Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 552 - 552 553 Abnormality_1

Chapter 552: Chapter 553 Abnormality_1 Chapter 552: Chapter 553 Abnormality_1 A single hairpin was all it was; how could the Empress even care? What she truly cared about was the Emperor’s heart. Her magnanimity today made the Emperor feel even guiltier about last night’s event and more touched by her, and that was more than enough.

The play had ended, and Long Yi naturally had no reason to stay any longer. As he got up and left, his mind was preoccupied with the image of He Fangfei, to the point where he even forgot about Lady Rong, who was usually favored wherever she went.

Lady Rong had been expecting the Emperor to take her along as he left, a usual occurrence due to her favored status. Even the Empress and the other four consorts usually followed behind her, all because the Emperor liked to walk with her. But this time, it was the first time the Emperor had forgotten about her.

How could she endure this?

The Empress sneered, her gaze toward Lady Rong filled with scorn and provocation. She joyfully followed behind Long Yi, and seeing her lead, the other four consorts—who had been nothing more than ornaments—felt a sense of relief and walked ahead of Lady Rong with their heads held high, as if they had triumphed in winning over the favor that Lady Rong had lost.

If there was anyone to blame, it would be Lady Rong for monopolizing the favor for too long, attracting countless jealousies. Now, everyone was happy to see anyone surpass her.

As Muniang watched everyone gradually leave the room, Lady Rong remained still, so she pretended to be ignorant and asked, “Does Lady Rong perhaps think the play just now was so enjoyable that she is waiting to watch it again? If so, you might as well stay here and continue watching. This private room will always be reserved for you.”

A undisguised ferocity surged in Lady Rong’s eyes as she stepped closer to Muniang, her voice filled with a chilling coldness, “Don’t play these little tricks in front of me. Provoking me could lead to consequences you may not be able to bear.”

But Muniang was not in the least bit intimidated, standing her ground as Lady Rong approached, with a mocking smile curving her lips, “Oh? Why can’t I bear it? Is it because the master behind you is so powerful that you are fearless, my Lady?”

Lady Rong’s expression changed, “What do you mean by that?”

Muniang didn’t fear her and coldly replied, “The collusion between the Rong Family and Qilian Kingdom, do you think I’m unaware of it? You’ve been scheming behind the scenes, trying to harm my husband. Do you really take us for fools that can be easily manipulated?”

Lady Rong let out a laugh, “Even if you know, what can you do? Dare you speak a word of truth to His Majesty? I’m waiting to see you try. Who will come out the victor, who can say?”

Muniang blinked, “Why go to such trouble? With all this free time, my Lady, you might as well worry about yourself. Without His Majesty’s favor, do you think your master above will let you off so easily?”

Lady Rong’s face turned pale, a natural fear rose within her as she thought of Nangong Qian’s methods, yet she still said, “He won’t do anything to me.”

Muniang said with a mocking laugh, “He won’t? Hmm? I understand the kind of person Nangong Qian is. To those who are of no use, he always has·····”

As she spoke, Muniang gestured a cut across her neck with her hand.

Suddenly, like an enraged lioness, Lady Rong lunged forward, grasping Muniang’s neck. Her enchanting eyes now seemed bloodthirsty.

Muniang had not expected her to react so impulsively, and for a moment she could not escape. However, she reacted quickly, kicking out and hitting Lady Rong’s lower abdomen. Lady Rong stumbled several steps backward, clutching her stomach, and Muniang finally caught a fresh breath of air, gazing coldly at her.

Rong Suqing seemed to come to her senses, calming her emotions, but her gaze at Muniang still held a deep loathing and even a trace of jealousy. She merely gave Muniang one look before turning and heading downstairs, not leaving a single word behind.

Suddenly, Muniang felt she didn’t understand her. Rong Suqing wasn’t usually so irrational. By attacking her so recklessly, couldn’t she foresee the consequences? If something happened to Muniang at this moment, Lady Rong would be finished.

What exactly was said to her just now that caused her to take such an uncharacteristic and drastic action?

Muniang couldn’t be bothered to think more about it and went straight downstairs to the backstage.

Chen Yuhua had been waiting here already. Seeing Muniang come in, she quickly asked anxiously, “Lady, did I perform well? Was there anything that gave me away?”

Muniang smiled and said, “You did very well, don’t worry, Mr. He has no interest in you whatsoever.”

Chen Yuhua finally let out a sigh of relief, gratefully saying, “Thank you, Lady, for considering me and not letting me appear on stage. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t know what to do.”

“No need to thank me, all of this was your choice, too. If you truly had the ambition, I wouldn’t have had to ask Miss He to replace you and sending you into the palace would have been more convenient.”

Chen Yuhua’s face showed a hint of embarrassment, and Muniang teased her with a smile, “I’m just speaking offhand, I know you’ve got someone in your heart.”

Chen Yuhua blushed, “Lady, don’t make fun of me, who do I have in my heart?”

Muniang didn’t say much more and, after a few instructions, went on her way.

Looking at Chen Yuhua, she was indeed the epitome of an innocent, pure woman. As for He Fangfei’s actions today, they were nothing but an imitation of Chen Yuhua. As for He Fangfei’s true temperament, what need was there to delve into it? Her being strategically minded and cunning was more than enough.

Muniang headed straight for the He Family on this trip.

Because she intentionally delayed her visit, by the time she arrived, she saw Eunuch Li’s carriage leaving, knowing that the He Family must have received the imperial decree by now.

Just as Muniang’s carriage pulled up to the entrance, a young servant immediately welcomed her with joy, “Lady Yu, you’re here at last. Miss He and Madame were just overjoyed a moment ago and were eager to see you.”

Muniang smiled and followed him inside.

Once inside the inner courtyard, a maid led her straight to Madame’s quarters. Madame He was holding the imperial edict, so excited that her hands were trembling. Mr. He was even more so, smiling from ear to ear, “What great fortune for our family, great fortune indeed! From now on, our He Family will be honored. With your brother in the imperial court, and if you can secure your place in the harem, supporting each other, it won’t be long before our He Family rises to prominence!”

He Fangfei’s eyes reddened, and she knelt down before Madame He and Mr. He, “Father, Mother, you have worked tirelessly to plan for your daughter’s future. I am forever indebted for your great kindness. I will spend my life repaying you, bringing glory to our family name, and seeking fortune for our He Family!”

Madame He quickly helped her up, her own tears falling, “Once you enter the palace and become my Lady, we won’t be able to accept such gestures from you.”

“Mother, why would you say that? Even if your daughter truly receives great favor in the future, I’ll still be your daughter, no matter what.”

Mr. He, somewhat helplessly, waved his hand, “Enough, she is full of good intentions right now. Let’s just indulge her.”