Chapter 46: Do Not Be Afraid

Xiao Jinglin was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.

Though he found Luo Yunqiao's disposition utterly detestable, he had to admit that she possessed a radiant and striking beauty, coupled with a distinctly feminine allure that made her unforgettable at first glance, truly surpassing Luo Yunzhen.

The moment Luo Yunzhen stepped out of the carriage and saw the two of them looking so intimate, a surge of blazing fury welled up in her heart, making her yearn to rush forward and tear Luo Yunqiao's mouth to shreds.

forcing down her anger, she walked over and said with a forced smile, "What was Brother Jinglin talking about with Eldest Sister? Why are you both in such high spirits?"

"The two of you each have your own unique virtues, but in my eyes, Zhen'er surpasses all others in this world," Xiao Jinglin replied.

This single, brief sentence instantly set Luo Yunzhen's mind at ease. Her face flushed red, but she did not forget to cast a triumphant, covert look of superiority toward Luo Yunqiao.

"Brother Jinglin is always teasing me," she murmured, lowering her head with a coy pout. "Even though the weather is fine today, there is still quite a bit of breeze. Why didn't Brother Jinglin wait inside instead of standing right in the draft? If you were to catch a chill, Imperial Noble Consort Duan would be heartbroken."

Xiao Jinglin glanced briefly at Luo Yunqiao before shifting his full attention to Luo Yunzhen. With a smile, he said, "Seeing that you hadn't appeared for so long, I feared you might have run into some trouble, so I decided to wait for you here. I'm just glad you haven't been bullied."

Hearing these pointed words, Luo Yunqiao curled her lips in a silent sneer.

It was precisely because Xiao Jinglin was always so attentive and considerate around Luo Yunzhen that everyone in the capital believed their marriage was a foregone conclusion.

And three months ago, those exact people had mocked her as a cheap woman who tried to ruin someone else's good match!

She wondered if Xiao Jinglin would still act this way once Luo Yunzhen's vicious nature was finally exposed.

Unable to bear watching the two of them any longer, she turned and walked away toward the back gardens.

Hardly had she reached the rear courtyard when she heard a shrill, girlish voice: "So you are the eldest miss whom the Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion brought back from the countryside? You truly have not an ounce of propriety, dressing up in such a garish and gaudy manner. Who exactly are you trying to seduce?"

Hearing this, Luo Yunqiao felt a genuine wave of displeasure.

Having rarely ventured outside in the past, she had no idea what kind of attire constituted proper etiquette, but Madame Zhou knew better than anyone.

Yet Madame Zhou had deliberately let her wear such a dress, leaving her exposed to the mockery of others...

She could not help but emit a bitter self-mocking laugh.

Luo Yunqiao turned to face the young woman who had just spoken and retorted, "What you said is entirely incorrect. Must a woman dress nicely solely to please men? Can she not do so simply to make her own heart happy? Besides, the moment you opened your mouth, you accused me of seduction—where is your own propriety in that?"

Having already offended quite a few people, she naturally cared little if her blunt words offended the young woman before her as well.

She was just preparing to make her escape from this troublesome place when, unexpectedly, the young woman took a large stride forward and blocked her path.

"It seems you aren't as utterly foolish as the rumors on the outside suggest; you actually know how to talk back," the young woman said with a smile. "I am the younger sister of the Prince of Nanan's Heir, Princess Shoukan. I heard that you are on very close terms with the Prince of Yan's younger uncle. Is that true?"

"It is naturally true."

"You certainly don't bother to avoid suspicion," Princess Shoukan pouted. "My elder brother's newly wedded sister-in-law values her dignity above all else. Your attire is bound to displease her; why don't you come with me to change into a new set of clothes?"

Ever since the incident three months ago involving the bed-climbing trap, Luo Yunqiao had maintained her vigilance at all times.

If she were careless enough to repeat that past mistake, she would never be able to clear her name, no matter how many mouths she had.

"Don't be afraid."

Sensing her hesitation, Princess Shoukan added, "Uncle Prince of Yan treats me very well. Since he has allowed you to stay by his side, you must be a good person, so I certainly won't harm you. This is my territory, and no one here dares to bully you."

Still, Luo Yunqiao remained undecided.

She looked down at her own outfit, feeling it was truly too improper, and ultimately decided to take a gamble. She followed behind Princess Shoukan, completely unaware that everything had been observed by Que'er, the maid by Luo Yunzhen's side.

The interior decoration of the Prince of Nanan's Mansion was breathtakingly opulent, enough to astonish even someone accustomed to the luxury of the Marquis's mansion.

Princess Shoukan settled her in a chamber to change her clothes and was promptly called away by someone.

No sooner had Luo Yunqiao finished changing than she heard a rustling sound coming from behind her.

Frowning, she immediately spun around: "Who is there!?"

"Your vigilance is far too poor. Had it not been for this Prince today, your reputation would have been utterly ruined."

Hearing the familiar voice, Luo Yunqiao's heart settled. She pursed her lips and said coyly, "Everyone attending the Prince of Nanan's Mansion today is a gentleman. How could there be someone as lacking in self-respect as Your Highness?"

"With eyes and ears everywhere, is Your Highness not afraid of damaging your own reputation?"

"This Prince has never cared for such superficial trifles." Xiao Muyuan strode toward her, reached out with a long arm, and pulled her tightly against his waist.

Luo Yunqiao let out a startled gasp: "What is Your Highness doing? Men and women should not touch hands when giving or receiving things. Please do not mistake me for some courtesan from the Ten Thousand Reds Pavilion to toy with."

"Silence—!"

Xiao Muyuan covered her mouth with his hand.

The room instantly fell completely silent, save for the sound of a door opening.

With swift and practiced precision, Xiao Muyuan delivered a swift chop to the back of the intruder's neck, knocking them unconscious.

Luo Yunqiao's heart pounded furiously as she asked in a trembling voice, "Who was it!? Who on earth is so determined to drive me to my death!?"

Although Princess Shoukan had brought her here, they had no enmity between them, so she naturally refused to believe that Princess Shoukan intended to destroy her chastity and reputation.

"Whoever it was, we shall soon find out if we take a look."

Xiao Muyuan curved his lips into a faint smile and carried Luo Yunqiao out through the window.

Out in front, the members of the Luo family had been searching everywhere for Luo Yunqiao in vain.

Luo Zefeng had already lost his patience. Disregarding the fact that they were out in public, he cursed angrily, "I knew she was a troublemaker who could never give peace of mind! How dare she cause a scene in the Prince of Nanan's Mansion? Once I catch her, I'll make sure she pays!"

"Silence!" Mindful of the Marquis's mansion's reputation, Luo Zeting rebuked, "Our top priority is to find Qiaoqiao as quickly as possible."

Que'er hurried back with hurried steps, trembling and deliberately putting on a frightened expression as she stammered, "Eldest Young Master, Second Young Master, this servant... this servant just saw... saw the Eldest Miss heading toward the back courtyard with a man."

"What!?"

Rage flaring in his chest, Luo Zefeng turned on his heel and bolted toward the back courtyard.

An irrepressible excitement lit up Luo Yunzhen's eyes.

Having finally seized an opportunity to drive Luo Yunqiao to her doom, she naturally had no intention of letting it slip away easily. She decided to escalate the matter further and directly instructed Que'er to raise an alarm.

In an instant, the guests abandoned the main ceremonies and crowded into the back courtyard to watch the spectacle.

The Dowager Princess of Nanan, who had been conversing with Madame Zhou, rushed over upon hearing the commotion. Her face was ashen as she said, "Is this the etiquette of the Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion? The dignified eldest miss of a marquis actually comes to my Prince of Nanan's Mansion to secretly meet a man! Madam Marquis, is there something our estate has done to wrong your family?"

"No! No!" Madame Zhou grew as frantic as an ant on a hot pan.

Luo Yunzhen quickly stepped forward to interject, defending them: "Please forgive us, Elder Princess. The Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion enforces strict rules and has never allowed its women to associate with male outsiders. It's just that my sister was only recently brought back to the mansion and has yet to learn proper manners; please do not blame my mother."

"Not knowing proper manners? Could Junior Sister Yunzhen be referring to me? I wasn't aware I had done anything wrong."