Chapter 011: The Ruse of Self-Sacrifice

Apricot immediately took off after her.

“Miss!” Cheng Cheng stomped her foot and hurriedly grabbed an umbrella to chase after them. “Slow down! Wait for me!”

The courtyard where Wu Qingqiong lived was called Yunlan Pavilion. Not far ahead there was a small pond, and on the other bank stood a gazebo—a perfect spot for summer evenings. Wu Tan lifted her skirts and raced along the shortcut, arriving just as Wu Qingqiong rounded the garden path.

It was raining, and Wu Qingqiong was being supported by her two chief maids, moving slowly. Wu Tan stopped in her tracks, watching from a distance.

Apricot peered over her shoulder, stretching her neck to see, her eyes sparkling. “Miss, what are you up to?”

Wu Tan's gaze shifted, and she gave a cold, mocking laugh before hoisting her skirts and dashing forward.

Wu Qingqiong and her maids saw someone charging toward them. With the rain pouring and darkness all around, they couldn’t make out who it was, but the forceful approach made them wary, all three stopping in their tracks.

Mujin bravely stepped forward to block the way.

“Wu Qingqiong!” Wu Tan called out, shoving Mujin aside.

Wu Qingqiong recognized the voice and, remembering the events of the day, instinctively felt a pang of guilt, though her mouth was already shouting, “Are you mad? Trying to scare people out here in the dead of night?”

She thought Wu Tan was coming to quarrel.

But before she could react, Wu Tan slapped Mujin away and, without waiting for Qingqiong to see her face, gave her a fierce push.

Wu Qingqiong truly hadn’t anticipated such direct action. She didn’t even have time to cry out, and the two maids chasing after them watched as their Miss, with swift and resolute movement, sent the Third Miss tumbling into the water.

A dull splash echoed in the night, water exploding into ripples.

Mumian, who had been supporting Wu Qingqiong, was stunned, rooted like a wooden stake.

“Miss!” Mujin rushed to the bank, shouting toward the pitch-black water.

Wu Tan clapped her hands and gave a satisfied, cold snort, then waved dismissively, as if nothing had happened. “Let’s go, time for bed!” With her two maids in tow, she strode away.

She had arrived swiftly, acted decisively, and left just as crisply.

It was late at night, with cold rain falling. The servants had retired early, and the back courtyard was nearly deserted.

Mujin, coming to her senses, was so frightened her soul almost flew away. She quickly jumped into the water.

Wu Tan heard the commotion behind but paid it no mind.

Cheng Cheng, seeing Mujin jump in, finally relaxed a little, and couldn’t help but scold, “Miss! Even if you’re angry with the Third Miss, you shouldn’t go this far.”

“If I don’t vent my anger, I’ll never sleep tonight,” Wu Tan replied, unconcerned.

“But…”

“Enough, enough. I’ve heard you nagging all evening. Do you think your Miss lacks even this much discretion?” Wu Tan interrupted impatiently. “If I truly had no sense of propriety, I wouldn’t have waited until Mujin was present to push her in.”

Cheng Cheng considered this and couldn’t help but chide, “Third Miss made such a scene today—I was only afraid your anger would cloud your judgment!”

Wu Tan glanced back at her, suddenly sighing heavily. “Instead of worrying about her, you ought to care more for me. Now that I’ve made such a scene, Father is likely to be furious!”

With that, she patted Cheng Cheng’s shoulder meaningfully. While Cheng Cheng was still stunned, she took the umbrella from her hand and walked ahead.

Apricot followed, curiosity bubbling all evening, and leaned in to ask, “What did the Third Miss do this time to upset our Miss so badly? It’s as if she stirred up a hornet’s nest!”

Wu Xun was a military man, strict in raising his children. Reminded by Wu Tan, Cheng Cheng grew anxious again and, too worried to explain, merely said, “I’ll tell you later!”

With that, she hurried off to catch up with Wu Tan.

Wu Tan, having vented her anger, felt thoroughly refreshed. Her steps were light as she hummed a tune on her way back.

She entered her room first, with Cheng Cheng trailing behind. Remembering Wu Xun’s temper, Cheng Cheng turned and rushed to the kitchen to fetch the ginger soup she’d had prepared. “Miss! Please drink this—you’ve been out in the rain all afternoon. If the Master punishes you later, I fear you won’t bear it!”

Having just caused trouble, Wu Tan had no expectation of sleeping tonight. She busied herself at the treasure cabinet, arranging her collection, waiting for Wu Xun’s summons.

Cheng Cheng passed her the bowl; Wu Tan took it and, without a second glance, poured it outside the door. “Hmm! I’ve drunk it…”

Cheng Cheng was exasperated by her fussiness at such a time and was about to protest, but Wu Tan turned, earnestly tapping both maids' foreheads. “Remember! Make sure everyone knows I drank ginger soup tonight!”

Cheng Cheng was baffled again, wanting to say more, but Apricot pulled her aside. “It’s obviously a ruse! Sister, must you be so honest? Think about it—Miss was drenched, so if she gets sick even after drinking ginger soup, the Marquis will surely soften his heart!”

Apricot was quite pleased with herself.

Wu Tan was very satisfied; mistress and maid exchanged knowing glances and reached a tacit understanding.

While they flirted so, Uncle Qin arrived in person.

“Steward Qin is here!” Apricot hurried to admit him.

“Uncle Qin, what brings you here so late?” Wu Tan greeted him with a cheerful smile, not a hint of guilt.

Uncle Qin sighed, helpless. “The Marquis asks you to go to the Third Miss’s chambers at once.”

“Oh!” Wu Tan didn’t feign ignorance, agreeing readily.

Cheng Cheng, remembering Wu Xun’s temper, knew tonight would not end well. She quickly found a thicker cloak for Wu Tan.

The rain still fell outside.

When the group reached Yunlan Pavilion, the courtyard was brightly lit. The main room’s doors stood wide open. Wu Xun stood in the center with his back to the door, all the servants lined up under the eaves, heads bowed, afraid to breathe.

Apricot and Cheng Cheng saw the master’s broad back and their legs began to tremble.

Wu Tan, fortunately, was formidable, striding calmly over the threshold.

Wu Xun, trained in martial arts, possessed keen senses; even the lightest footsteps didn’t escape him. He spun around swiftly.

He rarely smiled, and now, in his fury, his gaze was sharp and intimidating. Seeing Wu Tan, he was about to lash out, but before he could speak, Wu Tan knelt with a thud, facing him solemnly. “Your daughter acted rashly and made many mistakes. I have come to beg Father’s forgiveness!”

“You…” Wu Xun was not eloquent, and her move left him speechless.

At that moment, Wu Qingqiong, in the inner room changing clothes, heard the commotion and rushed out.

—Extra—

[With a proud face] Yes! My daughter is just that direct and fierce!

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