How dare you flirt with me, the King!
Second update! Please vote and leave comments! That's it for today's 10,000-word update. Hua Sha's going to take a break now, phew!
106. Once you see the situation clearly, start your counterattack!
Updated: 2013-06-16 08:48:46 Word Count: 7683
Perhaps because of Luo Zhiheng's earlier commotion and intimidation, she left the Prince's Mansion without any problems passing through the gate. Arriving at the General's Mansion by carriage, she couldn't help but feel a momentary sense of disorientation as she stood before its imposing gates.
This place was where Luo Zhiheng used to live. Although it no longer belonged to her, she still felt a slight attachment to it. As the General's Mansion was now empty of its male head, with only the unmarried second daughter remaining, the main gate was tightly closed. Strangely, however, the side door was open.
Three burly servants escorted her to the small door. Inside, two people were chatting and joking. When they saw Luo Zhiheng suddenly appear, they were both startled, then their faces changed and they jumped up, stammering nervously, "Second Miss! What are you doing here? Weren't you receiving guests inside? We didn't mean to be lazy, please forgive us, Second Miss."
Their unease stemmed from the depths of their hearts, yet their expressions revealed a profound sense of guilt and awe—a deep respect for the Second Daughter they spoke of!
How could a second young lady who is not yet married, not favored at home, and supposedly suppressed by Luo Zhiheng every day, have such power in the General's Mansion? So much so that the servants respect her, and even a few people who go grocery shopping feel indignant on her behalf.
Luo Zhiheng suddenly wanted to know how these people treated her. She touched her face, which looked exactly like Luo Ningshuang's. They were truly twins.
"You're both lazy and negligent, letting just anyone in. What do you think the General's Mansion is? Who appointed you two to guard the gate? You're completely irresponsible! You should both be dragged out and given twenty lashes!" Her voice was soft, the same weak and powerless tone she remembered Luo Ningshuang speaking, but her words carried immense weight. She wanted to know just how much Luo Ningshuang meant to these people.
The two servants knelt down with a thud, but apart from being pale and panicked, their faces showed not a trace of resentment. Luo Zhiheng tried so hard to see even the slightest bit of dissatisfaction on their faces, but unfortunately, and shockingly, there was none!
Luo Ningshuang is very popular! Even the two gatekeepers are so willing to listen to her words?
"We know we were wrong, Second Miss, please don't be angry. We'll go to the steward to get our punishment ourselves," the gatekeeper said.
Luo Zhiheng's eyes were deep. Could it be that Luo Ningshuang had already taken control of this General's Mansion? Or perhaps there was an even more terrifying possibility: that Luo Ningshuang had already taken control of the entire General's Mansion? After all, it was impossible to control such a large mansion in just a few days. Without long-term accumulation and planning, even if one were to take power, one would be met with insincere resistance.
But this thought startled Luo Zhiheng. She immediately dismissed the bizarre idea. How old was Luo Ningshuang? Only eighteen, just like her. Her life had always been so dark. How could Luo Ningshuang possibly have access to the General's Mansion's affairs and connections? But how to explain this situation? Could it be that Luo Ningshuang was very farsighted and had foreseen today's situation? Or was Luo Ningshuang cunning and had been planning this day all along?
Luo Zhiheng shuddered violently. If that were really the case, then Luo Ningshuang was too terrifying! However, she didn't believe that anyone could be so farsighted. No matter how capable an ordinary person was, they couldn't possibly be like the prophet in the Bible who returned from studying abroad and could foresee the future.
However, Luo Ningshuang's current prestige in the General's Mansion is not to be underestimated. In addition, despite the rumors of how unfortunate Luo Ningshuang is, it has not hindered the development of her good reputation, nor has it suppressed the spread of her virtues, gentleness, and intelligence. This proves that Luo Ningshuang is definitely a smart person.
This Luo Ningshuang is very strange! But Luo Zhiheng couldn't quite figure out what was so strange about her. However, she dared not underestimate Luo Ningshuang.
Looking at the two servants kneeling there, Luo Zhiheng suddenly burst into laughter. It was a wild laugh that Luo Ningshuang would never make, so it unsurprisingly startled the two servants. As soon as they looked up in disbelief, they were met with a kick that knocked one of them to the ground.
Luo Zhiheng pointed at the dumbfounded other person and said, "Open your dog eyes and see clearly, this grandma is your young lady! Luo, Zhi, Heng!"
The two servants' eyes widened in disbelief and... rage!
They treated Luo Zhiheng with utter disdain and disgust, showing no respect whatsoever.
The two people even scrambled to their feet and angrily retorted, "How dare you impersonate the Second Miss! I told you the Second Miss has never left the manor."
Luo Zhiheng laughed angrily, her voice chilling, "Are you going to yell at me like that? Believe me or not, I'll break your legs right now?"
The servant seemed to realize what had happened, his face turning pale and then red. He became as hypocritical as he had been with Luo Zhiheng before: "This servant knows his mistake and begs for forgiveness, Miss. I just didn't expect that Miss could leave the Prince's mansion so easily."
"Stop talking nonsense and get out of the way." Luo Zhiheng wasn't so petty as to argue with a servant. She tried to go inside, but was stopped by the servant. Her eyes darkened, and she said coldly, "What do you mean?"
The servant said with a grin, "Miss, please wait a moment. Let me go in and inform them. After all, Miss is already married. A married daughter is like water spilled from a cup; if she comes back, she'll be a guest. The Second Miss is currently receiving guests..."
Before the man could finish speaking, Luo Zhiheng's slap landed on his face. The loud slap had barely faded when she followed up with a kick, slamming him hard into the stomach, sending him staggering backward and screaming in pain.
Luo Zhiheng's sharp gaze met the other person's, her smile vanished, and she said sternly, "Are you going to boss me around too? How come I didn't know that a married daughter returning to her parents' home is considered a guest? She can't even enter the house without being informed? When did this house become the domain of a bunch of dogs and slaves! Or is this a rule, a rule set by your second young lady!"
Luo Zhiheng suddenly erupted in fury, startling not only the two gatekeepers but also the three old women beside her. At that moment, Luo Zhiheng seemed to radiate a fierce and malevolent aura; anyone who dared to touch her would surely die!
Everyone was secretly alarmed and retreated.
Before the two slaves could say anything, a gentle voice floated out: "What happened? Why are you making such a fuss?"
Luo Zhiheng's gaze swept over and she saw Luo Ningshuang, wearing a flamboyant white veil, being helped along, swaying softly like a willow, with two middle-aged women dressed in exuding nobility beside her.
Luo Zhiheng ground her back teeth, the flames of anger flaring in her eyes barely concealed, when Luo Ningshuang spoke again, her voice filled with deep surprise and clear shock: "You, sister!! Why are you back?"
Luo Ningshuang clearly showed her fear upon seeing Luo Zhiheng. She suddenly stopped in her tracks, her body stiffened noticeably, and her voice trembled pitifully, a stark contrast to her previous gentle whispers.
Wow, that's quite a show-off!
Luo Zhiheng asked with a cold laugh, "What, can't I come back? Isn't this my home anymore? Does getting married mean I'm no longer a daughter of the Luo family, and I no longer bear the Luo surname?"
Luo Ningshuang seemed taken aback by Luo Zhiheng's overbearing and relentless questioning. After a while, she nervously waved her hands and hurriedly explained, "Why would you say that, sister? You are Father's beloved daughter. Even if you get married, this will always be your home. Shuang'er absolutely did not mean to prevent you from coming back. Please don't misunderstand, sister."
Luo Zhiheng sneered. This woman's acting was too fake. But since she wanted to put on an act, she would naturally play along to the end.
"I don't misunderstand others, I only look at the facts! These two bastards, you arranged them, didn't you? They don't even recognize me anymore, and they dare to stop me from going in. I ask you, when did you, Luo Ningshuang, become the mistress of this house!" Luo Zhiheng's eyes were filled with a suppressive sharpness, and every word was like a barb, capable of tearing a person's face apart. She was ruthless and showed no mercy!
But what she said was true; she, Luo Ningshuang, would never be the mistress of this house!
Although she longed to become the mistress of this family, to take control of the household, and to prove to her father and brother, who looked down on her and never cared about her, that she, Luo Ningshuang, was absolutely no worse than that despicable Luo Zhiheng!
With her hand pressed to her chest, Luo Ningshuang used this wounded posture to conceal the anger and hatred that was about to burst forth uncontrollably. Her face, hidden beneath the veil, was distorted, but her exposed eyes were filled with grievance, looking at Luo Zhiheng with tears welling up in their eyes. The split posture was done just right, just enough for the two noble ladies beside her to see clearly.
The two men frowned slightly, looking at Luo Ning Shuang with a hint of worry, fearing that this delicate girl might not be able to withstand the powerful and ruthless attack from the other side and would fall down. They also glanced at Luo Zhi Heng, and that single glance was filled with suffocating pressure and sharpness. Their gazes were like swords forged in the fire, ruthless and merciless enough to leave a body utterly devastated in a single look.
These are eyes that have witnessed cruelty and bloodshed, eyes tempered by the trials of the world. These two people are definitely not simple!
Luo Zhiheng finally noticed the two people. Although she felt their gazes were intense, she was not afraid at all. Instead, she fearlessly went up to them and looked directly into their eyes with an arrogant and haughty air.
She could stop abruptly. Her actions surprised the two men, but they didn't show it on their faces. They suppressed all their emotions and didn't say anything about leaving. This was their stance—the stance of standing on Luo Ning Shuang's side!
Who are they? Do they really think they have the ability to interfere in the affairs of the General's Mansion?
"Sister, I know there have always been deep misunderstandings between us, but I have never thought of fighting for anything. I am not the mistress of this house, and I never will be. When you were here, you were the one in charge. Now that you're gone, there's still our eldest brother. He will get married in the future, and his wife will be the mistress of this house. Why do you have such a deep misunderstanding about me, sister?" Luo Ningshuang avoided mentioning the two servants and instead poignantly interrupted Luo Zhiheng.
Luo Zhiheng suddenly had a very absurd feeling. This Luo Ningshuang, from the very beginning of her substitute marriage practice, and even her various suffering experiences in the past, always seemed to be the heroine in a tragic drama, firmly occupying the moral and victim's high ground. People around her either sympathized with her or were her loyal supporters. She was always right, always the one who deserved more love and respect.
As for Luo Zhiheng, although she was pampered by her father from childhood, she could never escape the villainous roles created by Luo Ningshuang in various melodramas. She was always the one who harmed others, always the one who was blamed and despised. She seemed unable to turn her life around, so much so that over time, whenever Luo Ningshuang felt wronged or did something wrong, people would reflexively blame everything on Luo Zhiheng.
In this melodramatic drama, who is truly innocent and wronged?
Was it Luo Ningshuang? But Luo Ningshuang always emerged victorious in the end, gaining everyone's sympathy and affection. In contrast, Luo Zhiheng became a stepping stone for Luo Ningshuang, who was repeatedly pitied and praised, ultimately ruining her reputation and causing her to be utterly disgraced!
Luo Zhiheng's eyes shone with a wisdom that Luo Ningshuang would never understand, and once again she felt a chilling sense of unease. The things surrounding her and Luo Ningshuang seemed to have started from childhood; it was a vicious cycle, repeating endlessly. Had Luo Ningshuang been using this tactic to gain people's sympathy since she was a child?
Many more years passed, and Luo Ningshuang was young again. How could Luo Ningshuang remain undefeated for so long?
Suddenly, a chessboard seemed to appear before Luo Zhiheng, with pieces intricately arranged in perilous situations. Luo Zhiheng exuded an imposing aura, as if protected by a deity, while Luo Ningshuang appeared to be at a disadvantage. However, all of Luo Ningshuang's pieces were exquisitely crafted, seemingly containing countless strategic opportunities. Every move Luo Zhiheng had made since childhood should have been smooth and successful, but in the end, they were all swallowed up and killed by Luo Ningshuang's seemingly weaker pieces. It was as if Luo Ningshuang had already foreseen Luo Zhiheng's next move, always able to suppress Luo Zhiheng's attacks quickly, effectively, and precisely.
What a powerless match.
The game of life has only been going on for less than twenty years, but all of Luo Zhiheng's innate advantages have already withered away. In the whole game, she is the wounded and dormant dragon, while Luo Ningshuang, the seemingly weak little snake, has grown into a giant python, eagerly waiting to devour and kill the wounded and doomed dragon Luo Zhiheng.
Luo Ningshuang will win this game!
Her pupils shattered instantly, revealing layers of light. Luo Zhiheng, who had been lost in the mystery, suddenly came to her senses. She was horrified by her own thoughts, but at the same time, she felt an indescribable excitement and a wild passion for challenge.
Was things really as she imagined? Did Luo Ningshuang's ingenious plan and unpredictable, seemingly preemptive moves truly make her believe victory was imminent? Had this truly become a dead end? Was Luo Zhiheng truly doomed?
Yes, Luo Zhiheng is dead! On the path to being forced into marriage, Luo Zhiheng died within this intricately designed scheme, so logically Luo Ningshuang should have already won.
But, as always, there are unexpected events, and she arrived! She wasn't the easily angered, naive, and easily manipulated Luo Zhiheng of the past; this was the ruthless and domineering Luo Zhiheng. If this game was a dead end, then with her arrival, it had to be completely overturned, and everything had to start afresh!
Although she didn't know what secrets Luo Ningshuang held, nor cared what kind of monster she was, what strange things she did, or what trump cards she had up her sleeve, in her eyes, things had to be done according to her rules. There's always a surprise behind the unknown, and the more exciting, the more interesting, isn't it? She refused to believe she couldn't find a way out. If she truly couldn't, then she would fight her way through! 15459433
Luo Ningshuang, do you think you know everything about her? Do you think you can still frame her unjustly as before? This time, she's completely thrown you off balance, making it impossible for you to grasp her temperament. Since you like to play the victim and stand on the moral high ground, then let's switch roles. You can also experience what it's like to be framed and wronged.
Do you want to play the victim in front of others, making her the target of everyone's viciousness once again? Let those two people go out and spread your pitiful and gentle stories? How could you let such a villain like her get away with it?
Luo Zhiheng closed her eyes and then opened them again, her face revealing undisguised arrogance and smugness. She was completely clueless and thoughtless, pointing at the two servants with an air of self-righteousness and saying, "You say you're not the mistress, then why were they so respectful when they first saw me? When they called you 'Second Miss,' they treated you like a master, even kneeling down. But when they found out I wasn't you, the expressions they showed... don't think I'm really stupid and don't know. It was their inability to see clearly and their contempt, right?"
"You've always been like this, always making me go to your room. I never thought much of it, but every time I came out of your room, the beautiful girl was either crying or sick, even though you were perfectly fine when I went to your room. Now I realize you were setting me up!"
Luo Ningshuang's face turned deathly pale. This was a grave offense that tarnished her character. How dare Luo Zhiheng say it so brazenly? And given Luo Ningshuang's understanding of Luo Zhiheng, and considering how she had been led astray since childhood, this brainless Luo Zhiheng should never have realized or even guessed her thoughts. How did she suddenly become so insightful today? But she absolutely couldn't let her continue, otherwise, if these two doubted her character, then she…
"Sister! You can say whatever you want about me, I won't hold it against you, but please tell me the truth, okay? My reputation is already tarnished because of the marriage with the Prince's Mansion. You're just pushing me to my death. What have I ever done to wrong you, sister? I've never fought or competed for the love of Father and Brother. From childhood to adulthood, there are so many things you have that I've never envied or wanted. Why do you just not like me?" Luo Ningshuang said, her voice choked with sobs, on the verge of tears.
She glanced at the two men casually, and seeing their still expressionless faces, she felt uneasy. These two were important people; she absolutely couldn't let them dislike her. That vile woman, Luo Zhiheng, was truly her nemesis!
Luo Zhiheng, however, acted like a naive fool, making no attempt to hide her thoughts, which were completely written on her face. She spoke louder and more angrily: "What are you pretending to be weak for? I used to genuinely think you were pitiful, so I would do anything you asked me to do. Wasn't it you who taught me to look at handsome men a few more times? I didn't understand why you taught me to do that before, but now I understand. You just wanted to ruin my reputation to highlight your own sanctity, didn't you?"
Luo Ningshuang's pupils constricted sharply, and she abruptly looked up at Luo Zhiheng, a fleeting glint of murderous intent and shock flashing in her eyes. Only one thought occupied her mind: Luo Zhiheng—how could she know about this?! She had already dealt with the people she had sent to lead Luo Zhiheng down a path of decline; the dead cannot speak, so no one could have told Luo Zhiheng about this. But how could she know?
Who! Who on earth revealed her secret?!
Luo Zhiheng stared intently at Luo Ningshuang. She had only spoken offhand, but she had always found this matter strange. It was illogical for a child to have a crush on something from such a young age, especially one that defied convention and societal norms. Even if the General's Mansion indulged her, they wouldn't neglect her upbringing. So how could she have progressed so smoothly down this irreversible path of loving handsome men?
Someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes, or even deliberately leading her astray, guiding her from a young age, so that she would naturally grow up crooked. But who could have such foresight? Luo Zhiheng had always suspected this, and vaguely remembered someone showing her picture books of handsome men, which is why she spoke of it so openly today. She believed that the only person capable of doing this, and with the motive, was Luo Ningshuang.
But what was Luo Ningshuang's expression? Shock, anger, panic, and disbelief?! 12.
Could it be that she really was right? Luo Zhiheng narrowed her big eyes, and when she looked again, Luo Ningshuang had already returned to her frail appearance, even more so. She glanced at the two noblewomen again; Luo Ningshuang had looked at those two more times than once, showing how important they were to her.
Upon hearing Luo Zhiheng's words, the two women's calm and composed faces finally showed signs of doubt and surprise. They first glanced at Luo Zhiheng, and then at Luo Ningshuang.
Luo Ningshuang's heart trembled, and she immediately raised her voice and cried, "Sister, don't make false accusations! You've always been like that since you were little. No matter what Father said, you never listened to him. I was just a child back then too. How could I let someone teach you such improper things!"
"Who are you calling indecent! Do you even know what indecent means? Or are you an indecent person at heart?!" Luo Zhiheng immediately retorted loudly. Seeing how angry Luo Zhiheng was, she put on a nonchalant and smug look, still wearing all her emotions on her face without any guile. She deliberately wanted those two people to see clearly that Luo Zhiheng used to be this guileless, which is why she was repeatedly used as a scapegoat and stepping stone.
"I...I..." Luo Ningshuang wanted nothing more than to curse Luo Zhiheng to death, but she couldn't say another word. If she said too much, she wouldn't be considered weak, and she wouldn't deserve pity. So she had to endure it, she absolutely had to!
"What do you mean, 'you'? Don't give me that nonsense. I'm warning you, these two were the ones who stopped me from going home. Since they're your men, they must have been ordered by you to treat me like this. You'd better get rid of these two bastards right now. From now on, anyone who dares to point fingers at me will be chopped to pieces! My father isn't dead yet, and he's still the boss of this house. Anyone who dares to ride roughshod over me can go straight to the battlefield and find my father to deal with."
Luo Zhiheng rattled off a string of words, her clear voice sounding eerily strange in the quiet General's Mansion. But no one dared to refute her. Just as she said, the master of this mansion was Luo Ge! As long as Luo Ge lived, Luo Zhiheng would remain the master's beloved daughter in the General's Mansion.
Luo Ningshuang wanted to say something to salvage her glorious image, but the sudden, mournful wail from the doorway made her expression change drastically.
Luo Zhiheng smiled, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "They've finally arrived!"
"Second Miss, you must stand up for us three sisters! That Luo Zhiheng is a terrible person! She beat us so badly that we can't even stand up! We three sisters can only rely on you. Luo Zhiheng must die to appease public anger!"
The two ladies frowned instantly and glanced at Luo Zhiheng, only to see Luo Zhiheng smiling happily in the sunlight. She wasn't angry at all when someone called her by her name and cursed her. Although her expression was arrogant, because she was so pretty, her smug attitude made her look like a clever little fox.
Although she is arrogant and has a sharp tongue, she is so naive and clueless about the ways of the world, and her personality is so open and honest that it's no wonder she gets taken advantage of.
Both of them were exceptionally perceptive, their minds far surpassing those of the two mysterious twin sisters with different backgrounds. Their honed eyes could see right through a person. Although the two sisters before them were not entirely inscrutable, Luo Zhiheng was definitely not as despicable as the rumors suggested. There must be something fishy about the rumors circulating for so many years, but that was irrelevant to them. Their eyes, which had brightened for a moment, returned to calm.
Ke Luo Zhiheng has achieved her goal of convincing them that she is innocent and guileless.
In the blink of an eye, the three old women had crawled through the small door. They looked like refugees fleeing a famine, panting and lying there like dead dogs. It took them a while to raise their heads, but the moment they saw Luo Zhiheng, the three old women's scalps tingled and their faces turned deathly pale.
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