"I..." Bai Mingyue began, but Luo Ningshuang didn't give him a chance to explain and immediately interrupted him.
"Grandmother, you may not know, but Bai Mingyue doesn't love Shuang'er, and there's no love between them either. It was all a misunderstanding and a mistake. Bai Mingyue originally liked my sister, but somehow, by some twist of fate, she mistook Shuang'er for her sister and even bullied her, eventually making it known to everyone. Shuang'er is ashamed that she's not some virtuous and chaste woman, but she knows propriety and shame. Shuang'er thought about suicide, but... but my sister..."
The Empress narrowed her eyes and asked calmly, "What happened to your sister?"
Luo Zhiheng watched Luo Ningshuang, who was acting out her own story, with a calm and composed demeanor, showing no fear whatsoever.
Luo Ningshuang seemed to have mustered her courage and choked out, "But for the sake of her reputation and being with the young prince, my sister actually forced me to marry Bai Mingyue. I didn't want to at the time, but I had no choice. I couldn't go against my sister. At that time, my sister was very powerful in the Southern Dynasty, and everything was pointing towards me, which was very disadvantageous to me. I had no choice but to marry Bai Mingyue with resentment."
"But Bai Mingyue harbored resentment, believing that it was my fault that he didn't marry my sister, so he vented all his anger and resentment on Shuang'er. Over the years, Shuang'er has tried to commit suicide many times, but he always found out and stopped her. Shuang'er's life in the Southern Dynasty Prince's Mansion is like living in hell, unable to live or die."
"Heng'er, what do you have to say?" The Empress's voice was somewhat cold.
Luo Zhiheng maintained her composure and said slowly, "There's nothing to say. What she said is true. I was the one who arranged for her to marry Bai Mingyue, but at the time, it was the Southern Dynasty emperor who made the decision. As her older sister, I was naturally doing it for her own good. She had already lost her virginity to Bai Mingyue, and it was common knowledge. If she didn't marry Bai Mingyue, would she have any better options? As her older sister, I've gone to great lengths for her future and her reputation, doing countless things, only to end up like this. It seems I truly deserve to die."
Luo Zhiheng's voice grew heavier, carrying a suppressed air of authority and anger. She chuckled lightly, "Luo Ningshuang, so you're blaming me now, resenting me? That's right. If I hadn't cared about your life or death, whether you'd be condemned by the enraged people of the Southern Dynasty for your ruined reputation, whether you'd never be able to marry again, I would have ignored everything and let you fend for yourself, drown in their spittle, be cursed to death, and die from their condemnation, that would have been fine! Would that have satisfied you?"
A sudden, angry shout, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploded in the quiet hall. Luo Ningshuang, who was kneeling on the ground, was so shocked that her scalp tingled and her face turned pale.
The Empress closed her eyes slightly, observing the behavior of the people present, her gaze finally settling on Bai Mingyue.
Luo Ningshuang wanted nothing more than to kill Luo Zhiheng, but she choked back tears and said fearfully, "Sister, you've misunderstood. Shuang'er absolutely didn't mean that. How could Shuang'er be so ungrateful as to not know that you truly care about me? But back then, you were my only support. I married someone else and ended up in that kind of place, and you left. If you could have stayed with me, even if it meant marrying back into the Mu Dynasty, with you and the young prince backing me up, Bai Mingyue would never have dared to mistreat me like that. Shuang'er was just scared, not resentful towards you."
All the words were spoken against her will; all the resentment could only be deeply hidden in her heart at this moment. She knew that the only thing she could gain was the Empress's sympathy and pity. She couldn't let the Empress hate her; she had to secure her status as the Empress's granddaughter. She would endure the humiliation for now, waiting for the day she rose to power, and then she would trample all those who had trampled and humiliated her underfoot!
"Is that so? Then you should explain yourself properly. Otherwise, if the Empress Dowager only hears half of what you have to say, she might think that I, as her older sister, have plotted against you. After all, we all know who plotted against whom back then, don't we?" Luo Zhiheng said with a sinister smile.
Luo Ningshuang's pupils constricted; she felt that Luo Zhiheng was threatening her. She was also afraid that Luo Zhiheng would tell the Empress the truth, so she became even more cautious. Little did she know that Her Majesty the Empress already knew about the affairs of the Southern Dynasty.
"You must be Bai Mingyue! How dare you mistreat my granddaughter!" The Empress made no mention of the past grievances between the sisters, pointing the finger directly at Bai Mingyue.
Bai Mingyue broke out in a cold sweat instantly and knelt down with a thud, saying, "Your Majesty, please understand! I didn't mean it. It's just that Luo Ningshuang often spews wild words to insult me. Not only that, she's also unfaithful. I am a man, how could I allow a woman to ride roughshod over me like this? I acted impulsively for a moment, and I will never dare to do it again, never again!"
Seeing that Bai Mingyue immediately cowered, Luo Ningshuang became even more disdainful of him. Thinking of Mu Yunhe's increasingly handsome face and demeanor, she felt even more eager to sever all ties with Bai Mingyue.
"Grandmother, please do justice for your granddaughter! I absolutely will not speak to him again before leaving. I want a divorce!" Luo Ningshuang pleaded.
First update! There will be more updates today, my darlings! Please leave lots of comments! Although Luo Ningshuang has appeared, it's just the prelude to destroying her. Hua Sha also hates her. Please give me recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets! Group kisses!
Chapter 427: The Ultimate Tonic Soup! (Bonus Chapter for 66,000 Recommendation Votes)
Updated: 2013-11-07 19:55:33 Word Count: 3529
Chapter 427: The Ultimate Tonic Soup! (Bonus Chapter for 66,000 Recommendation Votes)
Luo Zhiheng would not allow Luo Ningshuang to divorce, otherwise Luo Ningshuang would have a legitimate reason to covet Mu Yunhe. Seeing that the Empress hesitated for a moment before speaking, she smiled as if it were an unintentional remark: "Why is everyone making the atmosphere so tense? Shuang'er, you've just returned, don't get so angry. Come, look at all your injuries, it breaks my heart. Luckily, I was prepared in advance and had someone prepare a nourishing soup. Wet nurse, hurry up and bring it over for the second young lady to try."
"Here it is, Second Miss, please drink it while it's hot. This is a token of the eldest young lady's affection." The wet nurse had long seen Luo Ningshuang's true colors, so she was naturally impolite to her. The smile on her face at this moment was also a forced one.
Luo Ningshuang was quite frightened. She and Luo Zhiheng were sworn enemies; why would Luo Zhiheng treat her so kindly? There might be some poison in the soup. She couldn't drink it!
"Sister, you know I've been working hard all week and am quite weak. This sudden dose of tonic might actually harm me. I know you mean well, but if this tonic makes me feel unwell, wouldn't that be letting you down? I don't want to upset you, so I'll pass on this soup. I appreciate your kindness," Luo Ningshuang said delicately.
She's said all sorts of things, good and bad. It's been a while; her tongue has gotten much sharper. Look at what she said! If Luo Zhiheng keeps making Luo Ningshuang drink this tonic soup and she gets sick, then Luo Zhiheng has ulterior motives?
This could be considered a criticism, but Luo Zhiheng remained all smiles, personally taking the bowl of soup and walking towards Luo Ningshuang, saying with a smile, "Shuang'er, aren't you being too polite? Look how beautiful the color of this soup is, and smell the aroma, it's definitely the king of soups, not just anyone can make it taste like this. I really love you, that's why I brought out my favorite soup to share with you, so please don't be ungrateful."
Luo Ningshuang lowered her eyelashes, a cold glint and a sneer flashing in her eyes. Her beloved soup? It's probably something shameful. Appreciate her kindness? She might be grateful today, but she could be dead tomorrow. Luo Zhiheng, just how far are you going to take this crocodile tears act?
Slowly raising her head, Luo Ningshuang said apologetically, "Although Shuang'er is not feeling well right now, drinking this tonic might make Shuang'er very uncomfortable, but since it is your kind offer, it would be ungrateful of Shuang'er to refuse. Shuang'er thanks you for your kindness, sister."
Luo Ningshuang stood up, smiling as she took the bowl of soup. When her gaze inadvertently met Luo Zhiheng's eyes, a coldness flashed in both of their eyes, a sharp confrontation escalating into hatred.
Hmph, she was drinking Luo Zhiheng's soup in front of the Empress today. That idiot Luo Zhiheng wouldn't be foolish enough to try and harm her in front of the Empress. If she kept refusing, it might only give the Empress a bad impression. She might as well just swallow it whole. She was betting that Luo Zhiheng wouldn't dare to harm her immediately. Maybe this was all part of Luo Zhiheng's scheme, trying to embarrass her in front of the Empress and make the Empress dislike her.
Thinking this, Luo Ningshuang brought the bowl of soup to her lips. Just smelling it made her feel like vomiting, but she calmly took a sip. With just that one sip, Luo Ningshuang couldn't help but spit it all out, spraying it right at the person in front of her.
Luo Zhiheng was prepared and immediately dodged, also pulling away Her Majesty the Empress. Luo Ningshuang's spit of soup was quite powerful, spraying it far away and causing her to cough incessantly.
Before Luo Ningshuang could speak, Luo Zhiheng exclaimed in surprise, "What's wrong with you? I kindly offered you some nourishing soup, and you actually spat it out! If you didn't want to drink it, why pretend? Are you provoking me?"
The Empress also snorted in displeasure.
Luo Ningshuang had no time to explain. Her mouth was filled with a strong fishy and salty spiciness, making it numb, spicy, and pungent. The fishy smell also made her want to vomit, so she couldn't hold back and ran out to vomit violently.
Luo Ningshuang thought bitterly, "This isn't a tonic soup, it's a murder weapon! It's disgusting!" She knew Luo Zhiheng had ill intentions. Now she'd made her lose her composure in front of the Empress; the Empress must be unhappy with her now. That was Luo Zhiheng's goal. Truly ruthless!
"What exactly happened?" the Empress asked, slightly displeased.
Luo Zhiheng said aggrievedly, "Heng'er doesn't know either, Grandmother, please ask Shuang'er."
When Luo Ningshuang returned, her face was flushed, tears welled up in her eyes, and she asked weakly and fearfully, "Sister, what did you give Shuang'er to drink? Why did it taste so awful?"
"Is it hard to drink? Are you sure?" Luo Zhiheng asked in surprise.
Luo Ningshuang nodded heavily and said, "The taste is really awful. This is the most unpalatable thing I've ever tasted. If you don't believe me, try it yourself, sister." She didn't believe Luo Zhiheng would dare drink it. Humph, giving her something so terrible to drink? Did she really think she was easy to bully and powerless to resist? As long as Luo Zhiheng didn't dare drink it, the Empress would definitely realize there was something wrong with the soup, and Luo Zhiheng would be embarrassed. She wanted to be disliked by the Empress; Luo Zhiheng wouldn't escape it either.
Contrary to Luo Ningshuang's expectations, Luo Zhiheng was not terrified. Instead, she held the bowl of soup up to the Empress with a look of surprise and asked with a puzzled expression, "Grandmother, why does Heng'er find this soup so delicious? She even praised it when she shared it with Mu Yunhe. But Shuang'er said it tasted terrible and that it was the hardest thing to swallow. Shuang'er doesn't seem to be faking it. What's wrong with you, Grandmother?"
Her Majesty the Queen knew immediately that she had made the soup herself when she saw the bowl, and her expression changed instantly.
For Her Majesty the Empress to personally cook soup—what an honor and privilege that must be enjoyed! The Empress condescends to please her granddaughter and nourish her body; this sentiment is truly admirable. Even if it tastes terrible, one must hold their nose and drink it. How could you so easily trample on the Empress's dignity?
Luo Zhiheng always drank with great relish, which the Empress noticed. She marveled at her own talent for making soup and at her granddaughter's thoughtfulness and cuteness, naturally enjoying making the soup herself. Luo Zhiheng had drunk so much soup without ever complaining about how bad it tasted, but Luo Ningshuang spat it out after just one sip and dared to say it was the most unpalatable thing imaginable! This was an utter insult to Her Majesty the Empress's dignity! 12.
The Empress's expression was not good, and Luo Ningshuang noticed it as well. She wondered if there was something fishy going on. Not daring to offend the only person who might be her lifeline, she quickly said, "Actually, it's not particularly bad, it's just that the taste is a bit strange."
"Is it strange? I drink this every day. It's because our royal grandmother saw that my body was too weak and needed nourishment that she condescended to personally cook this nourishing soup for me every day." Luo Zhiheng said deliberately slowly.
With each word she spoke, Luo Ningshuang's face paled further, until finally it became almost transparently white, her large eyes bulging out strangely, looking somewhat terrifying.
She never expected that the soup was made by the Empress herself. If she said it wasn't good, the Empress would definitely be displeased. What was most infuriating was her behavior just now, and the Empress's attitude towards Luo Zhiheng. A dignified monarch personally cooking for a little maid—this favor drove Luo Ningshuang mad with jealousy. And what made her even more resentful was that she had fallen for another trap. She had been tricked by Luo Zhiheng once before.
"Grandmother, I... I didn't mean to. I didn't know this was made by my mother. I was really feeling unwell, that's why I threw up. Since this is something Grandmother has put so much effort into making, I'll drink it right away." To make amends, Luo Ningshuang said with a cute and panicked expression. Then, she almost snatched the soup bowl from Luo Zhiheng's hand and, holding her breath, downed the bowl of complex-tasting tonic soup in one gulp.
Luo Zhiheng almost couldn't help but shout "Good!"
That soup had lots of seasonings added; it was a true "all-in-one tonic soup." How could a normal person finish it in one go? Luo Ningshuang was definitely not normal.
"Since it's hard to swallow, don't force yourself. My cooking is really not good, otherwise your sister wouldn't have given it to you to drink." After watching Luo Ningshuang finish drinking, Her Majesty the Empress said slowly.
Zhi Youheng is talented and virtuous. Luo Ningshuang wanted to cry but had no tears. Why didn't you say so earlier? Then she wouldn't have had to drink this strange stuff.
"It's not bad to drink. If you savor it carefully, it actually tastes quite good," Luo Ningshuang said with a dry laugh, forcing back the urge to vomit.
"Alright, you must be tired from your journey. Get some rest today, we can talk again tomorrow. I'm tired too, Heng'er, come with me back to my room," the Empress coldly ordered. Luo Zhiheng quickly helped the Empress out of the hall. Before they had completely left, they heard Luo Ningshuang vomiting behind them.
Luo Zhiheng felt the Empress's anger, which made her even happier, and she couldn't help but smile.
"You're just being ridiculous." Before leaving, the Empress glared at Luo Zhiheng and tossed out this sentence to dismiss her. 17886093
Luo Zhiheng pouted and muttered that she would never do it again, which earned her a helpless yet doting gaze from the Empress. Luo Zhiheng knew that this meant the Empress wasn't angry that she had just taken advantage of the Empress's tonic soup.
Back in his room, Xiao Xizi was excitedly telling Xiao Yongzi and Qi Wan about what he had just done. When he saw Luo Zhiheng arrive, Xiao Xizi immediately fawned, "Master, how was it? This nourishing soup I just made is very good, isn't it?"
"I just told you to put some seasoning in it, and tell me what you put in? Look how much Shuang'er vomited, she almost threw up her intestines." Luo Zhiheng said with a stern face.
Xiao Xizi said nervously, "I only added some chili water, the broth squeezed from the rotten fish and shrimp in the kitchen, and a little aged vinegar. Oh, the young prince was afraid that the soup wouldn't be nourishing enough, so he told me to put two ounces of rat meat in it. The rat meat was extremely fresh; it was just killed."
Luo Zhiheng stared wide-eyed in shock. This move... was truly cunning. She opened her mouth wide and roared, "Nanny, Xiao Xizi has rendered meritorious service by serving soup, and is rewarded with one hundred taels of silver! From today onwards, whoever adds the 'fresher and more surprising' ingredients to Luo Ningshuang's food will receive double the reward!"
The room erupted in cheers.
Second update! Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets! Group members, please support Huasha!
428 Prank!
Updated: 2013-11-08 20:36:14 Word Count: 3487
Luo Ningshuang was relocated to the courtyard where she had previously lived. All the servants were replaced by Luo Zhiheng's people, leaving Luo Ningshuang without a single close confidant. What frustrated her most was that Bai Mingyue was now living in her courtyard, just like his beloved concubine Chunnuan. Now, she couldn't even afford to be out of sight of him.
Bai Mingyue now dared not provoke Luo Ningshuang, and even somewhat regretted coming along. Knowing Luo Ningshuang's vengeful nature, she would definitely make trouble for him. It wouldn't have been a problem initially, but now that Luo Ningshuang had been almost completely plucked from her brood and transformed into a golden phoenix, things were dangerous. Luo Ningshuang would definitely come after him; that was a certainty.
But Chunnuan couldn't be in any danger. She was carrying his only child, and he couldn't allow himself to be childless. Therefore, Bai Mingyue and Chunnuan lived in the same courtyard, and the servants he brought were all highly vigilant in protecting Chunnuan. His guarding of Luo Ningshuang like a thief only fueled Luo Ningshuang's anger and ruthlessness.
Luo Ningshuang was trying to figure out a way to use her identity to hurt Bai Mingyue and Chunnuan, but before she could come up with anything, lunch started.
They didn't eat lunch together; instead, it was divided among their atomic forces. They also told Luo Ningshuang that they would be hosting a banquet for her that evening. Only then did Luo Ningshuang feel a little relieved.
Looking at the delicious-looking food, her empty stomach was rumbling, and she couldn't help but feel tempted. However, after taking a bite of rice, Luo Ningshuang's face turned slightly ugly. The rice was a bit hard and tough. That was fine, but after taking another bite of vegetables, Luo Ningshuang almost turned into a fire-breathing dragon. Her face immediately turned red, and she grabbed the teapot and gulped down water.
Luo Ningshuang threw down her bowl and chopsticks and shouted angrily, "Someone come here! Someone come here right now!"
"What does the Princess Consort of the South want to do?" someone immediately came in and asked respectfully.
Luo Ningshuang was taken aback: "What, Princess Consort of the Southern Kingdom?"
The servant explained, "You are a princess from the Southern Dynasty, so that's how we address you."
Luo Ningshuang slammed her hand on the table and stood up, her face darkening as she coldly sneered, "Who gave you permission to call me that? Luo Zhiheng, right? Don't call me that! I am the second young lady of the Luo family, a member of the royal family of the Silver Moon Kingdom. Call me Second Young Lady."
"Princess Nan, you misunderstand. It wasn't the young princess who instructed us to address you this way; it was Her Majesty the Empress who gave the order. Please forgive us, Princess Nan; we dare not disobey orders. Is there anything else, Princess Nan?" The servants remained respectful, but seemed somewhat unyielding.
Luo Ningshuang choked. Her Majesty the Empress ordered this? Although she didn't know if it was true or not, she wisely shut her mouth. Changing the subject, she pointed at the food and said, "What's going on with this food? How dare you serve me undercooked rice? And this dish! Are you trying to kill me with spiciness?"
"Aren't you familiar with it? This was delivered from the kitchen. We servants didn't know. I'll go ask Prince Nan right away."
Luo Ningshuang watched the maid leave, her anger almost making her hair stand on end. At this point, what didn't she understand? This household was completely under Luo Zhiheng's control; was there no room for her to speak? Fine, very well! Luo Zhiheng, did you think you could control this household? Since she, Luo Ningshuang, had been reborn and managed to control the Luo family once, she would naturally do it again. This was just a show of force; she'd let her be smug for now, but she'd wait and see.
The maid returned quickly and said respectfully, "Princess Nan, the Prince Nan said the food was very good and delicious. He didn't say it was undercooked or unpalatable. Could it be that you have a poor appetite? I will go and inform the Princess Consort and Her Majesty the Empress to fetch a doctor for you."
Luo Ningshuang was stunned, and quickly said, "Stop! Who gave you permission to act on your own? Tell Her Majesty the Empress? Are you trying to sow discord between us, grandmother and grandson? How dare you!"
"This servant wouldn't dare," the maid said, kneeling down.