Chapter 23: Unspoken Rivalry
Huang Nian and Jun Mo Xie arrived at the Huang Mansion, where Ye Xiwu greeted them with a slight bow.
"Young Miss, Master has summoned you to the lounge," Ye Xiwu said, her voice soft but urgent.
Without a word, Huang Nian and Jun Mo Xie followed her to the family lounge. As they entered, Huang Tian's gaze locked onto Jun Mo Xie. Dressed in an elegant blue hanfu, Huang Tian, the second daughter, was often admired for her beauty and grace. Yet, no man had ever captured her interest—until now. The moment her eyes landed on Jun Mo Xie, her heart stirred.
'What a stunning young man,' she thought, smiling to herself. 'The crown prince doesn't even come close. He will be mine.'
The tense atmosphere in the room broke when Huang Yuan, the Minister of War, spoke.
"Huang Nian, how dare you bully your younger sister in the market! Last time, you nearly pushed her into the water!" Huang Yuan accused, his tone laced with frustration.
"Father, didn't we agree not to trouble Elder Sister?" Huang Ning interjected, her voice laced with false sweetness.
"Is this the reason you called me here?" Huang Nian asked, her voice calm yet sharp.
"How dare you speak to me like that!" Huang Yuan barked, raising his hand, ready to strike her.
Before he could act, Jun Mo Xie's voice cut through the tension. "Is this how the esteemed Minister of War disciplines his daughter? By striking her?"
Huang Yuan froze, the words catching in his throat. If word got out that he laid hands on his daughter, it would damage his reputation. Gaining composure, he faced Jun Mo Xie. "And who might you be?" he asked, his tone hardening.
"Father, what does it matter to you?" Huang Nian replied coldly, standing firm.
"How dare you! Father asked a question, and you're answering with defiance?" Huang Tian sneered.
"Father, I've told you before, Elder Sister didn't mean to bully me," Huang Ning chimed in, playing the part of the innocent victim.
"Didn't mean to?" Huang Yuan scoffed. "She's a black orchid, plotting in the shadows."
Huang Nian, unfazed, met her sister's gaze. "Huang Ning, do you remember me bullying you?"
Caught off guard, Huang Ning stammered, unsure how to respond.
"Ning Ning, speak up," Huang Tian urged. "Is what Elder Sister said true?"
Huang Ning hesitated. "Let's not make this a bigger issue than it is. Let's just forget it," she finally said.
"You're too kind-hearted, Ning Ning," Huang Tian said, her voice dripping with disdain. "How can you let this *slut* off so easily?"
Huang Nian turned to Jun Mo Xie, her voice steady. "Mo Xie, let's go."
As they exited the lounge, Huang Nian's inner voice flared up. 'Master, the people in this mansion are nothing but two-faced snakes,' Little White, her inner spirit, whispered in her mind.
Huang Tian watched them leave, her thoughts still on Jun Mo Xie. 'Mo Xie... not a bad name,' she mused.
"What did you say?" Huang Yuan asked, catching her murmuring.
"That man... he's handsome," Huang Tian said, her cheeks flushing.
"He's only good-looking," Huang Yuan grumbled. "For all we know, he could be trash."
"Father, what do you mean by that?" Huang Tian pressed.
"Anyone who willingly follows Huang Nian around must either be a fool or weak in martial arts," Huang Ning chimed in, seizing the moment.
"Smart girl," Huang Yuan said, nodding approvingly.
"You flatter me, Father," Huang Ning responded, smiling with false modesty.
Huang Tian crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "Father, you need to deal with that *bitch*, or she'll bully Ning Ning to death."
"Father," Huang Ning added, her voice softening, "Elder Sister renovated her courtyard last month. Where did she get the money?"
Huang Tian's eyes gleamed. "Gold coins were also reported missing from the warehouse."
"Do you think she stole them?" Huang Yuan asked, his face darkening.
"It's possible," Huang Tian said. "After all, she's the only one not receiving a weekly allowance."
Suspicion clouded the room as the seeds of doubt were planted, threatening to sprout into a storm that could destroy Huang Nian's place in the family.