Yun Wanqing watched the play while internally mocking it, wishing she could speak up and fight this battle for the Princess.
The Princess she was concerned about had snapped back to attention, ready to mock Su Qianxue’s merits. Yun Wanyao sensed something was wrong and quickly covered her mouth, continuously winking to signal her.
Dear Princess, don’t fall for it, becoming a tool for her to shine.
Mo Zhaozhao’s words were stifled at her lips. She was both anxious and perplexed. What was up with Ah Yao today?
Why could she never understand Ah Yao?
Su Qianxue also gazed deeply at Yun Wanyao. She felt that Yun Wanyao’s behavior was somewhat peculiar today, as if she could discern all her thoughts.
Could the heroine really be that formidable?
"Ha, who says you have to see Miss Su’s merits to not be narrow-minded? The Princess is a nation’s Princess; what status does Miss Su have? Is she worthy of the Princess discovering her merits? Besides, with Miss Su’s previous various feats, it’s indeed quite hard to discern her merits."
Yun Wanyao’s words completely ruined Su Qianxue’s plan.
The constant emphasis on status difference made Su Qianxue feel deeply insulted.
Everyone is born equal, what are status differences? This leading lady has gotten used to being inferior, yet she wants to drag her down too, utterly ridiculous.
After a round of verbal sparring, peace prevailed.
Fearing that Mo Zhaozhao might cause trouble and end up as a stepping stone, Yun Wanyao kept her in check to prevent her from provoking Su Qianxue further.
This made Mo Zhaozhao very unhappy.
She was the most noble woman in Da Wu Country; when had she ever felt so stifled?
Thus, upon seeing Su Qianxue heading alone towards the small lake behind the garden, her eyes flickered, and she quickly devised a plan.
"Ah Yao, my stomach feels uncomfortable, I need to relieve myself."
She rubbed her stomach with one hand, feigning discomfort.
"I’ll go with you."
Yun Wanyao immediately stood up, but she was quickly grabbed by the arm and pressed back into her seat.
"You stay here with Aunt Ye. Just by looking at Madam Su, you can tell she has a grudge against Aunt Ye. If we’re both gone, what if she takes the opportunity to bully Aunt Ye? I’ll be back soon, don’t worry."
"No, I’m going with you."
Yun Wanyao remembered Yun Wanqing’s mention of the ’plot,’ and she did see Su Qianxue indeed head towards the lake. The plot was so bizarre; how could she let the Princess leave her sight alone?
"If that’s the case, then let’s forget it. We’d better stay and keep Aunt Ye company."
Mo Zhaozhao pouted, feeling increasingly that Yun Wanyao was acting odd today, as if determined to keep a close eye on her.
Yun Wanyao: "..."
Suddenly, a maid from the Yun Family came over and whispered a few words in her ear.
Yun Wanyao’s expression changed, looking at Mo Zhaozhao with difficulty.
"Princess, I have something to attend to temporarily, please don’t wander off, do you understand?"
Upon hearing this, Mo Zhaozhao’s eyes instantly brightened, nodding repeatedly with a solemn promise.
"Rest assured, I won’t go anywhere, I’ll wait here for your return."
After a pause, she chuckled and added, "At most, I’ll just relieve myself."
Yun Wanyao hurriedly nodded without caring to say more, lifted her skirt, and rushed off.
Seeing her leave, Mo Zhaozhao’s gaze shifted towards Lady Yun surrounded by numerous wives, then to Madam Su intensely staring at Lady Yun.
Taking advantage of the lack of attention from everyone, Mo Zhaozhao stood up and quietly headed towards the lake.
The stone-green walls separated the courtyard from the garden.
From afar, Mo Zhaozhao saw Su Qianxue standing at the lake’s edge without a railing, elated, she stepped into the long corridor towards that spot.
By the lake, catching a glimpse of the suspiciously prowling red-dressed girl, Su Qianxue’s eyes quickly flashed with a sneer.
This fool, indeed, harbors ill intentions towards her, just like in the plot, attempting to push her into the lake as a warning.
In that case, she shouldn’t be blamed.
She was curious to see who would teach who a lesson today.
What does it matter if she’s a princess?
She’s just an arrogant, spoiled, tyrannical woman who abuses power.
Su Qianxue slightly raised her chin, quietly waiting for Mo Zhaozhao to approach.
Suddenly, a giant rockery blocked her view, and the red-dressed girl seemed to vanish into thin air, not reappearing.
What’s going on?
Su Qianxue furrowed her brows but did not act rashly, continuing to wait patiently.
At the corridor.
Mo Zhaozhao had just reached a rockery when suddenly, a figure appeared and covered her mouth from behind, disregarding her struggles, and took her to a hidden loft at the top of the corridor.