Chapter 62: The Evil Plan

Chapter 62

The Evil Plan

The pavilion by the water in Kang Wang’s palace was grand and spacious, almost like a residence in itself. Large columns supported its high roof, making it look quite majestic. Servants had already lit lanterns along the path and around the pavilion, making the entire area glow brightly. Outside the pavilion, a wide terrace extended over the water. It was summer, and the breeze blowing across the surface of the water created a cool, refreshing atmosphere—neither too hot nor too cold. Above, the stars twinkled brightly. Since coming to this world, Nie Shuang had never really taken time to look at the stars, and seeing them now left her in awe.

Back in her previous life as a corporate executive, working late in towering buildings, she never had the chance to stargaze. And in the big city, where lights shone brightly throughout the night, it was hard to even catch a glimpse of stars. Now that she had returned to a simpler, quieter time, she couldn’t believe she had overlooked the beauty of the starry night sky. She looked up at the sky with her head tilted back; her eyes sparkled with delight. Seeing her so happy, Song Qilin smiled softly.

The two held hands tenderly. If not for the many people around, Song Qilin would have already pulled her into his arms. He thought to himself that if he could bring her back with him, he would build a grand pavilion for her to sit and admire the water and stars just like this.

"Which one is Zhinü, and which one is Niuqian?"

She really didn’t know because she had never done stargazing.

Song Qilin placed his hand on her waist and gently moved her to stand in front of him. His hand lingered there, taking advantage of her focus on the stars as he leaned in close, his cheek almost brushing against hers. He pointed to a bright star on the right.

"That one is Zhinü," he then pointed to another star. "And that is Niuqian. Do you see the Milky Way separating them? That’s the river the Queen Mother of the West threw her hairpin into, to block their way. Shuang Shuang...we won’t end up like them, will we?"

Song Qilin’s voice was filled with tenderness, almost pleading. It made Nie Shuang want to leave everything behind and follow him. But for now, she could only smile and comfort him.

"Good General, once your duties are done, we can talk. The children and I will be right here, not going anywhere."

"And no one else but me?"

He quickly asked, seeking reassurance. Nie Shuang nodded. While the two shared this intimate moment by the water, many eyes were watching them. Some admired the couple’s beauty and harmony, like a perfect match of golden branch and jade leaf, while others looked on with jealousy. Some even quietly criticized their behavior.

"Look at that, typical of a merchant—no shame even with so many people watching."

The Furens nearby quickly chimed in at the remark.

"The General is too much. Taking a merchant as his principal wife—didn’t he feel embarrassed. If it were my son, I would have had him divorce her long ago."

Naturally, these people came from noble families. If it were their daughters in Nie Shuang’s place, they wouldn’t be complaining at all. They would praise the couple’s suitability. The truth was, Nie Shuang wasn’t doing anything inappropriate—she was simply standing in front of the General, with his hand on her waist as he leaned in to talk to her.

After a moment, Kang Wang called Song Qilin over to discuss his upcoming journey. The local officials wanted to arrange a grand send-off, but Song Qilin declined, disliking such unnecessary ceremonies and not wanting to get involved with officials who merely sought favor. However, meeting a third-ranking official from the capital was rare, so the officials tried hard to persuade the General to reconsider. Song Qilin glanced over at his wife, seeing her still gazing at the sky peacefully, and felt reassured before turning back to the conversation.

The young misses attending the event were all daughters of principal wives, and the idea of becoming a concubine was almost unacceptable to them. However, General Song’s noble lineage, high position, and favor with the Emperor made him an ideal match. There was no one in Huangjing City who could compare. As for Kang Wang, he had ruled the city for years without showing interest in any woman, so they didn’t expect that he would suddenly take interest in them. But above all, they were entranced by the General’s handsome and imposing appearance. Today, he wore a light gray robe made of lustrous silk, his hair neatly tied up with a white jade guan, and a valuable jade tassel hanging from his waist. His simple yet elegant look drew the eyes of all, and young maidens dreamed of having such a husband by their side. Not like the bureaucrat sons of officials in Huangjing, who were middle-aged by the time they climbed to a fifth-rank official position through many efforts and exams.

The women from merchant families were too timid to approach . Although they respected her, they felt it inappropriate to speak with her, especially in Kang Wang’s residence, and she was, after all, the wife of a General. They feared being reprimanded for trying to elevate themselves. So, they gathered together at one side.

Nie Shuang stood by the water, enjoying the breeze, with Xiao San and Xiao Tong nearby. Meanwhile, noblewomen approached her, introducing themselves and their daughters in a flurry of conversation. Nie Shuang smiled and engaged them politely. After all, it was necessary to socialize. She even exchanged pleasantries with Young Miss Wang, although she knew they looked down on merchants. Just observing the merchant families standing off to the side was enough to understand how deeply ingrained the class divide was in this feudal society.

Suddenly, one of the Furens screamed and grabbed Nie Shuang’s wrist tightly. The woman threw herself into the water, trying to pull Nie Shuang down with her. Fortunately, Xiao San and Xiao Tong grabbed her sleeve in time and managed to keep her from being dragged in. Nie Shuang forcefully yanked her arm free, but her wrist was left with a red mark, and worse, her expensive intricately carved jade bracelet slipped off into the water!

The commotion drew the attention of the men. When they saw someone falling into the water, they rushed over to see what had happened. Song Qilin instantly hurried to his wife’s side.

"Fang Furen! Fang Furen has fallen into the water!"

Fang Furen was floundering pitifully in the water. Servants quickly jumped in to rescue her, eventually managing to pull her to shore.

Nie Shuang pretended to collapse to the ground, tears streaming down her face. Since these women clearly intended harm, she saw no reason to be kind or let the incident slide. Song Qilin’s heart skipped a beat, terrified that she had been injured.

"Shuang Shuang! Are you alright!? What happened?"

Nie Shuang nestled into his chest, her voice trembling as she answered,

"That Furen grabbed my hand...she was trying to drag me into the water with her."

Then she showed him her once-fair wrist, where the skin had been scraped red.

"My pink jade floral bracelet is gone too."

Her expression was one of deep sorrow, as though she had lost something truly precious. And why wouldn’t she be heartbroken? That jade bracelet was incredibly expensive. Her tears flowed genuinely, and if they couldn’t find it, she would be even more heartbroken than the pain in her wrist, which had been yanked so hard it felt like her joints might have dislocated.

Song Qilin’s face darkened, his fury igniting like wildfire. His wife was so delicate and fragile, and yet these women dared to gang up on her right in front of him. Did they and their husbands not care whether they lived or died?

He took her wrist and examined it closely. Nie Shuang winced in pain, unsure if the injury had reached the bone. Kang Wang, following closely behind, wore a similarly displeased expression as he asked Song Qilin about Nie Shuang’s condition, genuinely concerned. No one paid the slightest attention to the woman who had fallen into the water.

When Nie Shuang began to cry, she looked heartbreakingly vulnerable and adorable. Her big, bright eyes were now glazed with tears, her cheeks damp, and her long eyelashes wet. Her brows furrowed ever so slightly from the pain, a sight that could melt anyone’s heart. Song Qilin quickly lost his patience.

"Seize that woman! She intended to harm my wife!"

Wang Furen and Wang Sulie had initially thought this was the perfect opportunity to show concern for Nie Shuang and the poor woman who had fallen in, hoping to make a good impression. But seeing the General’s fury, they dared not make a move, leaving Fang Furen to bear the full brunt of the blame alone.

Nie Shuang gently nudged her husband, looking up at him with sorrowful eyes.

"My bracelet..."

"Never mind, I’ll have a new one made for you."

Though he had just erupted in anger, his response to her was gentle and sweet.

You fool! You have no sense of value. Do you think it’s okay to leave such expensive bracelet at the bottom of someone else’s pond? Nie Shuang bit back her scolding and instead spoke in a sad tone.

"It was a gift from you..."

Hearing this, Song Qilin felt a surge of warmth. His wife valued his gift so deeply. Turning to Feng Ying, he ordered,

"Go retrieve my wife’s bracelet from the water."

Feng Ying’s expression soured, but he obediently accepted the General’s order. He removed his outer robe and jumped into the water without hesitation. Song Qilin then swept his gaze over the Furens who had surrounded Nie Shuang earlier, making mental notes of who they were, sending chills down their spines. He then turned to Kang Wang, his voice cold."My apologies, Your Highness, for ruining tonight’s banquet. I must ask the Furens to return to the hall. I need to investigate what happened to my wife. And let it be known—if I find out who is behind this, not even your husbands’ positions will be safe!"