C7 Why Don't You Dare?

Ruan Qingge emerged, yawning, and caught sight of the mother-daughter duo who had disturbed her sleep. Naturally, she wasn't in the best of moods. "What are you doing, Aunt? Can’t a person get some sleep around here?"

"A proper young lady wouldn’t be sleeping at this hour," Mrs. Sunn retorted with a cold laugh. But as she got a good look at Ruan Qingge, her expression changed instantly.

Standing before her was someone with flawless, fair skin, naturally arched brows, and lips like cherries—an exquisite beauty that made everyone stare in disbelief. The maid beside Mrs. Sunn looked at Ruan Qingge as if she had seen a ghost, unable to comprehend that this stunning woman was the same plain-looking girl they often mocked.

"Smack..."

Seeing Ruan Qingge's appearance, Mrs. Sunn was suddenly furious. She turned and slapped Wenxuan, who was nearby. "Is this how you take care of her? Ignoring everything I say?"

"We deserve punishment, please forgive us, Aunt!"

Wenxuan and Wenrong, terrified by Ruan Qingge's true appearance, turned pale and dropped to their knees, begging for mercy.

"Oh."

Ruan Qingge, noticing their panic, casually adjusted her hair, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Anyone would think you two were Aunt Sunn’s maids."

Her mocking tone was clear, and both Mrs. Sunn and Ruan Yueer’s faces changed instantly. They were taken aback by Ruan Qingge’s sharp gaze and confident speech.

"Are you here to apologize for what happened yesterday?"

Qingge poured herself a cup of tea, took a sip, and glanced at the two of them. "Why do you both look so pale? Didn't sleep well last night?"

"So, you were just pretending yesterday, trying to ruin my reputation. Qingge, you're really something, fooling me and Mom for so long. Finally showing your true colors!"

Despite her disbelief, Yueer realized her sister wasn't actually foolish. Her anger flared, and she rolled up her sleeves, ready to confront Qingge.

Qingge raised her hand, splashing half a cup of hot tea onto Yueer's face. The green tea trickled down her cheeks, leaving her stunned, not expecting Qingge to retaliate like that.

"Sister, you're accusing me wrongly. If you hadn't pushed me into the water yesterday, my mind might still be fuzzy." Qingge's eyes danced with amusement as she glanced at Yueer, then turned to Mrs. Sunn. "What should we do, Aunt? Maybe we should get a new doctor to prescribe something to make me foolish again, don't you think?"

"I don't understand what you're saying." Mrs. Sunn stood rigid, cold sweat beading on her forehead. "Since you're not sick anymore, there's no need for medicine."

Qingge stepped closer to Mrs. Sunn, slightly taller than her, with her lashes lowered and lips pressed together. She raised her hand and slapped Mrs. Sunn across the face.

The slap landed with a sharp crack, startling everyone in the room. They turned to Ruan Qingge in shock, unable to believe she had struck Mrs. Sunn, who was practically the mistress of the house.

Red marks appeared on Mrs. Sunn's face as her chest heaved with anger. Her eyes widened, and she raised her arm to retaliate. "How dare you hit me?"

"Why wouldn't I dare?" Ruan Qingge's voice rose as she firmly grasped Mrs. Sunn's elbow, staring coldly at her. "My mother is the sister of the current emperor, the wife of the North Peace Marquis. As the legitimate daughter of the marquis's house and the Anyang County Princess, the young mistress here, why shouldn't I strike you, the daughter of a mere sixth-rank official, just a concubine?"