C4 Marriage Substitute 114

Mu Yunhua was anything but foolish. Qin Qing was well aware that even if Mu Yunhua showed signs of autism, it had absolutely nothing to do with being unintelligent.

The true culprit behind her autism was her own mother, the woman who disappeared soon after giving birth to her—Madam Butterfly!

"Missing... Heh."

Qin Qing was highly skeptical of that term. What kind of woman would be so reckless as to engage in an affair before she had even finished her confinement period, only to be caught red-handed?

Furthermore, the person who caught her was none other than Mu Yuxi's mother, Concubine Wan. The notion of a concubine catching the legitimate wife in such a scandal seemed utterly ludicrous and warranted serious doubt.

Qin Qing even suspected from the start that the original owner's mother hadn't just disappeared—she had been killed!

Regardless, the original owner's mother had vanished without a trace, and the matter was seemingly settled. However, behind closed doors, the people of the capital whispered and pointed fingers at Mu Honghai. For a man who valued his reputation so highly, such rumors were unbearable.

As a result, Mu Honghai paid no attention to the needs of the Mu Family's legitimate newborn daughter—her nourishment, her clothing, he showed no concern whatsoever. In time, she was completely forgotten by him, and the household servants, sensing their master's indifference, began to treat the young mistress with contempt and neglect.

Over time, the Mu Family's legitimate second daughter, the most innocent child, became the family's punching bag—a tragedy in its purest form.

It wasn't until the Emperor issued a marriage decree that Mu Yunhua's status as the legitimate daughter of the Mu's Mansion was remembered, and she was pushed forward to take the place of another in marriage.

Had it not been for that, she might still be playing in the mud in some obscure corner.

Qin Qing let out a deep sigh. The Celestial Master Sect had always advocated for acceptance of one's destiny! Yet, the resentment in her heart would not ease, nor did she wish to dissipate the remnants of Mu Yunhua's bitterness that lingered within her.

Since they both harbored resentment and hatred, in this lifetime, she would become Mu Yunhua and defy the sect's rules just this once, to fight against the heavens themselves! Concubine Wan, Mu Honghai, Mu Yuxi, and everyone in the Mu Estate... they should all brace themselves for her vengeance—clean your necks and wait.

Karmic retribution is a seed they sowed themselves. They can't blame her for being ruthless when it's time to reap the consequences!

And as for that ghost, the Nether King Baili Chonghua!

She would willingly bear the weight of karma to shatter his soul, ensuring he'd never ascend to the afterlife!

A chilling glint reflected in Mu Yunhua's eyes, menacing and cold, yet it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared upon hearing the noise outside her room.

The person entering did so with the gentlest touch, but the worn wooden door still let out an inevitable creak.

An elderly woman, her hair streaked with gray and dressed in ill-fitting clothes, stepped inside carrying a weathered food box. Upon seeing Mu Yunhua lying on the bed, eyes wide open, she asked with concern, "Miss, did Nanny wake you?"

"No, Nanny, I've been awake for some time," Mu Yunhua replied, not waiting for Nanny to set down the food box or offer her assistance. She propped herself up and sat up on her own.

Yet, even after several days, any movement still caused a painful tug in her lower body.

She lowered her eyes, concealing the flicker of rage that nearly surfaced, and skillfully changed the subject. "Nanny, what brings you back so early today?"

Nanny paused, her hands momentarily still over the food box, then pretended as if nothing had happened, shaking her head with manufactured excitement. "Miss, you must see what the kitchen has prepared today—it's quite the delicacy!"

Mu Yunhua was no fool. She could see right through the awkward attempt to change the subject. "Nanny, what new rumors about me have been spreading these past few days?"