Chapter 100: Untroubled

Chapter 100

Untroubled

Once everyone had settled in the upstairs lounge, Nie Shuang took Mu Rongying by the arm and invited her to view a painting by Master Li in another room. Song Qilin and Kang Wang knew well that Nie Shuang likely wanted to speak privately with Mu Rongying, so they found an excuse to step away. Kang Wang frowned, worried that Nie Shuang might invite Mu Rongying to stay with her. He had just successfully convinced her to move into his quarters. Still, it was a conversation between women, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to follow, so he stayed and continued chatting, pretending not to mind.

Song Qilin, noticing Kang Wang’s demeanor, knew how he felt, so he leaned over and whispered,

"So, you’re not letting her go? Weren’t you the one who said you’d send her back to the Mu family?"

Kang Wang kept his gaze ahead, calmly sipping his tea as if he hadn’t heard.

"Young Miss Mu is clever, and Shuang Shuang could really use some help right now. I’m sure she’d lighten Shuang Shuang’s load,"

Song Qilin teased, continuing to poke fun. Finally, Kang Wang set his teacup down with a loud clink.

"Shuang Shuang is capable, but it’s not a good idea to have Young Miss Mu help with business. She has no experience. She’s been sheltered young miss all her life—how could she assist with trade?"

It was the first time Song Qilin had seen his friend lose his cool. Still, even then, Kang Wang remained stubborn.

"Well, it’s their matter. What could we possibly do about it? But you, Wuqian, stepping in for Young Miss Mu—aren’t you worried her family will scrutinize you?"

"That’s none of your concern!"

Kang Wang retorted, his voice firm. Song Qilin lifted an eyebrow, amused. He hadn’t expected his friend to get so worked up over a little teasing. That’s how it was for men who’d never had a wife. At first, they just don’t know how to handle it. Letting his friend stew in his irritation, Song Qilin excused himself to chat with his father-in-law.

This time, when he met Nie Ran, Song Qilin’s attitude had shifted. He apologized for not taking better care of Nie Shuang, which had led to her running away. He had grown to respect Nie Ran more, realizing that raising such an accomplished daughter required a skilled and wise father. Nie Ran, who had already admired Song Qilin, bore no grudges. He knew well that asking the General to marry his daughter had been a challenge to class conventions. If the General hadn’t been a man of integrity, Nie Ran might have faced betrayal or even assassination. As they talked, they grew closer. Nie Ran, having traveled extensively for business, had many fascinating stories to share, which drew even the Hou and others into the conversation.

Meanwhile, in private with Mu Rongying, Nie Shuang asked in a serious tone,

"Young Miss Mu, what happened between you and Kang Wang? Did he force you?"

Mu Rongying blushed deeply. Given Kang Wang’s behavior earlier, anyone could guess that their relationship had gone beyond mere protection. She hurried to defend him.

"It’s not Kang Wang’s fault. It was I, not him, who asked him to take my purity."

Mu Rongying then explained how the Mu family had a suspicious nature. Even when they came to take her back, they brought a Momo along to inspect her.

"Was it only that one time between you two?"

Nie Shuang asked. This time, Mu Rongying couldn’t bring herself to answer. It wasn’t just once. Their first night together, Kang Wang had slept with her until nearly dawn. And just last night, he had turned her over and over again, leaving her dizzy and disoriented. Thankfully, he had allowed her some rest, or she wouldn’t have been able to attend the product launch today.

Seeing Mu Rongying’s silence, Nie Shuang understood immediately. It was clear Kang Wang hadn’t stopped after that first time. Young Miss Mu was as beautiful as a delicate flower, and Kang Wang, known for being exceptionally selective, hadn’t allowed any other women close to him. Once he had tasted such a tender and beautiful woman, it was no surprise that he couldn’t resist indulging further. Even now, when she observed Mu Rongying’s clothing, she noticed that Mu Rongying was still wearing a scarf indoors, likely to cover the marks of passion left by Kang Wang.

"Young Miss Mu, I don’t know what Kang Wang told the Mu family, but you can’t just keep warming his bed like this."

Mu Rongying lowered her gaze to hide her shame. It wasn’t that she didn’t know the situation, but everything had happened too quickly.

"I understand. I had planned to ask you for work, but His Highness was concerned I’d trouble you, so he kept me in the palace. If you’re willing to take me in, I’m happy to do whatever you ask."

"From now on, you don’t have to return to Kang Wang’s palace. Stay with me. If he won’t make a clear promise to you, why should you suffer for nothing?"

Nie Shuang’s words were direct, causing Young Miss Mu’s face to flush red. She nodded quickly. Her own intentions had aligned with what Nie Shuang was saying all along.

"I want to learn the principles of trade from you. I’m willing to serve you. Please, Young Furen, accept me,"

Mu Rongying said, bowing, but Nie Shuang quickly held her back.

"Don’t call me Young Furen so formally. We’re all like family here. We’ve met by fate and are helping each other. From now on, don’t call me Young Furen anymore—just call me Sister Nie, alright, Sister Rongying?"

Mu Rongying smiled, her sweet and graceful expression even made Nie Shuang, a fellow woman, feel admiration. She clasped her hands and bowed respectfully, saying softly,

"Sister Nie, please take care of Rongying."

Then, as if remembering something, she quickly added,

"His Highness said I am no longer part of the Mu family, and that from now on, my name won’t be Rongying anymore. Sister Nie, please call me Yingying."

Nie Shuang smiled and replied,

"In that case, why not take the surname Nie? You could be my little sister. How does Nie Ying sound?"

Mu Rongying was deeply moved, her beautiful eyes filled with tears. For someone without a home or family like her, being given the same surname was immense kindness. She made another move to bow, but Nie Shuang stopped her again.

"Eh! Why are you acting like this? Do you see me as a stranger? You keep bowing for every little thing."

Nie Shuang teased, making the young woman finally smile.

"Sister Nie, you are so kind. Yingying will do her best to work hard for you."

Nie Shuang looked at the young beauty before her. Raised in a prestigious family, her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were surely exceptional, which was why she had been selected for the palace. Her ability to learn must be equally strong. With some polishing, she could become a shining gem.

When Nie Shuang walked back into the room with Mu Rongying, all eyes turned toward them. Both women were stunning, and together, they were like blooming flowers in the midst of winter, attracting the attention of everyone around. One was the daughter of a merchant, the other from a high-ranking noble family, yet they seemed as close as sisters. Only Kang Wang appeared unsettled, his handsome face clouded like a gathering storm.

The elders in the room were calmly sipping tea, chatting quietly. Nie Shuang led Mu Rongying to sit not far from Kang Wang. He forced a smile and gently asked,

“How was the painting?”

“Master Li’s work is always beautiful. I’d like to ask for your permission to have Sister Nie Ying come stay at the mansion to learn the trade. What do you think, Your Highness?”

Nie Shuang said in a smile, pretending not to notice Kang Wang’s clear discomfort.

Sorry...Even if Kang Wang had been kind and protective of a woman during difficult times, if he still did nothing after he had slept with her and even continued to have his way with her without giving her any clear commitment, Nie Shuang felt obligated to step in and protect this poor little lamb.

How could Kang Wang dare oppose his beloved Lady Boss? Whatever she said, he would have to agree. Besides, what grounds did he have to object? This was, after all, what Mu Rongying wanted. He couldn’t lower himself and beg her to stay with him. Kang Wang raised his sleeve to subtly wipe away the tension from his face and the frustration in his eyes. When he looked up again, he had regained his usual graceful and composed demeanor.

“Very well. If that’s what Yingying wants, then I’ll leave it to you.”

His deep voice sounded calm and composed, but Mu Rongying’s bright eyes dimmed slightly. There was no reaction from Kang Wang as she had hoped. She realized that she had made the right decision to rely on Sister Nie Shuang. It was time to let go of what had passed, Mu Rongying reminded herself.

“Thank you, Your Highness,”

Nie Shuang said, smiling broadly, as if she hadn’t noticed the awkward atmosphere between the two. Mu Rongying lowered her head to look at the floor, while Kang Wang turned his face away, as if he didn’t want to see her.Hmph...acting like you didn’t care? Let’s see who would come crawling back to beg first, Nie Shuang thought, secretly grinding her teeth in frustration.