Chapter 9: She Realized Her Mistake

“Go away, I don’t want to see anyone.”
Chi Guiwan maintained her usual haughty and unyielding demeanor, much to the disappointment of Aunt Pang, who had come to visit. She had hoped that after three years, Miss Wan would have matured and become more composed, but to her surprise, the temperament remained unchanged.

After placing the medicinal supplements down, Aunt Pang spoke calmly.
“Madam Hou heard that Miss Wan was ill and specially sent me to bring these items. After all, you are family, and it would be improper to sever ties so abruptly. But since the young lady does not wish to see anyone, she should focus on recuperating. I shall take my leave now.”

With that, she bowed and withdrew without offering the Chi household any courtesy.

The more abruptly she came and went, the more pleased Madam Guo was, though she still feigned deep sorrow and addressed Chi Guiwan with a reproachful tone.
“Such a good opportunity, how could you let it slip again? After all, it’s your uncle’s family; maintaining close contact would benefit you. Why won’t you listen?”

“I’m ill and restless. Mother, please don’t say anything else. Leave now, I want to sleep.”

Chi Guiwan, too weary to feign politeness, simply turned over and lay down inside, her disrespectful demeanor reminiscent of a spoiled child throwing a tantrum.

But a child’s childishness might be seen as innocent and endearing by others.

At sixteen, such behavior was a matter of character.

Madam Guo was thoroughly satisfied. Having achieved her purpose, she was unwilling to linger. Wiping away her tears, she sighed deeply as she left the Shijin Courtyard.

As she departed, she wished her household servants could witness her grievances. Meanwhile, on the bed in the chamber, Chi Guiwan silently shed two clear tears.

After all, she had misjudged people!

For so many years, not only had she been used as a pawn, but she had also trusted them with all her heart—truly a folly beyond measure!

Xian Chun and Fu Dong, aware of their young mistress’s sorrow, stayed quietly by her side without a word.

Outside the Vice Minister’s residence, on Changxing Street.

Aunt Pang, sitting in a soft-topped sedan chair, was on her way to the Marquis Hai’s estate when a ragged child blocked her path.

“Have mercy, noble lady, please spare some food.”

Aunt Pang lifted the curtain and saw the pitiful beggar beneath the imperial city. She beckoned to the child, dropping a small handful of copper coins into his broken bowl, speaking calmly.
“Buy something to eat.”

“Thank you, noble lady, thank you.”

As the little beggar leaned in close, he whispered, “Miss Wan is in trouble. Please go to Liu’s Wonton Stall quickly; there is urgent business to discuss.”

With that, he vanished without a trace.

Aunt Pang was left stunned. Miss Wan? Who was that referring to?

There was no young lady in the Marquis Hai’s household—could it be the Miss Hai she had just visited?

Doubt filled her mind.

Not wanting to risk mistakes, Aunt Pang dared not ignore the message. She told the sedan bearers, “Madam suddenly remembered she wants some wontons from Liu’s. Let’s stop by and get two bowls.”

“Yes, Aunt Pang.”

Changxing Street bustled with people, none paying attention to the soft sedan chair as it arrived. Soon, Aunt Pang reached Liu’s Wonton Stall.

The owners, a middle-aged couple, welcomed her inside immediately.

From the slightly ajar door, Aunt Pang spotted a somewhat unfamiliar face, then after a moment’s thought, recognized her.

“Miss He?”

“Yes, Aunt Pang, your memory is sharp.”

He Lingyi had once visited the Minister Han’s residence, where Madam Hai was also present. Aunt Pang had accompanied them and had been introduced to her, as she was the sole blood descendant of the great Southern Scholar. Thus, Aunt Pang remembered her well.

Though puzzled, she patiently asked.
“Miss, why choose this place to meet me?”

“Places like taverns are frequented by the powerful and influential; with your status, Aunt Pang, sensitive matters might reach prying ears. This was a cautious choice. Please don’t mind.”

“Not at all. What is the matter? What trouble does Miss Wan face? Please speak plainly.”

Having come this far, Aunt Pang had already begun to piece things together.

Madam Guo’s refusal to allow her alone with Miss Wan hinted at hidden motives. Miss He’s appearance confirmed her suspicions, especially since she knew Miss He was a student at the Vice Minister’s residence.

Without further ado, He Lingyi spoke directly.

“Miss Chi’s illness is a last resort. The Qiao family recently came to withdraw the betrothal, citing the old lady’s grave illness and that Miss Chi’s fate clashes with theirs. Although Minister Chi and Madam Guo hesitated, they are likely to agree. With no one to turn to, Miss Chi could only take this measure. Aunt Pang, please deliver this letter to the Marquis and Marchioness. Miss Chi says she has realized her mistake.”

The information was overwhelming.

Even Aunt Pang had not anticipated such complexity. Composing herself, she calmly asked He Lingyi.
“Is this true?”

“The Qiao family is a prestigious household in Bianzhou City. This match was personally arranged by Madam Hai before her death. When human lives are at stake, many watch closely. Aunt Pang, you have witnessed more unsavory matters in the rear chambers than I have eaten grains of rice. You can surely guess the reasons behind this. Miss Chi has taken the flower and leaf of the Sea Heart Sandthorn to delay matters until now. If the Marquis Hai’s household refuses to help, Miss Chi’s fate is sealed.”

He Lingyi sighed, ashamed of her mother’s foolish actions.

Such a strong ally had sent a trusted servant at the first sign of illness.

Even though this humble wonton stall was their meeting place, they came at her invitation, showing a desire to care.

If they truly offended the Marquis Hai’s household so gravely that help was withheld, it would be no one’s fault but their own. They would have to find another way.

In any case, the Qiao family’s betrothal could not be broken.

Even if it had to be, it would only be after the shameless father’s proposal was finalized—then they could plan anew.

“Sea Heart Sandthorn? Miss Wan is risking her life?”

Aunt Pang was alarmed. She had seen Miss Wan pale and thought it was a genuine illness, never imagining such a cause. Panic surged within her.

Her hand holding the letter trembled slightly.

Recalling Madam Hai’s tearful pleas to the Marchioness before her death, Aunt Pang’s heart softened. With a solemn expression, she said to He Lingyi,
“Thank you for the warning, Miss He. I will report this to my lady immediately. Please tell Miss Wan that, no matter what, she is blood of the Marquis Hai’s household and must not harm herself further to achieve her aims.”

“I will surely convey your message to Miss Chi.”

After parting, Aunt Pang took the wontons and left. About half an hour later, He Lingyi donned a gauze hat and stepped out, all traces of disturbance gone without a ripple…