Mingzhu."

Yu Mingzhu stepped forward, linking arms with Bai Huanqin, and said affectionately, "It's been so long since I last saw you. You look like you've lost weight."

Bai Huanqin forced a smile. "A bit," she replied.

Yu Mingzhu looked puzzled, studying Bai Huanqin's expression. "Qinqin, why do you look so upset? Who's been bullying you?"

Bai Huanqin's eyes darted around the room before finally settling on Xingxing.

Xingxing: "..."

Wait, no way?

However, just as Xingxing thought, Bai Huanqin gave her a fleeting, almost malicious smile, then raised her arm and pointed in Xingxing's direction: "Yes, someone has bullied me—it's that one over there."

Everyone turned their gaze towards Xingxing.

Xingxing, still slowly chewing her pastry: "..."

She swallowed the pastry in her mouth and wiped her lips with a handkerchief.

Some recognized Xingxing and whispered to those nearby, "...That girl seems to be the General of the Western Garrison's sister..."

Yu Mingzhu looked at Xingxing.

Instinctively, at first glance, she didn't like this girl.

This girl looked soft and delicate, with round almond eyes, rosy lips, and a small, high-bridged nose, appearing to be the least aggressive type of appearance.

Her skin was as tender and white as the tofu custard soaked in goat milk, and the ruby hairpin on her head, though not large, had a deep, intense red color that seemed to be the brightest red sealed within the gemstone—clearly, she was a pampered child from a wealthy family.

Yet, for some reason, Yu Mingzhu instinctively disliked this young girl from the very first glance.

But with so many people around, Yu Mingzhu only smiled and asked Bai Huanqin, "Qinqin, are you joking? She looks sweet and innocent. How could she have bullied you?"

Bai Huanqin sneered, "Some people may appear sweet and innocent on the surface, but in reality, they are full of ill intent!"

She slightly raised her voice, "And all of you, stay away from her. Not only is she malicious, but she is also carrying poison!"

At these words, several girls who were close to Xingxing stepped back in fear.

Xingxing sat alone, a sweet and delicate figure, yet at first glance, she seemed like something to be feared and avoided.

The maid beside Xingxing flushed with anger, clutching the cloak Xingxing had removed earlier due to the heat, its fur trim trembling slightly.

But since Xingxing hadn't spoken, the maid dared not step forward to scold, lest she cause trouble for her mistress.

Yu Mingzhu's eyes lit up with curiosity, "Oh? She is carrying poison?"

Bai Huanqin nodded firmly.

She had seen it earlier—that girl still had that sachet hanging from her waist. Back in that remote village, it was from that sachet that the girl had taken out the poison, nearly making her wish for death!

Yu Mingzhu stepped forward slowly, as if to speak to Xingxing, but was pulled back by several girls beside her, who whispered anxiously, "Mingzhu, don't go over! Didn't you hear what Huanqin said? She is carrying poison."

Yu Mingzhu then stopped, studying Xingxing, "—I just heard someone say you are the sister of the General of the Western Garrison?"

Xingxing showed no fear, instead smiling confidently, "That's right."

Yu Mingzhu, with a hint of apology in her tone, said softly, "Miss Yu, Qinqin says you carry poison... Today is my birthday banquet, and all the guests are ladies of high standing. Could you please hand over the poison? It wouldn't be good if someone got hurt."

Everyone gazed nervously at Xingxing.

Xingxing tilted her head slightly, her voice clear and sweet as honey, pleasant to the ear—but her words caused many in the room to change their expressions:

"Without any evidence, Miss Yu, you assume that I carry poison. I came here to celebrate your birthday, and this is how you treat your guests?"

Xingxing's tone was calm, without any trace of accusation.

Yet, even without an accusatory tone, her words were indeed questioning Yu Mingzhu.

Yu Mingzhu's expression also changed slightly, then she smiled with an indulgent smile, seemingly unbothered by Xingxing's words, and sighed with a laugh, "Qinqin wouldn't accuse you without reason..."

"So, I would carry poison to someone else's birthday banquet without reason?" Xingxing asked sincerely, "Miss Yu, if you trust Bai Huanqin so much that you take her word as gospel, why not let Bai Huanqin handle your invitations and screen your guests in the future?"