[Urban] Dance of Flowers (Complete) - 13

Chapter 86 Women are Like Business

I was tied up.

Both my wrists were bound by iron chains as thick as teacups, firmly tied to the bedposts. My range of motion was less than two feet; I was almost completely confined to the bed.

Yun Heying said I had violent tendencies. One moment I wanted to kill him, the next I wanted to commit suicide, so temporarily restricting my movements was better for everyone.

For seven whole days, I waited for Ning Yuedong to come and rescue me, or even just to see me. With my hands bound, I was almost unable to take care of myself; even eating and drinking required a maid's service. I couldn't endure such a life for even a day.

But later I learned that this guy had been tricked by Yun Heying into going to another place. And he even had that sheltered Yun Qian'er by his side. If Yun Heying truly didn't want to let me go this time, he had gone too far with the stakes.

I asked him,

"Why did you go back on your word, taking Ning Yuedong's money but still refusing to let me go?" He merely glanced at me indifferently, then calmly said, "You were always my woman."

...

This domineering bastard.

"Why aren't you eating again, huh?"

Lying weakly on the bed, I realized that starving to death wasn't so simple. Like me, after a day and a half of hunger, besides feeling dizzy and weak, I felt no discomfort, nor the relief of someone about to die.

Yes, I was throwing a tantrum again, continuing my resistance against this man who wanted to imprison me in my own way.

Back then, Yun Zhengyue tried to keep me with his soft affection, but I didn't let him succeed. Now that Yun Heying was challenging me head-on, I was even less likely to give in easily.

I don't know why I'm so stubborn. What's wrong with staying in the Yun family and having enough to eat and wear, no matter who I'm with? I only know that I am Haitang, not my mother—

I don't rely on men for survival.

"Take it away."

Seeing the maidservant serving me sadly hand the half-cold chicken soup to Yun Heying, she whispered a few words in his ear. The man's furrowed brows and displeased expression already foreshadowed the impending conflict. "

I won't eat! I just won't eat! What can you do about it?

" "If you won't eat when she feeds you, then I will."

Perhaps anticipating my temper, the man gave a few instructions and dismissed the servants. He sat down beside my bed with a slightly warm bowl of soup, his face stern, and scooped up a spoonful, forcefully holding it to my lips.

"Open your mouth."

"I said I won't eat! Yun Heying, you fickle bastard, how long are you going to keep me

locked up?!" Turning away from his forceful feeding, I sat up, glaring at him, the chains on my wrists rattling as I struggled. Yet, like a trapped beast, I fought fiercely, but without any real power to attack.

“If you don’t change your temper, I’ll never let you go. Haitang, your temperament needs a man to temper it. Others may not be able to handle you, but I can. So I’m warning you, don’t keep testing my patience, or you’ll be the one who suffers.”

Completely ignoring my anger, Yun Heying was like a seasoned hunter patiently training his newly captured, untamed prey.

What am I in his eyes?

A woman, or a business deal?

A woman’s words always involve a mutual choice, but a business deal is all about winning.

“What’s wrong with you! Can’t you just explain yourself? What did I do to you? How much money do you want? I’ll give it to you!”

“Money?”

Hearing my roar, Yun Heying grinned.

"I don't really need anything."

"..."

"But I'm not young anymore, and I'm tired of the cutthroat world of business after all these years. I've been thinking about having a woman by my side, and after much consideration, you're the one."

"...!!!"

While I was still wide-eyed with surprise, a spoonful of chicken soup was fed to me, making me choke and almost cough up my lungs.

"You're usually quite smart, and you're a very clever girl in your words and actions, so why are you so slow on this kind of thing?"

He reached out and gently stroked my back, ignoring my attempts to dodge, and pulled me into his broad arms.

"Haitang—"

"..."

"Can't you really tell?"

"..."

"I like you."

Chapter 87 Clearing the Fog

"Say it again?"

The sudden confession left my mind blank for a moment. When I came to my senses, I looked up and saw Yun Heying's tender gaze, and involuntarily pushed him away.

This was too sudden; I couldn't handle it.

"I like you, is that so hard to understand?"

Clearly not expecting my response to be so cold, Yun Heying stiffened for a moment, the warmth on his face gradually fading.

"What do you mean? What did you say when Yun Zhengyue wanted to be with me? We're not a good match, and even if we forced it, there wouldn't be a bright future. That's why I cruelly hurt him so badly. Now, I don't want him anymore, and he's completely forgotten me after drinking the talisman water. And you're the one who comes crawling back saying you like me. Chief Yun, this isn't how you go back on your word!" Still relying on your hands? How can that be satisfying? Forum reputation guaranteed! 3D male anime virgin physical sex toy highly realistic genital shape! Inhaling and exhaling rhythmically, irresistible! Click to enter

"..."

"Yue'er's situation is different from mine."

Clearly, I had hit the nail on the head regarding his contradictions. Yun Heying looked at me for a moment before turning away, his imposing figure looking very lonely.

"What's the difference? We're both from the Yun family, and you even have a higher status than him. I'm curious, Young Master Yun, aren't you afraid that a woman of my background will tarnish the Yun family's reputation?"

"You mouth—"

My chin was suddenly gripped tightly by the man's large hand, a sharp pain sending a jolt through me as I endured his piercing gaze.

"Sometimes I really want to poison you into silence..."

A vicious glint flashed in his eyes, almost making me mistake the person glaring at me with murderous intent for the usually cold yet gentle Yun Heying.

"He's my brother, the man I've always loved and protected, destined for a happy life. As for me, I don't care. Anyway, I don't plan to get married. Having a companion is enough. It's not bad if it's you."

The hand gripping my chin gradually loosened, his slender fingers gently caressing my cheek.

“When I was a child, my family fell into poverty, and our business was a complete disaster. The jade pendant that Yue’er gave you actually came in two pieces. My brother and I each had one; they were my mother’s treasured keepsakes for us to marry into. To rebuild our business, I pawned my own piece, breaking my promise to my mother. So for someone like me, money is enough. The happiness of marriage and children isn’t for me, and I don’t deserve it.”

Warm fingertips gradually moved from my face to my lips. Yun Heying suddenly breathed hot air and leaned in, pressing me against the headboard behind her.

“After meeting you, I started to realize that a man doesn’t necessarily need to marry to have a woman by his side. Being together like this is fine too, whether you’re a servant or a slave. You should be mine, under my control. I love this relationship, and I love you too.”

“Yun Heying, then what am I to you…?”

I tried to avoid his elusive kiss, but his lips were gently sucked and licked. Yun Heying’s words chilled me to the bone. In the end, I was still just a little toy he could summon and dismiss at will. Yet, the oppressive presence of his tall figure still forced me to submit.

“Woman, you are the woman I’ve chosen, and I want to be with you for life.”

“Have you ever asked me if I’m willing to be with you for life?”

As soon as he said this, my lips were bitten hard.

"Who else but me could protect you like this, giving you such a good life, huh? Ning Yuedong? Don't be silly, he just told me a few days ago that he likes my sister and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. You see, even if a woman like you can bewitch him for a while, in the end he'll only take you as a concubine, never as his wife. Any man with a bit of status and position would only want physical pleasure from a woman like you. Wake up, only I truly appreciate you, and I only want you for the rest of my life!"

The man's eyes revealed the resentment of unrequited love. Yun Heying hugged me tightly, his strong body pressing against me, almost as if he wanted to meld me into his body.

"This isn't what I want, please let me go... okay?"

My heart felt cold, and my hands and feet were ice-cold.

I don't know why, I just suddenly felt very sad.

"What do you want? Haven't you always wanted a home?"

He gripped my hand tightly, his face showing deep determination.

"What exactly are you dissatisfied with? You never hesitated to be kept as a prostitute before, and even when you had the chance to escape, you still walked all that way back through the mountains. You've been adrift at sea for so many years, haven't you always been begging for a place you can always return to? Now I'm giving you this place, I'm giving you a home. Haitang, wake up, isn't this what you've always wanted?!"

"..."

"What's so great about Ning Yuedong? He can buy you a house outside, I can do that too! If it's about money, does he have more than me? Or do you want freedom? Fine, as long as you promise me that no matter where you go, you'll eventually come back to me, I'll untie your chains and give you freedom." "

Haitang, say something. As long as you promise to stay by my side and be with me, I'll give you anything."

Having heard every word, my heart was filled with a mixture of sour, bitter, and spicy emotions, but not a trace of sweetness.

Yun Heying was right, what did I really want?

On one hand, I'd had enough of wandering, and the lack of security made me desperately need a place to return to when the wind and rain blew. On the one hand, I felt that nothing was more important than freedom—not having to obey anyone, being able to go wherever I wanted. That's why I so eagerly anticipated the outer residence Ning Yuedong prepared for me—a place that belonged to me and was filled with freedom.

It had been a long time since I had touched the depths of my heart like this, those soft, festering, gloomy, unknown sorrows…

After pondering for a long time, I looked up and met Yun Heying's eager, probing gaze. My heart ached, and suddenly, a long-suppressed emotion was released in a complete collapse.

"I want Yuan Weijiu…"

"What…?"

The man was stunned.

"I…I want Yuan Weijiu…!"

In an instant, I was overwhelmed with sorrow, and my eyes filled with tears.

Yes…

so much time had passed. Whether it was stubbornness, self-deception, or lying to myself that I was hurt and no longer loved him, when I cleared away the clouds and cast aside all the entanglements and repressions, and truly faced my own heart, the most bitter, the most painful, the most untouchable place was still filled with memories of everything related to him.

His smile, his black hair, his sheepskin wine flask, his unrestrained demeanor, and his coldness and humiliation towards me—

but I was just pathetic.

I still stubbornly believed that wherever that man was, that was home…

“And me… Haitang, in your heart, have you ever reserved a place for me?”

My answer deeply hurt Yun Heying. He climbed off me, and for the first time, his handsome face, with its sharp features, revealed the same unbearable pain I felt when I lost Yuan Weijiu.

“I’m sorry…”

I sobbed.

Chapter 88 The Lost Triangle

Sometimes, when faced with unhappy things, I truly wish I could just die and never be bothered again. But the thought of suicide always flashes by. I’ve struggled so desperately to survive until now; if I were to leave like this, the resentment would always outweigh the peace.

After that day, Yun Heying never tied me up again.

My things were moved out of his room and back to the East Courtyard. He really did as he said, no longer confining me, giving me absolute freedom. Of course, after that, he never spoke a word to me again, and even seeing me became difficult. We became complete strangers.

I don't know what he was thinking; I only know that this time, I truly broke his heart.

He's the kind of person who is extremely repressed. He's incapable of suppressing or venting his emotions; he endures it all until it finally explodes. And I, a ruthless and ungrateful woman, poured a bucket of cold water on him the moment he sincerely revealed himself.

That pain, that chill… I don't want to think about it.

On a winter morning, the sunlight shone thinly through the clouds. That lukewarm brightness enveloped the magnificent courtyard of the Yun mansion, carrying a deep sense of desolation. Perhaps because I was suddenly alone, I felt particularly cold. Even the fur-trimmed cloak couldn't provide enough warmth.

Once, someone held my hand, hugged my shoulders, and coldly ordered me to wear more clothes, eat more, and take care of myself. I'm still just as disobedient, and the person who used to care for me with orders is gone.

I must have been out of my mind to reject Yuan Weijiu.

Yuan Weijiu…

Ninth Uncle.

How long are you going to keep hurting me?

"Oh, where did this little lady come from? Why didn't you comb your hair before coming out?"

Just as I was gritting my teeth, filled with hatred and regret, a slightly flippant greeting came from the other side. I looked up and felt like I'd been struck by lightning.

Yun Zhengyue saw that I was just staring at him blankly and felt a little bored. He couldn't help but scratch his head, then chuckled a few times and strode over to me.

"What, new here? Don't you recognize your Second Master?"

As he spoke, he casually picked up a strand of my long hair and played with it like a reed.

Yes, ever since Yun Heying ignored me, I've been feeling lost and listless these days, as if something was missing from my body. He was too lazy to even comb his hair or change his clothes, often wandering the yard with his hair disheveled; anyone who didn't know better would think they'd encountered a ghost.

I thought there would eventually be some opportunity to run into Yun Heying again and see how he was doing. But unexpectedly, instead of seeing my brother, I met my younger brother first.

This younger brother…

looking at the light in his dark, bright eyes that seemed to shine from meeting a stranger for the first time, I couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Another ill-fated relationship.

"Good morning, Second Master. I'm the accountant. I usually live in the East Courtyard and only move around around with you, so it's normal that you don't recognize me."

I subtly pulled out a strand of hair he'd almost broken, curtsied, and turned to leave.

I truly envied his ability to forget, no matter how horribly he'd tried. But being able to erase all unpleasant memories was already a blessing of rebirth. If that were truly the case, I really should consider having a drink too, to completely forget Yuan Weijiu.

"Hey, hey, don't go! What do you mean by leaving as soon as you see me? Your Second Master won't eat anyone, why are you so afraid?"

My coldness made Yun Zhengyue somewhat embarrassed, his handsome face showing a resentful sullenness.

This guy hasn't changed at all; he can't resist pretty girls. I was secretly happy for him after hearing about how he'd calmed down and started learning how to manage the business after drinking the talisman water, but old habits die hard.

"Second Master, is something the matter?"

I stopped with a smile.

"Uh... nothing really. But I feel a strong connection with you. The moment I saw you, I felt like I'd seen you somewhere before. Don't you think it's fate?"

A soft smile spread across his lips, revealing his pearly white teeth.

Yun Zhengyue was wearing a dark green brocade robe today, his black hair tied up in a golden crown, cascading down his back. He looked like a handsome young gentleman, even more dashing than when I first saw him on the ship. Perhaps it was because his focus on business had shed his childishness, giving him a more mature and sophisticated air.

I looked at him as if I were sizing up an old friend I hadn't seen in years.

He looked at me as if I were meeting a newcomer for the first time.

A subtle exchange of glances passed between us.

Finally, I withdrew my gaze from him.

“When Second Master was ill before, Haitang glanced at him by his bedside. Perhaps he remembered her face in his delirium. Haitang still has accounts to collect from the steward, so if there's nothing else, she'll be leaving now.”

“Hey, you're really leaving? Hey! Your name is Haitang, right? Hey, hey!”

Yun Zhengyue called after me. She called several times, but couldn't come up with any reason for me to stay.

I walked forward without turning back, glancing to the side, and saw that in the distance, the man in fiery red was holding account books and looking at me with the steward, who looked regretful.

At this moment, a cold wind rose, blowing my messy long hair wildly across my face.

What a strange angle, strange relationship, strange three people…

Chapter 89 I

ran away from the scene as if fleeing for my life, and when I got back to the room, I stood up with my arms on the table, feeling pain in every part of my body. When did I become a person with a heart and a liver? How could I be so deeply affected by those two guys?

I stared blankly at myself in the mirror for a long time. My lips twitched as I tried to force a smile, but it only turned into a bitter, unsightly upward slant, a painful tear. I didn't know what was wrong with me, why I felt so much pain. It was unbearable; I almost wanted to curl up into a ball, cover myself with the blanket, and cry my heart out.

Yun Heying, Yun Zhengyue—I should have carefree forgotten those names.

For a pirate, some things, if you truly want them, you should strive for them relentlessly. If you don't want them, you should bravely pretend they never existed.

But in this matter, I was indecisive…

afraid of the torment of wanting them, afraid of sleepless nights if I didn't. What kind of worthless thing am I?

"Haitang girl, you…"

Just then, the door opened. Zhiniang, carrying a towel in one hand and a basket in the other, came in looking cheerful, only to be met with my disheveled, lifeless, tearful state. She choked on her words halfway through, then raised her eyebrows and glared at me coldly, scolding,

"You little brat, are you trying to get yourself killed? What's wrong with you? Who upset you? So what if you were sent back by the master? What's the big deal? Even if you weren't helped up, at least you won't have to worry about food and drink. Why are you so sad? You still have me, right? From now on, as long as I have a bite to eat, you'll have a bite to drink."

See, women's logic is so simple. They always think that a woman's joys and sorrows are related to another man, that he controls her happiness and sorrow, and decides her life and death.

If she's happy, it's because the master has bestowed favor upon her.

If she's unhappy, it's because the master has neglected her and she's not happy.

Weaver Girl didn't know that I would be leaving with Ning Yuedong after three months, and thought that I had somehow offended Yun Heying and been sent back to the cold palace.

However, it was this kind of harsh and shallow logic that came out to a strange and independent woman like me. Instead of being strongly refuted, the moment I heard her speak, tears began to stream down my face.

Oh, Weaver Girl. My Weaver Girl.

No matter how lowly or contemptible others may see me, at least I still have Weaver Girl.

☆☆☆

Drinking the thick, white porridge in my bowl, I let Weaver Girl stand behind me like she was taking care of a child, combing my hair and braiding it. I took a small bite of the crisp pickled cucumber, and everything felt calm and peaceful, a serene and beautiful tranquility returning.

The coarse cloth clothes that allowed me to move freely, the thick, unrefined braid—it was as if I had returned to the Ghost King. Back then, I wasn't doing well, but at least I was free, with a group of brothers and uncles to drink and eat heartily with, and Uncle Jiu to think of.

Now, I had so many new things I could have had, but I've lost them all. Everything felt like a dream, and it was time to wake up.

"Hey, did you know? The second young master's fiancée will be coming to stay for a while soon."

Weaver Girl gently combed my hair with a small white jade comb, trying to distract me with gossip to make me seem less heartbroken.

"Oh...is that so?"

A sudden pang of pain shot through me, and I awkwardly replied. My mind was blank; I didn't even know how to react.

Ning Lingxia, my mortal enemy.

That vicious woman who, along with her mother, drove my mother away, that beautiful and arrogant pampered heiress who'd always disliked me since childhood—damn

it, I thought her arrival was still a long way off, but it's happening so soon.

God, are you trying to make me miserable enough?

"What's wrong?"

Sensing my distress, Weaver Girl turned my face and asked, puzzled.

"Ah, it's nothing... I just feel happy mentioning the Second Young Master." I said

this insincerely, lowering my head to continue drinking my porridge. A mouthful of pickled cucumber choked me, and tears welled up in my eyes again.

Chapter 90 Ning Lingxia

As it turns out, most things in this world won't stop happening just because you dislike them or don't want to experience them. On the contrary, the more you hate and try to avoid them, the faster they often come, like a raging flood.

On Ning Lingxia's first day, the Yun residence was filled with joy and liveliness. Although it was winter, Yun Heying had a way of making it feel like springtime, giving people a warm and comforting feeling.

Weaver Girl tried to call me out to secretly peek at the future Second Young Mistress, but I stubbornly refused.

See her?

What was so beautiful about her—

a face as pretty as a flower, an air of arrogance and grace.

As a child, I was jealous of her. We were both daughters of Prince Ning, so why did she live a life of luxury, while I was reduced to a beggar, surviving on handouts and humiliation? Her mother was like a domineering tyrant, while my poor mother was worse off than a maid bought with money.

Later, I realized it was fate.

This fate led me to Ning Yuedong, to Yuan Weijiu, and ultimately to abandoning everything and embarking on this treacherous path. Every day, I wallowed in a decadent, entangled existence, experiencing both joy and sorrow.

Flowers bloom and fade, life goes on.

Everyone has their own destiny; one cannot simply walk the path one desires.

"You have no idea how beautiful that girl's dress is. Only the empresses and princesses of the palace are worthy of wearing that kind of silk. It complements her fair and delicate face...our second young master has truly struck gold!"

After secretly observing her, the weaver's eyes were filled with amazement. I silently munched on my pastry, unmoved by her descriptions. What flashed through my mind, however, was an image of a well-cared-for little girl, whipping my back with a freshly broken willow branch, forcing me to ride on her back like a horse.

I remembered pushing her away, then grabbing a handful of dirt and throwing it hard at her pristine white face. Then came the image of the old woman slapping me until my mouth bled. Daring to push her precious daughter—my child, born of such lowliness, had a death wish.

But I felt no regret. The hatred I felt for them, mother and child, was ingrained in my bones, connected to my very flesh. Even if my limbs were broken, with sheer grit, I would bite off a piece of flesh from them.

So many years have passed, but I will never forget what they did to my mother and me…

“Haitang, to be honest, the eldest young master was worried that the second young master would object because it was an arranged marriage. Unexpectedly, the second young master fell in love with Miss Lingxia at first sight, his eyes practically glued to her in the garden. You know, marriage is a matter of social standing; it’s hard not to be attracted to someone from such a high-class background…”

“Hmm…”

After finishing the pastry, I licked the crumbs from my fingertips.

I glanced up and saw my reflection in the bronze mirror. Simple clothes, a calm and indifferent expression, as if I had seen through the world. I thought back to when I first met Yun Zhengyue, and his initial passion and devotion to me. After much thought, I decided not to dwell on the sadness.

“Weaver.”

“Eh?”

Just as I was getting into the conversation, I spoke seriously, as if I didn’t care at all. The woman immediately stopped her sentimental expression and waited blankly for my instructions.

"I need to get some account books, but my legs are suddenly very sore and I can't walk anymore. Could you go to the steward's to get them for me?" The answer from

Chapter 91, "The Reverse

Scale," was of course yes. To her, I was like a sister or daughter. It was just a small request, what was the big deal?

But normally it would only take a short while, but the Weaver Girl hadn't returned even after two incense sticks' worth of time.

I waited and waited, but she didn't come back, and I couldn't help but feel anxious. I had originally planned to stay indoors these days, avoiding going out as much as possible to avoid encountering people I didn't want to see and making everyone uncomfortable. But because I was worried about the Weaver Girl, and couldn't stop thinking about her, I still resolutely put on my cloak and rushed out.

Sure enough, before I even reached the steward's place, after only passing through two stone gates, I heard shouts and pleas for mercy coming from the garden.

“Princess Ning, it’s all my fault… I was blind to not see you resting here. I accidentally bumped into you, please forgive me.”

The one apologizing cautiously was Zhi Niang.

Before Ning Lingxia could speak, the maid beside her began her incessant cursing. I frowned and listened to the gist of it. When I understood what was going on, I felt a surge of anger rising from the soles of my feet.

I thought it was something serious, but it turned out this girl had just happened to run into Zhi Niang, who was there to retrieve my account books, while idly strolling in the courtyard. Zhi Niang always walked with a strong, unsteady gait, which I was used to. But Ning Lingxia, who had always been well-mannered, couldn't stand it and had detained her and humiliated her ever since, simply because “Zhi Niang dared to appear before her,” a ridiculous reason.

That damned girl, her habit of thinking the whole world should pamper her and center her on her own hasn't changed at all.

"Apologize? Someone as lowly as you dares to apologize to our princess? I truly don't understand why someone like you would appear in a place like the Yun family. It just shows how worthless the Yun family is... Princess, marrying into this family would be beneath your dignity."

Truly worthy of being Ning Lingxia's maid, her sharp tongue was first-rate. Seeing Ning Lingxia's disdainful yet relentless attitude, she continued to escalate her insults towards Zhiniang, dragging the Yun family into the fray.

I saw that Zhiniang's face was flushed red from holding back. Although of lowly status, Yun Heying had never been harsh to her. There was even a sense of mutual respect between them; otherwise, he wouldn't have entrusted me to her for training when I first arrived.

In this mansion, aside from avoiding the Third Miss Yun Qian'er from being tainted by worldly affairs, everyone outwardly tolerated the disdain shown towards the household prostitutes. Because no one knows which one will be promoted to master someday, any servant with a modicum of sense knows to leave themselves a way out. When has Weaver Girl ever been treated like this?

"If Your Highness is truly angry, Weaver Girl will accept the punishment, as a lesson to remember her place. I'll be more careful in the future."

She gritted her teeth and continued to speak appeasingly. Weaver Girl has always protected her master, and her gratitude towards Yun Heying has never wavered. I understand that even if she is about to endure unwarranted physical pain, she doesn't want to implicate the entire Yun family and have her loyalty insulted.

But I was truly heartbroken, my whole body bristling like a rooster about to fight.

Is this such a big deal... Just because you're wandering around here, doesn't that mean we don't have the right to walk the same path, to appear at the same time and place? There's a limit to making a mountain out of a molehill!

“Since you accept the punishment, then slap yourself. Don’t stop until I tell you to.”

“…”

“…”

After lazily finishing these words, Ning Lingxia gracefully moved to a reclining chair prepared nearby. She accepted the tea offered by a maid, displaying a leisurely air of watching a show.

Zhi Niang’s expression clearly froze upon hearing this. After understanding, her eyes revealed humiliation and pain, and she actually raised her hand and began to slap herself hard.

One slap, two slaps, the crisp sound echoing in the winter garden, indescribably bleak and desolate.

Ning Lingxia, however, remained unmoved, drinking her tea, even showing an expression of enjoyment on her delicate face, a barely perceptible smile curving her rosy lips.

“…”

It was that smile that suddenly felt like a sharp blade piercing my heart, the pain so intense I could hardly breathe.

I thought of my cat, the little tabby cat who came to my room to warm itself and became my only playmate. It was as lonely as me, surviving on handouts just like me.

Back then, I was often hungry myself, but even a cold bun was enough to feed this little creature.

We used to play together, to frolic together. Then Ning Lingxia saw us, and on a gloomy, rainy day without a ray of sunshine, cut off its ears and tail, threw it out of the yard, and never heard from it again…

I thought of my mother, of the times we were kicked and beaten while kneeling on the ground, of Ning Lingxia's disgust for me yet her domineering way of harassing and bullying me…

“Ning Lingxia!!”

As the memories reached this point, I felt a resentment buried deep within me for many years finally about to erupt.

The cat, its fate unknown, the sound of Zhiniang's slaps, and her swollen, unrecognizable cheeks all deeply aggravated me, causing me pain and anger.

Is it that you cruelly take away everything that I find warm?

Is it that you feel immense pleasure when I am unhappy?

Ning Lingxia—

how much did I owe you in my past life that you torment me like this!

Some things you don't feel if you don't think about them. But once you do think about them, it feels like being haunted by a vengeful spirit, unable to break free, unable to escape, your heart filled with sin.

A strong sense of rebellion and criminal desire drove me to rush forward and pull Zhiniang, who was still slapping herself, up from the ground, and then turn and run away.

No one expected my sudden appearance. By the time they reacted, Ning Lingxia's maid had already caught up, forcefully pulling on my arm.

"Who are you! What do you want?!"

The shrill shouts annoyed me. Pulled too hard, I released Zhiniang, turned around, and slapped her hard across the face.

She was probably stunned; the woman covered her face in shock and began to wail. I ignored her, grabbing Zhiniang's hand and trying to run. But a figure flashed in front of me, and a familiar, stunningly beautiful face appeared right in front of me.

"Ning, Mo, Yan...?"

Ning Lingxia squinted at me for a long time, then gasped, spitting out those three words through gritted teeth.

My palms were already ice-cold.

Chapter 92 Punishment 1

"I really didn't expect you to still be alive."

This was Ning Lingxia's second sentence to me.

I clearly remember a complex look flashing in her beautiful eyes when she said that. I can't quite describe the feeling, but I shivered, and then felt a chill run through me from head to toe.

Because of my appearance, the incident was blown out of proportion. By the time Yun Heying arrived, I and Zhiniang were being forced to kneel in a humiliating position by the people protecting Ning Lingxia.

Zhiniang was alright; at least she knelt like a human being. But because I struggled so fiercely and cursed, a strong man grabbed my hair from behind and pressed me down, my face pressed against the cold ground, making me feel less than a dog.

Damn it, Ning Lingxia, I'm never happy when I see you—

"What happened?"

Seeing my pathetic state, Yun Heying's brows immediately furrowed. His tone was full of disappointment, as if he had already judged that I was the one who caused trouble.

Ning Lingxia didn't speak, still maintaining that arrogantly smug look. The maid beside her, whom I had slapped, finally found an outlet for her anger and immediately embellished the story, recounting the whole saga.

"Where did this little bitch come from? She has no sense of propriety, daring to hit me! I'm from the Ning Prince's mansion, even when beating a dog, you have to consider its owner. Her actions are utterly disrespectful to Prince Ning!" She

even glared at me at the end.

"Ha…you know you're just a dog."

Before Yun Heying could reply, I blew dust from my mouth and laughed. I might as well lose face, after all. I'm already like this, what am I afraid of? They'll both be punished eventually, so I might as well have a good verbal sparring session.

"You!!"

Sure enough, with just one sentence, the maid was easily enraged. Meanwhile, the burly man behind me grabbed my hair and slammed it to the ground, a sharp pain shooting through my forehead.

"Still not behaving yourself!"

the man shouted.

"Damn... relying on their master's power..."

"Princess, it is indeed my oversight that these servants lack proper guidance. Therefore, I will lock them in the woodshed for three days to reflect on their actions. During these three days, they can only eat plain steamed buns and drink water, and they must copy scriptures to reflect on their disgraceful behavior. What do you think?"

Seeing me being beaten, I wondered what Yun Heying was feeling. But as soon as he said this, everyone could tell he was indirectly pleading for mercy for me and Zhiniang.

Offending the princess was a serious matter, with punishments ranging from scolding to execution. If Ning Lingxia were truly serious, even if she took my and Zhiniang's lives on the spot, no one would dare utter a word... However, being so ruthless in front of the future head of her husband's family would inevitably give others cause for gossip.

"Hehe, elder brother is joking."

Finally, after looking at Yun Heying's face and then slowly glancing at me kneeling on the ground, Ning Lingxia curled her red lips and spoke lightly.

"It's just a small matter, making such a big fuss is pointless, isn't it? People who don't know better might think my Prince Ning's daughter is so unruly, already arrogant before even entering her husband's family. If word gets out, it won't look good for my father either."

"Your Highness is truly a person of great compassion and righteousness..."

Hearing this, Yun Heying seemed relieved and quickly offered some kind words, ready to back down gracefully.

"However, we can ignore this vulgar woman, but we can't let the girl who hit my maid get away with it. Otherwise, where will the prestige of my Prince Ning's mansion be? If just anyone can hit someone from my mansion, won't the world be in chaos?"

"This..."

"Then what does Your Highness mean—"

The man glanced at me worriedly, his expression turning serious again.

"Just give her ten lashes to teach her a lesson. That punishment is severe enough, but it won't kill her. I still have that much leniency."

Ning Lingxia smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Yun Heying.

"Ten lashes?!"

Before the man could reply, I screamed.

"Ning Lingxia, you heartless thing, why don't you just say you'll cut me ten times! You're too..."

"Slap!"

Just as I was getting into my rant, my hair suddenly snapped back up, and then a large slap came down, silencing all my insults.

"Shut up!"

Yun Heying gripped my chin tightly, his eyes looking like he wanted to devour me. I was terrified by his harsh words and actions, and a faint taste of blood filled my mouth. For a moment, I felt incredibly wronged.

I knew he was afraid that I would act impulsively and speak recklessly, and in the end, even if he wanted to save my life, he would only be able to send me to Ning Lingxia. But I just wouldn't accept it! I wouldn't accept it! I wouldn't accept it!!

"Oh, look... Brother Yun, may I ask, what kind of person is this girl in the manor?"

It seemed that seeing how badly I had been beaten, my aggrieved and pathetic appearance completely amused Ning Lingxia. She gazed at me intently, her lips slightly parted, but her eyes held no hint of a smile. Every word she uttered was filled with hatred for me not having died sooner.

"Haitang... she was a courtesan in the manor."

"Courtesan—?"

She uttered each word with a suffix, the title I felt for the first time filled with deep loathing. The woman's expression, a mixture of surprise and contempt, made me feel as if I were living a life worse than death.

Damn it, I'm no longer your courtesan, okay? I'm just a maid who stayed to help with the accounts, not a prostitute!!!

Maybe Yun Heying just wanted to make me sound more humble, so she would have more reason to persuade Ning Lingxia not to hold it against me. But the current situation makes me feel like I've lost, and lost miserably and completely...

"Alright, she's just a prostitute. Then whip her. After this whipping, I won't hold it against you anymore, so as not to lose face."

Slowly moving back to the recliner, Ning Lingxia watched me being manipulated into a helpless position. Then, her red lips added another sentence as if reminding me—

"Remember, don't forget to dip the whip in salt water."

Chapter 93 Punishment 2

When the whip dipped in salt water fell on my body, I was in excruciating pain, but it didn't truly hurt my heart.

At the moment my skin was torn open, I suddenly thought of Yun Zhengyue. Remembering how I tied him to the Ghost King and tortured him, I felt this was clearly retribution.

I had whipped him with a salt-water-soaked whip, and now his fiancée had come to avenge him—

the law of cause and effect in this world flows and cycles in the dark, it seems quite fair.

"Hiss..."

"Crack crack..."

During the beating, I didn't look at Yun Heying. Because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to hold back and would show a pleading expression. I'm not a girl who can endure pain; I'm just too stubborn and easily attract misfortune. A burning pain shot through my back, a pain that didn't just disappear after a moment, but stretched all the way to my bones. In the end, even when the whipping stopped, the previous wounds would still hurt, getting more and more painful, a pain so intense that I just wanted to scream in agony.

I couldn't imagine how those who were executed by slow slicing could endure having their flesh sliced off piece by piece. No wonder there has been the saying "torture to extract confessions" since ancient times. For a moment, I even felt that as long as the other party stopped whipping me, I would immediately confess even the biggest secrets.

However, I really had nothing else to offer.

"Ning Moyan, why aren't you crying?"

After ten lashes, I curled up in excruciating pain, lying on the cold ground like a stray dog, convulsing. My lips trembled as I uttered soft moans, but my pride wouldn't allow me to cry out loud, until sweat beaded on my forehead from suppressed pain.

Ning Lingxia seemed disappointed. She finished her tea, but still felt unsatisfied. She stared at me for a long time, and only after confirming that I offered her no further pleasure did she reluctantly leave with her servants.

With my last ounce of strength, I stared intently at her departing figure, her last words echoing in my mind, along with the lukewarm tone in her voice when she called my name.

This woman, with such a graceful figure, such noble bearing, such magnificent attire… Ning Lingxia was like a fairy descended from heaven, possessing unparalleled glory and beauty.

She should have been my sister, someone I cared for and cherished. Why did things turn out this way? Why did this seemingly otherworldly woman become my nightmare? Why did everything and everyone around me that should have brought me joy ultimately turn into disaster…

Is this a sin I owed in my past life, or a calamity in this one?

“Are you alright?”

Before I could banish the lingering sorrow buried deep within me for years, I finally allowed myself to let the tears flow.

A sudden, sharp pain shot through my back. Someone had knelt down and pulled me into their arms in an extremely strange position, like an adult cradling a child.

I bit my lip, remaining silent. Yun Heying didn't ask any further questions, but gently pressed my head against his chest, and then walked step by step toward my room.

Weaver Girl followed silently behind, her usually graceful steps now appearing somewhat unsteady.

I had never thought she was old, though I often couldn't help but think of her as my deceased mother. But today was the first time I saw a trace of weariness and indescribable sorrow on the face of Weaver Girl, who was so fond of beauty and so devoted to skincare.

"Haitang girl!"

Back in the room, I got into bed, and because of the wound on my back, I could only lie face down. Whether from the cold or the pain, my body trembled in waves. Weaver Girl called out to me with concern and hurriedly called for people and a doctor to treat my wound.

Everyone around was busy, while Yun Heying stood quietly to the side watching, neither speaking nor uttering a sound.

The moment the cool ointment was applied to my back, I gripped the blankets beneath me tightly, but finally, I heard his voice in my ear—

"'Ning Moyan,' who is that? What are you hiding from me?"

"..."

I turned my head away, remaining silent.

After waiting for a long time without receiving a reply, the man beside her turned away, his imposing figure slowly walking towards the door.

"I will know."

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