Chapter 303: I Can’t Help But Want to Slap You

Chapter 303: I Can't Help but Want to Slap You

"Younger Sister Lu, you know how difficult life can be for high-ranking families," Qin Wanrou said earnestly, her tone so sincere that no one could detect any falsehood.

Lu Mingchao's gaze flickered slightly as she replied indifferently, "Nothing in life comes easy."

"Just a commoner, even running the *Treasure Pavilion* to make ends meet has its hardships."

Qin Wanrou keenly sensed the chilly aloofness in Lu Mingchao's demeanor, her eyes showing an unreadable glint, her emotions unreadable.

"Do you perhaps have some misunderstanding about me, Younger Sister Lu?"

"You overthink things, Miss Qin," Lu Mingchao said impassively.

Qin Wanrou first offered an apologetic smile, then leaned in to whisper a few words to Qiao Yiniang.

Qiao Yiniang nodded slightly at Lu Mingchao and then gracefully departed, moving with lotus-like grace.

"Princess of Lerong County, Miss Zhou, would you mind allowing me to speak with Younger Sister Lu alone?"

"I truly have no ill intentions toward Younger Sister Lu."

Both the Princess of Lerong County and Ming Zhou turned their gazes to Lu Mingchao.

Lu Mingchao gave a slight nod.

"What does Fifth Miss Qin wish to discuss with me?" Lu Mingchao asked first.

Hearing this, Qin Wanrou sighed softly, like a mist-shrouded orchid, dewdrops adorning peach blossoms.

"Younger Sister Lu, what must I do for you to believe that I have no ill intentions?"

"I am betrothed to your elder brother, and once the spring imperial exams conclude next year, we will marry as scheduled."

"I genuinely wish to become close with you."

Lu Mingchao remained expressionless, silently watching Qin Wanrou.

One moment ago, Qin Wanrou's mother, Qiao Yiniang, had been scheming on behalf of Grand Tutor Qin to take over her *Treasure Pavilion*.

And now, Qin Wanrou was grasping her wrist with a pleading look, claiming she sincerely wanted to be friends.

There truly was such a thing as instant rapport—or the lack thereof—between people.

"Does Fifth Miss Qin truly wish to be with my brother?" Lu Mingchao countered calmly.

Qin Wanrou answered without hesitation, "Yes."

"My brother is a scholar," Lu Mingchao said, a faint smile curling her lips. "A scholar's integrity and reputation are of utmost importance."

"If you sincerely wish to stand by his side, why would you choose to damage his good name?"

"Fifth Miss Qin, I am confused."

"Please enlighten me."

Lu Minghua had been truly devoted to the original owner—a dutiful elder brother.

Qin Wanrou's face went pale, her expression one of distress, like a storm-battered flower. She explained, "Younger Sister Lu, believe me, I never intended to damage his good name."

"I want to marry him and grow old together."

"Husband and wife are one; their fortunes rise and fall together. Why would I hurt him when it hurts me more?"

"I..."

As she spoke, tears began to fall, her voice choked with sobs. "I don't even know how we got caught."

"I never wanted this."

Qin Wanrou's tears burned hot, occasionally dripping onto Lu Mingchao's wrist.

Lu Mingchao frowned slightly.

A crying beauty was indeed beautiful.

Yet she remained unmoved.

Lu Mingchao wondered if she was being too cold.

No, not cold.

She simply knew exactly where to draw the line.

"Miss Qinwu, your tears have soaked my sleeve."

Lu Mingchao's voice was icy cold, with barely concealed impatience.

Qin Wanrou went rigid for a moment, her eyes widening in shock.

Truly, Lu Mingchao was the sister Lu Minghua favored most.

This cold, detached attitude was exactly the same.

Her tears had no effect whatsoever.

Suddenly, the temperature seemed to drop.

Lu Mingchao withdrew her wrist and took a silent step back. "Miss Qinwu, you can't wash your hands so clean."

"Hearing you say these things makes my fingers itch to slap you."

"You keep insisting you didn’t know you’d be caught, as if you'd be blameless if you hadn't been caught."

"It was you and Lu Minghui who schemed against my brother first, letting others take advantage."

"You knew his heart belonged to another, knew he was an upright gentleman—yet you exploited his integrity to get what you wanted."

"When your scheme succeeded, were you gloating? Did you rejoice that you'd landed your marriage?"

"Even after being discovered, was it more shame and anger, or more relief that things were settled?"

"Miss Qinwu, must I draw you a picture? You can fool others, but don't start believing your own lies."

"If you're trying to cozy up to me to get in good with my brother..."

"I advise you to drop that idea right now."

"My brother has my back and respects what I want."

"Likewise, I’ll return the favor, respecting my brother's wishes."

Qin Wanrou took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears. "Other than my status, how am I not good enough for him?"

"I am indeed a concubine-born daughter, and my birth mother was a courtesan, that’s true."

"But I am also a properly recognized young lady of the Qin family. Everything a well-bred maiden should learn, I have learned."

"Music, chess, literature, painting, poetry—I've mastered them all."

"My manners and etiquette were even praised by Grand Princess Duanhe."

"If he marries me, with the Qin family’s support, wouldn’t it be like giving wings to a tiger, rising straight to the top?"

"Sister Lu, this is clearly a win-win situation. Won’t you help persuade him for me?"

"I will remember this favor and find a way to repay you."

Lu Mingchao almost laughed at Qin Wanrou’s shamelessness.

"Qinwu Guniang, he is the heir of Yongning Marquis!"

"The Yongning Marquisate is an aristocratic family with a century of history."

"The heir of Yongning Marquis made his name as a scholar under the tutelage of a great Confucian master."

"He is already a rising star with boundless prospects, not some useless layabout."

"How, in your words, does this become some grand favor you're bestowing?"

"Tell me, Qinwu Guniang, didn’t you choose my brother precisely because of his prestigious family name, noble character, and widespread reputation for talent?"

"Or was it because you fancied his spinelessness and picky eating?"

"Do you prefer bootlickers and moochers?"

"The Yongning Marquisate was personally granted by the founding emperor of Daqian, a meritorious family that brought peace to the realm!"

"Even if its glory days have passed,"

"my brother remains the legitimate eldest son of the Yongning Marquisate, the rightful heir."

"He doesn’t need your help to succeed."

"So, save your breath."

Lu Mingchao’s resounding speech left Qin Wanrou’s face flushed with alternating embarrassment and anger.

Qin Wanrou’s tightly pressed lips had turned pale.

"Sister Lu, you really know how to cut deep. You’ve left me speechless."

Lu Mingchao smiled faintly. "Maybe because I'm actually right."

"Qinwu Guniang, just because you're pretty, I’ll give you a free tip."

Qin Wanrou: "What?" she sneered.

Lu Mingchao’s smile widened. "The one who stirred up trouble at the plum blossom banquet was Gu Huai."

"The one who dragged your and your brother's names through the mud is Gu Huai."

"Don’t ask me how I know—don’t ask me for proof. Believe it or not, that’s up to you."

She was sickened by Gu Huai's smug, lovey-dovey act.

Qin Wanrou still had ways to make Gu Huai's life difficult.

"Pull back to leap forward."