Chapter 18: Sowing Discord

Chapter 18: Provocation

Closing the window against the raging storm, Lin Huaishu shook his head with a soft sigh.

"What on earth did Second Miss Qiu do to offend these people? One after another, they all target her."

He knew Qiu Lianying had an extremely prominent reputation in the capital, but since he hardly knew her, he naturally couldn't discern much.

Shen Yuchao sipped his hot tea, his expression unreadable.

Lin Huaishu complained, "She's your future sister-in-law, after all. I didn't see you step in to help earlier."

Shen Yuchao's fingertips gently rubbed the warm, smooth surface of the teacup as he chuckled softly, "I suspect she was rather enjoying herself."

"Huh?" Lin Huaishu didn't understand.

What was there to enjoy about that?

Ji Rui was known to be a bully. Having been embarrassed today, he would undoubtedly resort to underhanded tricks behind the scenes.

Second Miss Qiu, a young lady from a respectable family, was bound to get the short end of the stick.

Lin Huaishu chattered on, urging Shen Yuchao to be more attentive.

Protecting Second Miss Qiu would make it easier to claim credit with First Miss Qiu in the future.

"Enough."

Shen Yuchao had a headache from his nagging. "You'd be better off worrying about yourself with that energy."

The corner of his mouth lifted in a teasing smile. "I've heard Princess Nanqi has been visiting the Duke of An's residence frequently these days."

Hearing the name "Princess Nanqi," Lin Huaishu's face fell instantly, and he replied listlessly, "Why is that little girl so stubborn?"

Princess Nanqi's admiration for the Duke of An's heir was no secret in the capital.

Grand Princess Chaolin and the Duke of An also didn't mind strengthening family ties through marriage.

Only Lin Huaishu refused to relent, no matter what.

His refusal only made Princess Nanqi pursue him even more persistently, making Lin Huaishu's life quite miserable lately.

Shen Yuchao set down his teacup and stood up to leave. "The road is clear now, let's go."

"Slow down, be careful of your injuries." Lin Huaishu hurriedly followed, complaining, "Who exactly are the people trying to assassinate you? What kind of grudge makes them pursue it relentlessly for over a decade?"

Shen Yuchao's fingertips turned slightly pale.

His dark pupils were as deep and unfathomable as an abyss, yet his voice remained gentle, even carrying a hint of a smile.

"Naturally, it's a deep-seated hatred."

...

Xin Liu and Xin Tao found some ointment in a box in the carriage and carefully applied it to Qiu Shuiyi's hand.

"Be careful."

Qiu Jinbai had dismounted and was hovering nearby, afraid the two maids would hurt his sister.

This made Xin Liu and Xin Tao extremely nervous.

"Brother, it doesn't hurt as much now." Qiu Shuiyi was amused.

"Such a long red mark, how could it not hurt?"

Qiu Jinbai reached out to touch it but was afraid of hurting her, leaving his hand hanging in mid-air.

Qiu Shuiyi was taken aback.

Seeing his expression, she actually felt a bit guilty.

Pursing her lips, she said, "Brother, about what happened earlier, please don't tell Mom when we get back, okay? I'm afraid she'll worry."

"Since your fall at the riding grounds, Mom has surely been anxious."

"Wasn't the riding ground incident an accident?" Qiu Shuiyi said sheepishly, "Brother, please help me out."

It was the first time his little sister had pleaded with him like a little girl. Qiu Jinbai felt a rush of warmth, and his gaze softened. "Alright, but from now on, you must stay far away from that young prince when you see him."

Qiu Shuiyi nodded on the surface, but in her heart, she thought, *If I don't get close to him, how can I teach him a lesson?*

Qiu Jinbai's brow remained furrowed, still tinged with anger.

"Seeing his usual gentle demeanor before, I thought the rumors in the capital were unreliable. Who knew he was truly so arrogant?"

Qiu Shuiyi inwardly scoffed. *In front of his beloved and her family, of course he had to put on a good act, didn't he?*

After the medicine was applied, Uncle Zhong also returned.

He handed a candied hawthorn stick to Qiu Shuiyi. "Young Master, Miss, we're heading back now."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled gently and bit a whole hawthorn berry into her mouth.

The initial bite was sweet, but the flesh inside was slightly sour, quite delicious.

She thought resentfully, *Just for this one bite, I took a whip for no reason. Did I have it easy?*

Back at the residence, Lady Mei indeed gathered Qiu Shuiyi in her arms, her heart aching, and couldn't stop shedding tears.

"Mother, it's just a superficial wound. It doesn't hurt anymore."

She comforted her softly.

"Falling from such a high horse, how could it not hurt?"

Lady Mei wiped her tears. "I don't know what's going on. Every time you leave the residence, something happens. Could it be that some unclean thing has attached itself to you?"

The more she spoke, the more suspicious she became. "One day, Mother will take you to Chengming Temple to offer incense and have the master help drive away any evil spirits."

"Mother." Qiu Shuiyi didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "What unclean thing? It really was an accident."

It took a lot of persuasion to finally dispel Lady Mei's idea.

Mother and daughter leaned together and talked for a while. Although Lady Mei stopped crying, her brow would furrow from time to time, clearly still worried.

Qiu Shuiyi felt a pang of sadness in her heart. Various emotions mingled together, ultimately forming guilt.

She knew Lady Mei loved her dearly, but there was no other way. To survive, she had no choice but to constantly place herself in danger.

Leaving the main chamber, Qiu Shuiyi let out a heavy sigh and walked slowly toward Chunhui Courtyard.

...

Since the second young lady of the Qiu family had an accident at the Cheng family’s equestrian grounds, the Cheng family was obliged to pay a courtesy call.

Early in the morning, Madam Cheng arrived with gifts.

Madam Mei received Madam Cheng alone in the main hall.

After Xin Tao reported the news, Qiu Shuiyi immediately made herself presentable.

As she was about to leave, Nanny Cui asked in confusion, “Young lady, you’re still injured. Where are you going?”

Qiu Shuiyi smiled gently. “It’s a bit stuffy in the room today. I’m going for a stroll in the courtyard.”

Nanny Cui nodded and indicated two maids, her expression stern. “Take good care of her.”

Xin Liu and Xin Tao hurriedly agreed.

Once outside Chunhui Courtyard, Qiu Shuiyi headed straight for the main chamber.

She didn’t go inside but instead wandered along the path Madam Cheng was bound to take when leaving.

The weather was fine today—the clouds had dispersed, and the bright sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays over the earth and gilding everything in a layer of light.

Qiu Shuiyi wore only a cloak, not even carrying a hand warmer, yet she didn’t feel cold at all.

A sparrow appeared from somewhere, rummaging through a pile of snow.

Qiu Shuiyi broke off a small piece of pastry and tossed it on the ground. Unafraid of people, the sparrow dragged its plump little body over and fluttered down to the pastry, eating with relish.

Finding it amusing, she threw another small piece.

Before she knew it, she had fed the entire pastry to the sparrow.

Xin Liu leaned in and whispered, “Young lady, Madam Cheng is here.”

Qiu Shuiyi clapped her hands lightly.

Turning around, she saw a woman walking along the corridor in her direction, escorted by Madam Mei’s attendant, Nanny Su.

As the woman passed the banana tree beneath the corridor, her full appearance came into view.

She was notably tall for a woman in the capital, with jet-black hair tied up in a bun, regular features, thick eyebrows, and large eyes.

Her steps were brisk and full of vigor, exuding a heroic air.

Upon seeing Qiu Shuiyi, Madam Cheng stopped in her tracks. “Who is this?”

Nanny Su hurried forward, anxiously saying, “Young lady, it’s cold outside. Why have you come out?”

Influenced by Madam Mei, the maids and nannies around her always treated Qiu Shuiyi as if she were made of jade, fearing she might get hurt.

Qiu Shuiyi couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“It was too stuffy inside, so I came out for a walk.”

She then cast a puzzled glance at Madam Cheng. “And this is…?”

Nanny Su quickly explained, “This is Madam Cheng from the General’s Manor.” She then introduced Qiu Shuiyi to Madam Cheng. “Madam Cheng, this is the second young lady of our household.”

As soon as Nanny Su spoke, Madam Cheng realized who this was.

Thinking that the nanny was being so cautious because she had been frightened by the horse-riding incident, Madam Cheng felt even more guilty.

“The incident at the equestrian grounds was our Cheng family’s fault. I hope the second young lady can forgive us.”

Qiu Shuiyi quickly stepped aside to avoid the formal gesture and bowed slightly, speaking softly, “It’s not your fault, Madam. It was Shui Yi who insisted on riding despite not knowing how.”

The young girl lowered her brows, her long, thick eyelashes casting a shadow under her eyes.

Her face wore an expression of shame, and her fair ears, visible outside her cloak, flushed with a hint of pink.

Madam Cheng came from a military family, and her own daughter spent her days practicing martial arts and wielding weapons. She had little resistance to such gentle and obedient young ladies and felt a growing fondness for Qiu Shuiyi.

She comforted her in a warm tone, “Horse riding isn’t difficult. With diligent practice, you can master it. If you wish to learn, feel free to come to the Cheng family. I have a daughter who is quite skilled in horsemanship. You could keep her company.”

“Really?”

Qiu Shuiyi looked up in pleasant surprise.

Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered like gentle spring water, and as her long eyelashes fluttered, they seemed to ripple with emotion.

Madam Cheng grew even fonder of her. “Of course.”

Qiu Shuiyi couldn’t help but break into a smile. “Nanny Su, you may return first. I’ll escort Madam Cheng.”

Nanny Su was delighted to see her young lady being so well-received and responded with an “Eh” before returning to the main chamber.

The group made their way toward the mansion’s entrance.

Along the way, Qiu Shuiyi spoke softly.

Madam Cheng usually disliked chatter, but the young girl’s gentle voice seemed to soothe her, and she found herself in a pleasant mood.

By the time they reached the mansion gate, she felt somewhat reluctant to part.

“The roads are slippery in the snow, Madam. Please be careful on your way.”

Qiu Shuiyi smiled warmly.

Madam Cheng also wore a faint smile, her expression gentle. “Alright, second young lady, please return quickly.”

Qiu Shuiyi nodded to her with a smile.

“Oh, right.” Half-turning as if remembering something, she looked back, her brows slightly furrowed. “Madam, since Elder Sister Cheng enjoys horse riding, please remind the servants not to be careless in the future and leave iron picks on the equestrian grounds.”

Madam Cheng’s smile froze on her face.

“Leave iron picks… on the equestrian grounds?”

She repeated the words, her expression puzzled.

“Yes.”

Qiu Shuiyi nodded emphatically, her tone carrying a hint of complaint. “I don’t know which servant left an iron pick on the grounds, but the horse was injured while walking, which startled it.”

After speaking, she looked up at Madam Cheng, seemingly startled by her expression, and asked cautiously, “Madam… what’s wrong?”

Mrs. Cheng bit back her anger. "Second Miss, are you certain the horse was startled because it was injured by an iron pickaxe?"

Of course not.

She had asked her system and learned it was Cheng Mingshan who had bribed the groom leading her horse that day, telling him to hurt the horse.

Qiu Jinbai was not nearby, and the maids, Xin Liu and Xin Tao, were completely focused on her, so naturally they didn't notice the groom secretly stabbing the horse.

She'd only said that to make Mrs. Cheng suspicious.

Qiu Shuiyi frowned as if thinking it over and said hesitantly, "N-no, it wasn't?"

"It was too chaotic at the time; I just had a vague impression it was, but now that I think about it, probably not?"

She smiled, putting on a completely casual air, "But it's been several days since the incident, and there's no point worrying about it now. Just be careful, Madam, so as not to harm your daughter."

These words filled Mrs. Cheng with so much guilt it nearly overwhelmed her, and correspondingly, her anger burned even hotter.

The servants at the Cheng family's stables had always been diligent; they would never leave an axe lying on the grounds.

Moreover, with the slippery winter paths, the servants meticulously cared for the grounds, making rounds every two hours. If an iron pickaxe had indeed been left behind, such a large object, how could they have missed it?

Yet Qiu Shuiyi's expression was too natural, showing no signs of lying.

That meant there must be something suspicious about this matter.

If it wasn't a pickaxe, then something else must have startled the horse.

Swallowing her rage, Mrs. Cheng forced a stiff smile and said gently to Qiu Shuiyi, "Good child, you are very thoughtful. Auntie will have people search the grounds as soon as I return home, and I assure you, no iron pickaxe will appear again."

The last two words were uttered with heavy, hard emphasis, revealing her inner turmoil.

Qiu Shuiyi smiled and said, "Alright."

After seeing off the furious Mrs. Cheng, the moment she turned around, the corners of Qiu Shuiyi's lips turned up in a smile of pure delight.