Chapter 4: A Brewing Confrontation
The sound of the slap reverberated in the air as Huang Nian's hand connected sharply with Huang Tian's face. Five distinct red fingerprints marred Huang Tian's right cheek, and a trickle of blood oozed from the corner of her lips. Rage flared in Huang Tian's eyes as she seethed, "How dare you slap me!"
But Huang Nian merely turned away, her expression indifferent, and walked off without uttering a single word.
Huang Ning watched the scene unfold, a flicker of confusion and calculation flashing across her eyes. 'What's going on with her? She used to never talk back, always cowering in fear. But now… she's not only defying us, but she struck Huang Tian! Something isn't right—I need to act quickly before she becomes a real problem,' Huang Ning thought to herself.
Forcing a concerned expression, Huang Ning stepped forward, asking softly, "Elder Sister, are you alright?"
Huang Tian clenched her fists, still reeling from the humiliation. "I'm fine. Let's go. That trash won't get away with this—I'll deal with her later," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. With that, the two of them left the riverside, plotting their next move.
Dilapidated Courtyard
Back at the courtyard, Ye Xiwu couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. "Young Miss, why does Young Miss Tian like Miss Ning more than you? I mean, you're her twin sister, yet she shows more affection for her stepsister! Could she be possessed by an evil spirit or something?" she asked with genuine confusion.
Huang Nian gave a small, knowing smile. "She's not possessed," she replied calmly, her eyes distant as if pondering the depths of an unsolvable mystery.
"Miss, you were so cool back there!" Ye Xiwu exclaimed, admiration shining in her eyes.
Huang Nian arched an eyebrow. "When exactly are you referring to?"
"When you slapped Young Miss Tian," Ye Xiwu said with a grin, clearly pleased by her mistress's unexpected defiance.
A soft, amused hum escaped Huang Nian's lips. "Mmm," she responded simply, her mind clearly elsewhere.
"I doubt anyone will dare to bully you now, Young Miss," Ye Xiwu added confidently.
Their conversation was interrupted by a soft voice from outside the room. "Young Miss, your food is here," announced a petite maid as she entered, carefully carrying a tray laden with delicacies.
"Come in," Huang Nian said, her gaze fixed on the maid as she placed the food on the table.
"Today's meal includes Zhajiangmian and Xiaolongbao," the maid began with a smile. Her voice then took on a more reverent tone as she held up a beautifully crafted bottle. "And this is the wine the Crown Prince gifted to the Third Young Miss. It was brewed by the late Empress herself before she passed. It's said that the wine enhances one's cultivation."
Huang Nian accepted the bottle and brought it closer to her face, inhaling the rich aroma. But beneath the surface fragrance, her sharp senses detected something ominous. 'There's wudu—an alcoholic poison—hidden in this wine,' she realized instantly, her thoughts growing cold.
The corners of her lips curled upward into a subtle, calculating smile. "The wine does smell exquisite. Ye Xiwu, bring two wine cups, and Ting'er, sit down," she ordered, her voice deceptively sweet.
Ting'er, the maid, hesitated, her eyes wide with surprise. "Young Miss, I… I dare not sit with you," she stammered, clearly caught off guard.
"Nonsense," Huang Nian replied, her tone leaving no room for refusal. "Sit down, as I instructed."
Reluctantly, Ting'er lowered herself onto the mat, her expression nervous. Ye Xiwu quickly returned with two delicate cups, placing them in front of Huang Nian and Ting'er.
"Ye Xiwu, pour the wine," Huang Nian commanded. Ye Xiwu did as she was told, filling both cups with the fragrant liquid.
"Ting'er, drink," Huang Nian said, her gaze fixed intently on the maid.
Ting'er's hands trembled as she picked up the cup, her face pale. "Young Miss, I… I really can't drink it," she pleaded, her voice cracking under the weight of her fear.
"Why not?" Huang Nian asked, her voice deceptively gentle, though her eyes bore into Ting'er with chilling intensity.
Ting'er's voice faltered, panic flickering in her eyes as she struggled to come up with an excuse. "That's because…"