64 Taking Over The Banque

"Father is mistaken," Hongyue spoke clearly. Thinking fast, she lifted her wrist and her sleeve slid down revealing two black bracelets. Skillfully sliding the poisonous bracelet off as she played with it, Hongyue smiled, "Father may not know but this daughter was left two rare treasures."

"This?" The general focused his eyes on the black onyx-like bracelet. It looked oddly similar to the Dragon's Glory. Was the Dragon's Glory a set? Why was he not told?

"This Hongyue's second gift to Father," Hongyue declared. She held up the bracelet with both her hands, a simple sign of respect. However, the general didn't budge.

"Oh?" He uttered.

Hongyue merely continued on, "Although the Dragon's Glory has a wide-spread name, this second treasure was hidden away. Hongyue found it greatly enhances physical movements, would Father like to examine it?"

General Wei frowned, his brows furrowed deeply, "I've never heard of such a thing from your mother."

Of course not, if you heard about it, wouldn't it be already taken away?

Hongyue nodded, "Then this daughter will demonstrate it on a servant for you."

Hongyue whirled around to face Qingyu. This time her eyes were both cold and fierce.

Her heart was always complicated. To her, it only beat to live and for nothing else. People were the same. She favored no one, not even herself. In her world, it was always pawns and masters. People who were used and people who used them. Where would you find any lingering sentiment?

However, it didn't mean she didn't have a heart. She just never had the chance to understand it. Even now, the only person she trusted was herself.

However, she thought as she narrowed her eyes, YOU!

Just what are you worth?

Is it because I can't bear to hurt you?!

I don't believe I won't bear to hurt you!

With eyes of malice, she didn't hesitate before taking an aim at Qingyu. Her palm struck out toward his chest yet Qingyu didn't budge, his eyes never leaving hers. With a huge clash, her palm made contact with his body and Qingyu lurched back before tumbling to the ground. He sprayed out a mouthful of blood before he seemingly fainted.

Hongyue's outstretched arm stilled. Why? WHY?! Why didn't he move? Why didn't he cover himself in his power? Was he pitying her?! Did he worry that if he moved, her fake performance would cause the general's distrust?! Her eyes glowed a faint blue as her heart slightly throbbed.

I don't need your help!

Concealing a taste of bitterness, Hongyue turned back to the general. She slid the bracelet off her wrist and presented it to him.

"Father, my gift."

In truth, there really wasn't any second treasure. Hongyue had made the whole thing up. Along with the poisonous hair stick, Hongyue merely placed a few enchantments on the bracelet. Originally, she had wanted to keep it by her side as an extra weapon. However, this was fine as well.

The general waved his hand and a servant came forward to collect the Eldest Miss's present. The servant turned to leave, however, Hongyue stopped him.

"The Dragon's Glory," She mentioned as she started to set it on the tray. However, the general widened his eyes and shook his head.

"No need," He croaked, his voice slightly raspy. He had seen how the ghost of First Madam seemingly left the second concubine after Hongyue took the hair ornament back. A cold shiver ran down his back. Didn't that mean that the hair stick was cursed? Why would he still want something so ominous?

Hongyue tilted her head in question and the general waved his hand dismissively, "Your kind thoughts are received. This hair stick...suits you better."

Hongyue hid a smirk.

As she thought, he was a coward.

"Then this daughter thanks Father," She chirped. General Wei nodded before turning to the unconscious Concubine Ruolan.

"This daughter was so shocked the second madam would lash out so violently. In fear of her possibly injuring others, Hongyue stopped her. However, this daughter forgot about the bracelet she had on," Hongyue explained carefully. The general nodded. He had nothing to say. In fact, it was good the concubine couldn't speak. His eyes narrowed. He needed to dispose of this second wife of his.

General Wei was no longer in the mood to continue hosting. His heart was unsettled, and he just ached to leave the banquet. His eyes floated over to his eldest daughter and paused.

"Hongyue, I'm touched by your gift. I'll allow you to host the rest of this banquet."

Hongyue looked up, a smile slowly etched into her face.

"Yes, Father."

Everything was going back to plan.

General Wei motioned for someone to bring Hongyue's gift to his room and he ordered for servants to take the unconscious madam away to hers. He paused before he headed to his study, his face was dark and weary.

After he left, Hongyue flashed a brilliant smile to the guests. A skillful twist landed the Dragon's Glory into her hair. The hair stick glistened alluringly in the night as Hongyue lightly dipped her head.

"Father feels unwell. However, you need not worry. This eldest miss will entertain you well."