C11 Looking for Trouble

"Go on, what's the matter?" Bai Mengci adjusted her sleeves lazily.

"Yes!" Qiushuang stood up slightly, swallowed quickly, and said, "This morning, when I went to help the third young lady get up, I found her acting very strangely. Not only did her temperament change drastically, but she also hit me and talked about being in love with Mr. Soong!"

She quickly glanced at Bai Mengci, and seeing no response, continued, "Then she said she doesn't want to marry into the Yu King's Mansion, claiming she betrayed Mr. Soong and such, and told me not to inform you. Although I'm just a humble servant, I know the gravity of the situation. How could I watch her make such a grave mistake, bringing trouble to the mansion and you? So, I seized the chance to come and report to you, hoping for your guidance!"

Bai Mengci could no longer remain calm. She glanced at Madam Zhou, who immediately understood, escorted Qiushuang out, and then returned to sit by Bai Mengci, frowning. "Miss, didn't you arrange for Soong Qingyuan to take her away last night? How come Qiushuang says she's still here and seems like a completely different person? Those words don't sound like something she'd say."

Bai Mengci was puzzled as well. "Logically, it shouldn't be like this. Soong Qingyuan did promise me, and I even had people watching to ensure it. She definitely left with him. How could she be back at the mansion now?"

As she spoke, an uneasy feeling crept over her, as if things were slipping out of control. "No news from Fu Qian yet?"

Madam Zhou shook her head. "None. After he followed Bai Liyuv last night, there hasn't been a word. It's odd. Could they have followed the wrong person or taken a wrong turn?"

She found it hard to believe. Those people might not be the best, but they were certainly competent enough not to make such basic mistakes.

"Even if that group is unreliable, what about the poison? It can't possibly be fake, can it?" Mengci's face was grim, her grip on the jade teacup so tight her knuckles turned white. The thought of her meticulously laid plans being somehow evaded filled her with frustration.

"The poison should slowly corrode the victim's organs day by day. It was administered just the other day, so by now, she should be feeling weak. Judging by the marks on Qiushuang's face, the force wasn't light," Madam Zhou mused, furrowing her brow, trying to figure out where things had gone wrong.

Mengci couldn't hold back any longer and hurled the cup across the room, her elegant face twisting with anger. "Am I supposed to just stand by and watch her marry into the mansion?!" The thought of having to bow to that girl in the future gnawed at her insides like ants, leaving her seething with unexpressed jealousy and hatred.

Nanny Zhou was startled by her sudden outburst and quickly bent down to console her, "Miss, please don't get upset. It's not good for your health! The lady of the house will be back later. Why not discuss this matter with her when she returns?"

After venting, Bai Mengci took a moment to calm down and gestured with her hand, "No, let's not tell my mother about this for now. Didn't that maid say she's had a complete change of character? Perfect, I want to see just how much she's changed! If she really left the house last night..." She lifted her chin slightly, exuding an air of nobility, as a flash of ruthlessness crossed her eyes, "Then she can't blame me for not considering our sisterly bond."