Forcing herself to remain calm, Luo Ningshuang's smile was more like a grimace as she cautiously asked, "Yunhe, why are you saying this? I am Aheng. Don't you love me anymore?"
For some reason, Luo Ningshuang felt a mixture of fear and anticipation. She feared Mu Yunhe would give her a positive answer, yet she also longed for him to say he no longer loved Luo Zhiheng, as if that would bring her happiness.
But Mu Yunhe said, "Mu Yunhe will always love Luo Zhiheng, and that will never change even in death."
Luo Ningshuang felt a pang of disappointment, but couldn't hide her excitement. As long as Mu Yunhe still loved Luo Zhiheng, she had the leeway and the right to continue indulging. She smiled and took Mu Yunhe's hand, saying, "Since that's the case, then please don't say those things anymore. I'm really sad. I don't want you to say those things again. I'm still the same person I always was, but after what happened, I'm so afraid of losing you. We missed three years together. How many more three-year periods do we have to miss? What do you say, Yunhe?"
She pleaded softly and repeatedly mentioned the past, which softened Mu Yunhe's expression, even though he was still in turmoil.
Luo Zhiheng said coolly from the side, "Don't you think it's immoral to talk about love in front of someone who's about to die for your happiness?"
Luo Ningshuang was furious, yet couldn't hide her smugness. She still believed that Luo Zhiheng had taken a liking to Mu Yunhe, so she tried her best to show affection in front of Luo Zhiheng to provoke her. She simply assumed that Luo Zhiheng's sharp tongue was just Luo Zhiheng being unable to handle the provocation.
Luo Ningshuang said arrogantly, "You're right, we shouldn't be like this, but this is our home, and Luo Zhiwu is my brother. He doesn't need your care. Now that I'm better, I'll naturally stay and take care of my brother. Please leave my home. I don't want my brother to be near a dangerous and vicious woman."
"Hmph, if you're so capable, go tell your emperor. It's not up to you to decide whether I stay here to take care of Luo Zhiwu. Your emperor personally invited me to take care of Luo Zhiwu. Either stay, and if you stay, shut up, or get out, and don't come back. I'm really afraid that Luo Zhiwu might have some kind of crazy idea because of you," Luo Zhiheng said rudely.
Mu Yunhe frowned, and Luo Ningshuang shook Mu Yunhe's arm angrily, saying, "Yunhe, look at this vicious woman! What does she take our General's Mansion for? Yunhe, you should get rid of her right away. Brother is fine with us taking care of him; he doesn't need an outsider."
Mu Yunhe glanced at Luo Zhiheng with a dark look, then said to Luo Ningshuang, "It was indeed the Emperor who asked her to take care of Luo Zhiwu. This was a private request from the Emperor and was not made public, so you'd better not make a scene for the Emperor, otherwise he will lose face and none of us will have a good time."
Luo Ningshuang was clearly startled. Although she was quite bold, she still didn't dare to defy imperial authority or provoke the emperor, so she indeed remained silent.
Luo Zhiheng's smile widened as she looked at Mu Yunhe with undisguised admiration, her gaze carrying a hint of alluring teasing, gentle as water. Mu Yunhe merely glanced at her briefly before looking away, but his hand at his side gradually clenched into a fist.
Luo Zhiheng was in a good mood because Mu Yunhe had actually helped her lie. Helping a stranger deceive Mu Yunhe's beloved Luo Zhiheng was incredibly exciting for her. There was no such thing as the Emperor asking her to take care of Luo Zhiwu. Did Mu Yunhe's willingness to help her stop Luo Ningshuang mean that, given her status as the leader of the barbarian tribes, she now held a place in Mu Yunhe's heart?
The feeling was so exciting and intense. It was as if Luo Zhiheng was challenging herself, overcoming her past self, and making her new self Mu Yunhe's favorite.
"Now I'm in charge of everything for Luo Zhiwu. I make all the decisions. Since you're staying to take care of him, you should start with the basics. Help Luo Zhiwu clean up his body. You're his sister, it shouldn't be difficult, right?" Luo Zhiheng didn't hold back when ordering Luo Ningshuang around. Seeing Luo Ningshuang's dissatisfied glare, Luo Zhiheng said in a firm but not soft way, "You're not unwilling, are you? Tsk tsk, Your Excellency has a heartless wretch standing next to you..."
"Shut up! I didn't say I didn't want to." Luo Ningshuang said coldly and angrily, picking up a handkerchief, wringing it out, and wiping Luo Zhiwu's body.
Luo Zhiheng said to Mu Yunhe, "Could you go and check if the medicine is ready? I don't trust anyone else to do it. These days, the people who brew the medicine are personally sent by General Murong."
Mu Yunhe frowned, looking at her with a warning gaze.
Just like many years ago, he could always detect her subtle movements, what she wanted to do or say immediately.
Luo Zhiheng smiled charmingly, but with a hint of teasing: "What? Are you afraid I'll eat that Miss Luo up?"
"I hope you know what you're doing," Mu Yunhe warned in a low voice, then actually left.
Luo Zhiheng was overjoyed. Mu Yunhe had been on her side time and time again. Although he couldn't do his best yet, it was already a great achievement. At least Mu Yunhe was gradually returning to his obedient and loyal nature.
"Who exactly are you? Your intentions toward Mu Yunhe are definitely not as simple as you say. You have such great hostility toward me, and you've gotten close to my brother. What are you trying to do? I'm warning you, you'd better not try any more tricks, because I won't let you succeed." Luo Ningshuang's sinister voice rang out from behind.
Luo Zhiheng smiled charmingly and said, "What do you think I want to do? Tell me what I should do to make you not let me go? Also, I am the chieftain of the barbarians. You haven't forgotten the present just because you remember the past, have you?"
Luo Ningshuang stared at Luo Zhiheng with a sinister gaze. She didn't believe Luo Zhiheng's words. Judging from what Luo Zhiheng had done to her these past few times, Luo Zhiheng definitely had ulterior motives. But she just couldn't figure out what these women could possibly be.
"Don't let me catch you red-handed, or I'll make you regret ever being born." In the absence of Mu Yunhe, Luo Ningshuang no longer concealed her despicable and ruthless nature.
"I'll be watching." Luo Zhiheng's eyes narrowed dangerously, and her voice grew colder.
Then Luo Ningshuang wiped Luo Zhiwu's body. This was something the servants should have done, but Luo Ningshuang wanted to show the 'sibling bond' between her and Luo Zhiwu. After all, it was true that Luo Zhiwu loved Luo Zhiheng. Luo Ningshuang's feelings for Luo Zhiwu were very complicated.
When she was little, she would always hide to the side and watch as young Luo Zhiwu held Luo Zhiheng in his arms, carried her on his shoulders, and lifted her above his head, playing and laughing with her, caring for her, and protecting her. The feeling of wanting to bring her the best things in the world just to make her smile was so strong that she was madly envious, jealous, and also madly hateful.
The men of the Luo family have always been biased. They don't care about right or wrong; if someone is someone they care about, then it's wrong, and if that person does it, then it's right. The men of the Luo family have no principles. They would spend a fortune for Luo Zhiheng. Just for a dress that Luo Zhiheng liked, they spent a lot of money to buy it.
That year, Luo Zhiheng wore the beautiful dress she received as a birthday present with great joy, while Luo Ningshuang sat quietly in the corner, watching enviously as her older sister was surrounded by people, jumping and skipping with gusto. No one saw the little girl's bitterness hiding in the corner; everyone's eyes were only focused on Luo Zhiheng.
Luo Ningshuang was trapped in those unbearable memories, the root of her pain and madness. Even now, she didn't think she had done anything wrong. What could she, at such a young age, understand? They wouldn't even give her a little bit of love. The fault was theirs, so they deserved to die!
She has taken a big step closer to success. She has destroyed the root of evil, Luo Zhiheng. The next person to destroy is the culprit who caused her so much pain, her nominal father, Luo Ge!
However, Loge is far away, so she can't do anything about it yet. But one day Loge will come back. Now she is the wife of the diviner, so even if Loge comes back, he will have to kneel in front of her and respectfully call her Princess or Madam!
The thought of her father, who had caused her endless pain, one day kneeling respectfully before her filled Luo Ningshuang with excitement, making her hands tremble.
As for her brother, humph, even if he finds that three-thousand-year-old ginseng and saves her, so what? The damage has already been done; how can it be erased by such a small favor? Besides, the person her own brother wants to save isn't her, Luo Ningshuang, but Luo Zhiheng.
Then let Luo Zhiheng bear the debt of gratitude owed to Luo Zhiwu; it has nothing to do with her!
She really wished Luo Zhiwu would just die, so that she would be less in danger and threatened in the future.
Luo Ningshuang was so engrossed in her thoughts that she forgot Luo Zhiheng was still beside her. Her resentment, anger, and ruthlessness were all revealed. She grabbed Luo Zhiwu's hand, which was already thin and bony, and pinched it so hard that it left red marks.
"What are you doing!" Luo Zhiheng shouted, slapping Luo Ningshuang's hand away and grabbing her to slap her across the face. Luo Ningshuang staggered back, her confusion revealing a powerful rage.
"What are you doing? You're a madman!" Luo Ningshuang roared angrily.
Luo Zhiheng carefully lifted Luo Zhiwu's hand, glaring at her angrily: "What are you talking about me for! Look at the mess you've made. Is this how you take care of the brother who saved your life? Are you going to take care of him or kill him? If you're not doing this willingly, then get out of here. Nobody likes watching you put on an act and pretend to be a good person."
Luo Ningshuang was startled to see that Luo Zhiwu's hands were red and swollen, but she quickly retorted, "Stop making things up. I was just distracted for a moment. I didn't mean to. My brother won't blame me. Also, please have some self-respect. This is my home, and it's not your place to kick me out. And please show some respect. That's my brother. I don't care if you're shameless, but my brother still has his pride. He can't be touched and defiled by some unclean women."
Luo Zhiheng laughed angrily: "Defiled? You've defiled the best man in the world. Even if you haven't touched him, he's lost his luster just because you're by his side. If we're talking about defilement, who can compare to you?"
"What do you mean?" Luo Ningshuang shouted.
"What's going on?" Mu Yunhe walked over quickly and saw Luo Zhiheng standing high up facing Luo Ningshuang, who was sitting on the ground. His face turned ugly. He just didn't understand why these two women were always so troublesome when they met.
Luo Ningshuang spoke first, saying aggrievedly, "Yunhe, it hurts so much! She pushed me for no reason and wouldn't let me get close to my brother. She complained that I wasn't taking good care of him and that she had to take care of him herself. But look at her! She's rubbed my brother's hand until it's swollen."
Luo Ningshuang is a dog; she's the kind of person who'll bite back!
Surprisingly, Luo Zhiheng showed no surprise or astonishment whatsoever. She remained remarkably calm regarding Luo Ningshuang's petty behavior and her attempt to shift the blame. Luo Ningshuang clearly didn't understand Mu Yunhe. Did she think Mu Yunhe was an idiot? How could she possibly believe just one person's words?
Sure enough, Mu Yunhe turned to Luo Zhiheng and asked, "What happened?"
"As you saw it, she wasn't taking good care of Luo Zhiwu. I just pulled her away. Who knew she would suddenly sit on the ground? I just find it strange. How did you come up with such a childish accusation? Don't you think you're brain-dead? Or do you think Mu Yunhe is brain-dead? That he can't even see through such a little trick?" Luo Zhiheng's attitude was relaxed, clearly showing that she wouldn't bother arguing with someone so brain-dead.
Mu Yunhe paused for a moment. In the past, he would have believed Luo Zhiheng without hesitation, but now, facing Luo Ningshuang, he was hesitant.
"Stop making a fuss. Take good care of Luo Zhiwu. Her medicine will be ready soon. I'll go get it." Mu Yunhe remained silent, not mentioning what had just happened. This was also a form of attitude; he wasn't taking sides.
Luo Ningshuang's face turned green.
She remembered it vividly: back then, Mu Yunhe would believe anything Luo Zhiheng said, even a lie, without hesitation. Why was it that today, when she spoke, Mu Yunhe didn't believe her? And why didn't he defend her? Was it really a case of different fates for different people? Even though she had taken over Luo Zhiheng's life, she still couldn't have Luo Zhiheng's luck?
No, she didn't believe it! How could all the good things happen to Luo Zhiheng? She was reborn, a person blessed by God, no one could be luckier than her.
Just as Luo Ningshuang was lost in her thoughts, Luo Zhiheng sneered, "How long are you going to sit there? Hurry up and change your handkerchief to continue wiping Luo Zhiwu's arms. Be careful that Mu Yunhe doesn't see how indifferent you are to Luo Zhiwu and gets disgusted with you."
Luo Ningshuang was startled when she heard this, but she glared at Luo Zhiheng defiantly. She quickly got up, put the handkerchief into the basin of water, and quickly put her hand in as well. Then, a pig-like scream echoed in the room.
"My hand! It's burning me!" Luo Ningshuang screamed and shook her hand frantically, tears streaming down her face.
That basin of water had just been changed; it was freshly boiled water. If Luo Ningshuang, with her delicate skin, went in, she definitely wouldn't recover.
Luo Zhiheng found it amusing; she was happy if it caused Luo Ningshuang pain.
Mu Yunhe brought in the medicine, and Luo Ningshuang rushed over, tears and snot streaming down her face, and accused him, "Yunhe, that bitch tried to kill me! She actually made me get scalded by hot water! It hurts so much! Quickly call the imperial physician! My hand! Will my hand be hurt?"
When Mu Yunhe saw that Luo Ningshuang's hands were bright red and swollen, he was startled. He quickly summoned the imperial physician. After a flurry of treatment, the physician concluded that although the burn area was not large, it was quite serious. The scalding water had scalded her palms and fingers, and there was a possibility of scarring.
In ancient times, even the slightest scar on a woman's body was considered a flaw. Unmarried women had difficulty finding husbands, and married women were often looked down upon by their husbands, feeling miserable themselves. A scar could even cost a woman her life.
Upon hearing that it would leave a scar, Luo Ningshuang was stunned. Then, she went berserk and roared at Luo Zhiheng like a pig being slaughtered: "You poisonous woman! You wicked person! How dare you frame me like this! Give me back my hand! It's all your fault! You made me wash the handkerchief! You're the one who ruined me! I want you dead!"
The people in the room stared in shock at the woman who seemed to have gone mad, completely dumbfounded. They simply couldn't compare this woman to the spirited and cheerful young princess from three years ago. It was just a possibility of scarring; why was she reacting so strongly? This would be normal for an ordinary woman, but for a young princess who wasn't even afraid to lose her life, it was truly bizarre.
Mu Yunhe looked at Luo Zhiheng with a very unpleasant expression, waiting for Luo Zhiheng's answer.
Everyone was tense, but Luo Zhiheng remained calm, even speaking with a hint of disdain: "Miss Luo says I deliberately framed you, but I'm utterly innocent! You were personally taking care of Luo Zhiwu just now, and the maids were right next to you changing the water for you. Didn't you see that? Besides, the maid specifically told you that the water was a bit hot. Didn't you hear that? I don't think I had any obligation to remind you that it was hot water, did I? You're not stupid, blind, or deaf. Now that something's happened, you're blaming me. Miss Luo's upbringing is truly astonishing."
Upon hearing this, Luo Ningshuang was stunned. Just now, it seemed that someone had indeed whispered something warm in her ear...
Luo Ningshuang once again shot herself in the foot, this time in front of so many people. She lost all face and dignity, and people looked at her with strange and dissatisfied eyes. Mu Yunhe looked at her with deep doubt in his eyes.
Chapter 1 complete. There will be more updates today. Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets! Group chat is great! My computer kept going black during the day, and it took me ages to fix it. Sorry for the time delay in writing. I'll keep working hard!
474's childhood memories, shattered happiness! (Bonus chapter for 35,500 comments)
Updated: 2013-12-02 18:45:39 Word Count: 3531
Luo Ningshuang has never won or gained any advantage in front of Luo Zhiheng, and this time was no exception. She could only leave in a sorry state with her injuries.
Luo Zhiheng then focused on taking care of Luo Zhiwu. Although she occasionally thought about what would happen after Mu Yunhe returned, she quickly dismissed those thoughts. She still trusted Mu Yunhe. Although he didn't know her true identity, his lack of enthusiasm towards Luo Ningshuang was enough.
Anxiety flashed by in an instant. Luo Zhiwu's health was deteriorating, and Luo Zhiheng was worried that she wouldn't be able to hold on. Meanwhile, there was still no news from Poison Saint and the others. Just as Luo Zhiheng was about to explode with anger, Elder Tong arrived.
Master Tong came on orders: "His Majesty has learned that it was the chieftain who discovered Luo Zhiwu's illness, and he also knows that the Wildlands have many secret arts. His Majesty's question is whether you could use the secret arts of the Wildlands to treat Luo Zhiwu? Although I don't understand why you care so much about Luo Zhiwu, that's a matter between you and Luo Zhiwu. His Majesty values Luo Zhiwu highly and will not make things difficult for you just because you want to treat her. You can make your demands, and as long as you can cure Luo Zhiwu, our country will consider your conditions."
Luo Zhiheng frowned immediately upon hearing these words. A cold smile crept across her face. What a cunning and calculating emperor of the Mu Dynasty!
She spoke so grandly, willing to negotiate conditions for Luo Zhiwu's sake, but what difference did these conditions make? If she cured Luo Zhiwu, the Mu Dynasty would only consider her conditions. In other words, if her conditions didn't satisfy them, they would reject the proposal? Back then, Luo Zhiwu was already cured.
This is despicable negotiation!
If she fails to cure Luo Zhiwu, or if Luo Zhiwu dies at her hands, then regardless of whether Luo Zhiwu's death is related to her or not, the Mu Dynasty can claim that she killed Luo Zhiwu. At that point, forget about negotiating terms; even survival will be in jeopardy. If the Mu Dynasty seizes this opportunity to target the Barbarian Lands, that will be the beginning of a catastrophe for the Barbarian Lands.
This is making the best use of resources. Since Luo Zhiwu is destined to face numerous dangers and her life is uncertain, why not make the most of her? If she survives, everyone can talk things over; if she dies, then it's your bad luck, but before you die, you should at least make some contribution to the country.
Absolutely shameless!
Luo Zhiheng was furious. She never expected that the new emperor of the Mu Dynasty would be so despicable! Is this the emperor she and Mu Yunhe had been separated for many years, one dead and one injured, and who didn't even recognize each other when they met again? He actually used his imperial cunning on her! Humph!
Luo Zhiheng was clear-headed. Although she was angry and heartbroken, she couldn't let her anger show. If she could heal her brother, even with just a little bit of help, she wouldn't give up, much less use him as a bargaining chip. But she didn't have that ability, so she couldn't take the risk.
“Your Majesty is too kind to me. I cannot cure General Luo, but if there is any possibility, I would not want General Luo to suffer. Perhaps you do not believe it, but I can tell you very clearly that in this world, apart from Luo Zhiwu’s father, only I want him to live safely and soundly!” Luo Zhiheng said firmly, her gaze solemn.
Old Tong even sensed a tremendous grief and heaviness emanating from Luo Zhiheng, but Luo Zhiheng was too calm, as if she were hiding those sorrows. Old Tong inexplicably felt that the girl in front of him seemed to have endured too much hardship, hardship had etched deep wounds on her body, and no one understood her pain.
Having lived to a ripe old age, Elder Tong could naturally discern the truth in the girl's words. Aside from lamenting Luo Zhiwu's short life, he didn't press Luo Zhiheng. In fact, he sensed that Luo Zhiheng understood the meaning behind his earlier words. Being seen through made Elder Tong somewhat embarrassed, but his greatest embarrassment stemmed from the fact that he had agreed to this plan when discussing it with the Emperor and the Pharaohs. Yet now, standing before Luo Zhiheng, he felt ashamed.
"Since that's the case, then I won't bother you any longer in taking care of Luo Zhiwu. I'm very grateful for your care of Luo Zhiwu, it's just a pity that this child is unlucky and can't be with such a good child as you." Old Master Tong was obviously trying to play matchmaker, but Luo Zhiheng's meticulous care for a man would make anyone think that Luo Zhiheng and Luo Zhiwu had a close relationship.
Luo Zhiheng didn't explain, but calmly saw Old Master Tong out. Old Master Tong tripped on the steps and almost fell. Luo Zhiheng quickly reached out to support him, scolding, "At your age, you're not careful at all."
She made a casual remark, yet her words and tone revealed an unusual warmth and affection, unintentionally recreating the way they had interacted three years ago.
Old Master Tong was taken aback, then looked sharply at Luo Zhiheng, his gaze shifting unpredictably.
"Why are you looking at me like that, sir?" Luo Zhiheng smiled, seemingly unaware of her own presence, her alluring charm reappearing.