Zhan Yuemin stared into the forest, recounting all the information she knew about the Young Miss of the Yun household.
The girl was infamous for being trash, and many had mocked her even for her feeble attempts at getting recognition. Her unmatched beauty and talent in the scholarly arts were undoubtedly wasted. Within banquets held by the other noble ladies of the kingdom, Yun Da Xia had been the subject of ridicule for her facade of detachment. Everyone could clearly see a child attempting to act aloof, and failing miserably.
She didn't know when that had changed.
There was something odd that she couldn't place her finger on. In the time she spent with Yun Da Xia today, she could not recognize the feeble little girl she was familiar with. It was said that the Young Miss Yun had suffered from a lightning accident and had woken up with absent memories, but she did not think that that would change a person's constitution to such an extent. It almost felt like she was encountering a person she had never met before.
Wary, she had even used a rare technique to check whether or not Yun Da Xia truly could not cultivate.
Now, there was no doubt in her mind that the general's daughter was definitely a waste, so why did she suddenly feel a sense of trepidation around her?
Footfalls slamming loud against the ground, a young girl barrelled into Zhan Yuemin. Adorned with bright eyes and delicate features, she was darling but paled in comparison to the other. "Eldest sister, did you already send that piece of trash to her death?" Fu Liling eagerly peered into the dense woodland, trying to catch any trace of the disgrace from the general's residence.
Disgruntled from the interruption, Zhan Yuemin shielded her annoyance with a gentle gaze, "Third sister, you mustn't curse anyone in that manner."
The younger girl pouted, "You're being too nice to someone who doesn't deserve it. What if she goes and tries to steal His Highness from you?" A boisterous laugh escaped Fu Liling. "Ah, what a joke. As if she would ever succeed. Still! She might try and cause trouble for your relationship!"
Withholding from rolling her eyes, Zhan Yuemin laid a light hand on her junior's shoulder. She shook her head, "You shouldn't worry about those kinds of things, Ling'er. Trust that His Highness and I are unshakeable." The words were sweet sounding to another's ears but bitter to the speaker's mouth.
Fu Liling harrumphed, pursing her lips; attempting to contain a mocking sneer. A sharp glint sparked in her eyes. Her elder cousin may be talented and beautiful, but she was way too soft-tempered and kind. Although those attributes would not be good for an Empress, it was absolutely wonderful for anyone looking for their own gain. It was so, so easy to manipulate such a well-meaning person. Fu Liling almost pitied Zhan Yuemin.
No matter. It only meant that it would be easier to gain the favor of the kingdom's future mother. Although her words were kind and firm, what kind of woman was not wary of keeping her place in a man's heart? Wouldn't the future empress be more satisfied if the stain of the ex-fiancée was wiped out?
"Fine, fine." The girl grumbled, tugging on the sleeve of her elder's pale yellow robes. "Let's go to the stables. I haven't wiped down Little Star yet today." As they slowly lengthened the distance between themselves and the forest's border, Fu Liling cast her eyes to the gathering of trees.
There had been reports that the beasts inside were being far more unruly than usual. If Yun Da Xia was not ravaged to death between the teeth of some large animal, then she would lend a hand in her doom. The act would solidify an impression of loyalty between her and her cousin, as well as shake those in the general's household.
If that trash's death didn't do any of that, then at least the schemes Fu Liling would pull could be practice for handling her future husband's inner courtyard.
A loud roar erupted from deep within the forest, causing leaves to fall and birds to take flight. None of the students nor the teachers who heard it batted an eye.
so sorry for the late upload! i was banned from my gadgets (yay child life). don't forget, mass release will be happening tomorrow!
the chapter was longer, but i cut it down to this scene alone. i find this needed to stand on its own.