Chapter 16: The Blood Package Awakens—It Must Not Happen!

With a sigh, He Lingyi spoke decisively.

“A grave mistake has been made, and there’s no use dwelling on it. But sincere apologies, though belated, must be offered. This is also Sister Chi Da’s first step toward atonement. The reputation and future of the eldest young master are ruined; rebuilding it here in Bianzhou will be impossible. Perhaps it’s best to start anew elsewhere.”

The suggestion was sound, yet its feasibility remained uncertain.

After enduring such a calamity, Chi Guiwan’s spirit was long shattered.

“You’re right. I must acknowledge my fault! I will go apologize to my eldest cousin, even if it means kowtowing and begging for forgiveness!”

She was not a villain; she had simply been spoiled by Madam Guo all these years.

Yet, with her conscience awakened, she would not shirk what she must do—even if it meant being beaten by her uncle, scolded by her aunt, or despised by her eldest cousin. It was all deserved.

Having resolved this, she rose immediately.

She promptly sent a letter to the Marquis Hai’s residence, preparing to visit the next day to make amends.

—

Within the Sijin Courtyard,

Chi Guiwan strove to rectify her mistakes, but Madam Guo and Chi Guiying of the Lesheng Courtyard regarded her misdeeds with indifference, plotting their countermeasures.

“Mother, could our eldest sister’s sudden falling out with us mean she has sensed something?” Chi Guiying asked.

“What do you mean?”

“On the day Lady Qiao visited, she mentioned that the sorcerer was captured. Such people have brittle bones; she likely confessed under duress long ago. The Qiao family knows, and surely the Marquis Hai’s household must as well. Even without concrete proof, suspicion falling upon us is inevitable.”

Madam Guo found her daughter’s analysis quite convincing.

Yet, with the matter already done, dwelling on it was useless. For now, they had to keep the eldest sister close; otherwise, their troubles would worsen.

“The feud with the Marquis Hai’s household is about to be settled. If she gains their support again, all our schemes over the years will have been in vain. Our priority is to make her destroy her own foundation. Regarding the eldest young master’s affair, few know the full truth, but she once confided in me secretly. Let’s exploit this thoroughly!”

Chi Guiying’s small face was filled with calculation, rendering her somewhat repugnant.

All these years, everything she had painstakingly built relied on leeching off the eldest sister. Without this blood bag, where else could she perform her charade?

Therefore, she would never allow it.

—

Early the next morning, Chi Guiwan went to the Marquis Hai’s residence.

He Lingyi did not accompany her, mainly to preserve the eldest young master’s dignity. The fewer who knew about this matter, the better, lest it become an unwarranted psychological burden for him.

—

The ladies’ school continued as usual, though two were absent.

Since causing a disturbance last time, Shen Miaoling had not returned. Though Chi Guiwan and He Lingyi held her IOU, there was no movement these days. She once thought she had escaped trouble and preferred to avoid conflict.

Chi Guiwan was ill, so Nurse Zong did not press her to attend.

When the lessons ended at the appointed hour, the noble daughters left in small groups, leaving only He Lingyi and Nurse Zong behind.

“Eldest Sister Chi asked me to tell you that she will resume her studies in the next two days. She regrets any errors made previously and hopes Nurse Zong will forgive her. Please teach her as you see fit going forward,” He Lingyi said.

Nurse Zong was taken aback.

Though the ladies’ school was run by the Minister of Personnel’s household, Nurse Zong thought Eldest Sister Chi was the most negligent. She paid little attention in class, only showing brief moments of diligence when pressured.

At best, she mastered only a fraction of what was taught.

How could this continue?

Therefore, hearing these words brought her great relief.

“It’s good that the young lady has realized this. Life is hard for women; being too casual is not a virtue. One will surely suffer for it later.”

Her words struck a chord with He Lingyi.

Indeed, she had found Nurse Zong’s lessons valuable lately. Though they appeared to teach refined arts—flower arranging, tea tasting, incense burning, and rhythm—many life lessons were subtly woven within.

She had never had such an opportunity before, so she studied earnestly.

“Indeed, Nurse Zong, your lifelong dedication is evident in every word. We have benefited greatly.”

“You truly are the granddaughter of the great Confucian scholar He. Miss He is exceptionally insightful. Compared to the great scholar himself, my understanding is but a shadow. Please do not laugh at me.”

Though she spoke humbly, her expression showed satisfaction with He Lingyi.

Having lived a transient life in the prince’s mansion, she had seen nearly everything. At her age, she ought to have retired to the countryside. If not for the invitation from Minister Chi, she would not have come.

More so, she respected the late Lady Hai. Were she still alive, Eldest Miss He would have no need to study under her. Lady Hai’s school was unmatched. Under her direct tutelage, Eldest Sister Chi would not have become what she was now.

Thinking of the cold and cruel Madam Guo, she felt contempt.

—

After several reminders failed to move Eldest Sister Chi, Nurse Zong refrained from further “sowing discord.” With Miss He as a close friend now, even if difficulties arose in the future, they could be discussed together.

Not to suffer too much loss.

After a brief chat, the two left the Rongxin Pavilion.

As they departed, Nurse Zong seemed to recall something, then quietly whispered to He Lingyi:

“A few days ago, I went shopping and happened upon Cai Ping, a maid from Madam Guo’s household, running errands. Calmly, she entered a side gate of a mansion. Curious, I looked and found it was the Lv family on Pingyang Lane. If I recall correctly, five years ago, the Lv family sent a young lady to the palace. After Lady Lv gave birth to the Seventh Princess, she was promoted to Talented Lady, but bore no children since. The Lv family has a younger brother who is now of marriageable age. I’ve heard their family has some connection with the Minister’s household.”

Here it was!

Nurse Zong’s mention of the Lv family on Pingyang Lane was all too familiar.

Every member there was her enemy, especially her ruthless scoundrel of a father. Had he borne the responsibility of a father, she would not have died so tragically.

Good. They had finally arrived.

This time, she vowed every soul in the Lv family would pay their due price.

Her eyes gleamed as she smiled suddenly.

“I understand your meaning, Nurse Zong. It seems Second Sister Chi’s fortunate marriage is at hand.”

“Indeed! To marry into the palace’s Talented Lady’s family is a great blessing. Who knows when Lady Lv might bear an imperial son? Ascending the throne would be trivial compared to such fortune.”

Nurse Zong’s words quickly clarified the implications to He Lingyi.

“Thank you, Nurse Zong.”

Nurse Zong smiled, patting He Lingyi’s hand with satisfaction.

“Miss He is truly wise.”

With just a few words, He Lingyi had mapped out a path forward for Chi Guiying.