Ming Shu patiently wiped Wang Fangyi's body.
"Fangyi, I know you're pretending to be unconscious. You don't need to open your eyes or acknowledge what I am saying. You rebirthed. Probably in your past life you were betrayed by your husband and cousin right? It pains me that you didn't confide to me about it, but I guess I can't really say nothing about it. My marriage with Zhao Song wasn't perfect either. He only used me to get his throne and dispose of me when I was useless to him. I know you always chided me for being unable to get his heart, but know this, his heart belongs to Gu Yuxie"
Ming Shu sighed when she saw Fangyi's eyelids trembling.
"Be careful around him okay? He's cruel and shrewd. I know what you did was to get his attention, but uniting the four families is too dangerous. You'll all be put in the Emperor's blacklist. It seems that in this life we won't be able to be friends... I can't support Zhao Song to the throne once again. He will hurt my family like last time and I'm unwilling to do this..."
Ming Shu traced her friends face with her finger. She really hoped her friend can live a happy life this time.
"I'm really sorry for dragging your family last time... I promise to do what I can to not let it happen once again. For here on we will be in different camps, but when you need a shelter you can always come to me okay? Do never forget your the proud daughter of the Wang Household. Never bow your head unless you have to. Don't let him take more advantage of you more than he needs to. And always, ALWAYS, love yourself more than anyone else, do you understand? I hope you achieve the happiness we are unable to last time. Goodbye my friend"
With a kiss on Fangyi's forehead Ming Shu left the room. Without looking back to the girl laid down on the bed, she missed the tears that fell from closed eyes.
'Goodbye Xiao Shu'
Closing the door, Ming Shu took a deep breath of fresh air.
She felt somewhat lighter after finding why her friend grew distant from her.
'Maybe Fangyi can take the Wangs to new heights'
Ming Shu looked to the two maids that were coming and told one to take care of things here and the other to call Si Yifeng.
Looking one last time, Ming Shu opened a light smile to the door. 'Let me help you one last time for now'
————
"I didn't think you would look for me so soon Xiao Shu"
"I must apologize to Yifeng-ge for my early disrespect. In spite of what she did, Wang Fangyi was still my dear friend"
"Not anymore?"
Ming Shu shook her head.
"We chose different paths... although she is someone dear to me, maybe we will be enemies in the future"
Si Yifeng looked at the girl in front of him a bit despondent. 'Her kindness one day will bite her back. Alas, but it's also what I like about her'
"She will take advantage of your kindness in the future, you know their right?"
"With all due respect Yifeng-ge, I'm kind, not stupid. Kindness can have many ways"
Si Yifeng laughed at gutsy but perfect response. She was right. Sometimes kindness is to give the person piece and let her die.
"Yes, how can I forget that Xiao Shu is the smarter of them all? Say, why did you call me here for?"
"I want to know where's the original couple"
Seeing the disapproval stamped in Yifeng's face, she hastily added.
"It's a parting gift. It should be special since it's the last"
"I can barely accept your excuse. He's a friend you know?"
Ming Shu knew why Si Yifeng didn't want to move the Duke's heir, Zhao Yi. The Duke being part of the Imperial Family would be a good add to his supporters. By saving Zhao Yi today they would owe him.
"Yifeng-he doesn't need to get involved. Plus, you can make it look like it was done by Prince Zhao"
"And why would I push the blame to the Prince?"
"You obviously don't like him. Since I destroy your play, I thought it would be a nice add to make up for it"
"All right. They are in the third room in the north courtyard. Be careful to not leave traces and don't do anything that I wouldn't... and here. Take it. It will help you later"
Throwing a sachet to her, he went back to banquet. 'Let's see what kind of play Ciao Shu can make'
————
Ming Shu looked at her final work. The couple of dogs were copulating and there were subtle clues for Zhao Yi to find the 'culprit'.
Once Zhao Yi accuses Zhao Song of plotting against him, Zhao Song should believe in Wang Fangyi about the truth of their incident.
Taking a last look and confirming she didn't left any clue of her involvement, she scream loud enough to alert the guests.
With a tear she quickly dried she once more said goodbye to her old friend.