C12 Attack(1)

Nanny Zhou quickly understood her thoughts and, with a cautious frown, said, "Even if she's not favored, the Duke still remembers her. If this gets exposed, the Duke might..."

Bai Mengci chuckled dismissively. "She's been invisible for so many years. Instead of living in such misery, she might as well stay silent forever. Aren't you just worried that nothing will happen?" She raised a cup of tea to her nose, inhaling its aroma. "Then let's make sure something does happen."

"Let's go see my dear sister. I do hope she's doing well," Bai Mengci laughed softly, and with Nanny Zhou's help, slowly left the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Bai Liyuv relaxed completely once Qiushuang left. She slumped into a chair, downing several glasses of water until she felt a bit better, the burning sensation in her throat easing.

As for her earlier words, they were intentional. Qiushuang always looked down on her because of her status, especially after she had hit her. If those few words were enough to make Qiushuang loyal, that would be a miracle. Bai Liyuv knew full well that Qiushuang would head straight to Bai Mengci the moment she left.

If she could provoke Bai Mengci into making another move against her, then all the effort she put into that nauseating performance for Qiushuang would be worth it.

Exhaling deeply, Bai Liyuv stood up and checked herself over. There were still traces of blood from last night, but not much on her clothes. Apart from a faint scent, it was barely noticeable, especially against her red outfit, which explained why Qiushuang hadn't noticed. Her face, however, had been cleaned up by someone.

Images of the two people she saw before passing out last night flashed in Bai Liyuv's mind, but she shook her head to clear them away. She got up, fetched some water to wash up, changed into a simple, plain outfit, and pinned her hair up with a wooden hairpin. Sitting in the courtyard, she soaked up the sun and waited patiently, knowing a tough battle lay ahead.

After sitting for a short while, hunger gnawed at Bai Liyuv. The sun's warmth made her feel cozy, but it also intensified the emptiness in her stomach. Two cups of cold tea did nothing to ease the hunger; in fact, it only grew stronger.

"Why am I just sitting here waiting for her?" Bai Liyuv slapped her thigh, realizing how foolish she was being. If she was hungry, she should eat. Since last night, she hadn't had anything but a few cups of water, and now it was midday. No wonder she felt so miserable.

She was never one to compromise herself, and waiting around for half a day was just a momentary lapse in judgment. Once she made up her mind, she acted. Bai Liyuv turned and went inside, rummaging around until she found two embroidery needles. They weren't the silver needles she preferred, but they'd have to do.

Bai Mengci and her daughter had their people all over the place to keep control. As soon as Bai Liyuv reached the courtyard gate, two burly women blocked her path like small mountains.

"This isn't a place for you, Third Miss," one of them said, her disdain barely concealed as she looked Bai Liyuv up and down with a sneer.

The other woman, slightly slimmer, added in a flat tone, "Third Miss, please go back. If the lady finds out, she won't be pleased." Her words lacked any respect, showing just how little regard they had for the third young lady of the household.

Bai Liyuv sighed deeply. "I really don't like resorting to violence, especially against people like you. But sometimes, some folks just won't cooperate without it. Eating is the most important thing, and anyone who tries to stop me from eating is my sworn enemy. Even if it means damaging my ladylike image, I have no choice."