63 The Unexpected Move

ChunHua?

What happened to ChunHua?

Concubine Ruolan's eyes sharpened at the mention of her daughter but soon dulled as she caught the look of disgust displayed in Hongyue's eyes. Taken aback, the second concubine looked about her. Her head rotated around the hall slowly as her heart increased in dread. All the eyes the second madam met reflected a disgruntled woman lying pitifully on the ground back at her. The woman had an expression of angst and disbelief with her eyes streaked with tears yet no one spared her a speck of pity.

Instead, there were looks of fear and disdain.

'I killed you once, I'll kill you again!'

Recalling her words, her face paled. If Hongyue had lashed out, then the focus would be on Hongyue however the eldest miss hadn't. So instead, the plan backfired and made the madam herself appeared as a crazed second madam who killed the first madam while coveting for the dead lady's possessions.

The second madam started to sway. This wasn't at all what she calculated. Why didn't Hongyue attack her? Why was Hongyue so calm? Her heart thumped harshly against her chest and she turned her head to General Wei only to be met with cold eyes. Not an ounce of love could be found, just a figure of a fallen outcasted second madam.

Realizing she felt into a trap, Concubine Ruolan's pupils shook.

Who was this?

Was this her?

Had she, the proud second madam, drop down to this level already? All those years that took to build the status to this high, only took half an evening to break alone? Then what was all of this for?

This time, a true heart-wrenching sob ripped out of Concubine Ruolan, breaking clearly into the air.

What did she do so much for? Wasn't it for status? Admiration? Power?

The general was no longer on her side, and her risk of faking insane broke every last trust he had for her instead of exposing Hongyue.

Now she had nothing in the end. No matter how she honestly cried this time, even the general might not believe her. Concubine Ruolan suddenly looked up, her eyes unfocused. This time her mind truly went a bit insane. How could she not? Such an impressive figure diminished to nothing within seconds all within calculations of a 'normal.' Who could stand a chance?

Hongyue watched, her own emotions oddly relaxed. One of her two gifts to Concubine Ruolan had been now received, yet an odd bitterness flashed in her eyes.

To scheme was easy; however, it was also a double edge sword. Who was without a brain? Who didn't know how to harm others? In the world of scheming, how could one be sure their next move wasn't already calculated by the other side? In this world, the master of the scheme could very easily be turned into a pawn and a pawn into a master.

Nothing is ever guaranteed.

The outcome was never certain. It wasn't about who was right or truthful. In the end, it was what it was played out to appear and what others were led to believe.

This was a scheme.

Hongyue's eyes wistfully floated over the hall before landing back on Concubine Ruolan. The exact reason why the second madam declined was that she knew too much. Hongyue clicked her tongue. Knowing too much was like a death sentence. However, if you knew how to use it, you could slide the death sentence to someone else. Hongyue gave a sly smile. Only one gift and you can't take it anymore. What would happen if you find the other one I prepared for you?

The concubine's pupils began to focus on Qingyu strangely.

Suddenly, the air seemed to rumble as the ground shook slightly. Two sharp shards of rock quickly formed from the earth and took aim into the air. Hongyue's smile froze when she realized the aim was slightly off. She whirled her head to see the pieces aiming for Qingyu. A conflicting emotion erupted into her heart.

Qingyu.

They only met twice.

They could still be considered strangers.

While this attack was likely because of the second madam's hatred for her, Qingyu was the one who willingly jumped into her business. It was expected to have unseeable dangers.

It would be better for her if he died yet before Hongyue knew it, Concubine Ruolan's wrist laid broken in her hand. With the unexpected shock in her wrist, Concubine Ruolan lost control of her power as she wailed in pain. The shards of rock shuddered before landing loudly on the ground.

A flash of surprise appeared in Qingyu's eyes while Hongyue stared at her hand blankly.

Why?

She didn't trust him.

Her first move should have been to kill him. Why did she save him? He probably wouldn't have died anyway. As she questioned herself, a feeling of unease filled Hongyue's heart, and her eyes stared at Concubine Ruolan coldly.

"Let me go! Let me kill him! If he didn't stop me, I would have killed Hongyue already! It's all his fault," Concubine Ruolan uttered as her eyelids twitched. She struggled to get out of Hongyue's vise-like grip wildly, her arms waving loosely. The second madam didn't even seem to have the slightest idea of reality as her mind sunk deeper into chaotic hatred and she fainted.

The entire exchange happened within seconds. A mere 'normal' couldn't have reacted in such precise accuracy. The general was bound to lose his trust in her.

Hongyue blinked her eyes.

Why did she do something like that when she knew the risk already?

Nevermind that.

She swung herself around to meet the general's peering eyes. While he had tried to cover it up, he seemed to have difficulty entirely concealing his distrust.

"My dear daugther...you gained your powers?" He asked carefully, probing for answers. Even the guests were interested in knowing.

Just how could a 'normal' act so quickly?