The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 84 - 83
Chapter 83
While the royal court of Basui Region was undergoing significant changes with the replacement of officials, Qingzhou Region remained quite peaceful. The Imperial Academy had resumed classes three days prior, requiring all young misses and young masters in the capital to attend full-time, leaving them no time for their usual social activities. As a result, the bustling atmosphere in the commercial district had somewhat diminished.
Mu Yingying, who was not yet of age to attend the Imperial Academy, found herself alone at the manor. Whenever she felt bored, she would occasionally sneak out to inspect the business and chat with Uncle Wang. This morning was no different. While Mu Qingxuan was getting dressed to head to the Imperial Academy, Mu Yingying cheerfully walked into her sister’s room, her round face adorned with a constant smile.
“In such a good mood so early. Where do you plan to go today?”
Mu Qingxuan, who was having her hair done by Xiao Chun, couldn’t help but tease her little sister. She reached out and pulled Mu Yingying closer by the waist.
“Of course, I’m in a good mood. Something good is going to happen today...” Mu Yingying replied, giggling adorably, her big, round eyes sparkling with excitement as if she were eagerly awaiting some fun event. Her cheerful demeanor made Mu Qingxuan pinch her sister’s soft cheeks affectionately.
“You’re getting naughtier by the day,” Mu Qingxuan laughed fondly, then turned her attention back to the accessories in front of her. “Ying’er, help me choose which hairpin I should wear today.”
Mu Yingying scanned the various hairpins on the table before selecting a simple yet elegant silver hairpin engraved with peony flowers.
“I think this one suits you best!”
“Then I’ll go with this one.” Mu Qingxuan picked up the silver hairpin and expertly placed it in her hair.
Once she was fully dressed, the two sisters walked to the front gate of the manor. In addition to Mu Qingxuan, who had to attend the Imperial Academy every morning, the third and fourth young misses also joined her in the carriage to go to their daily studies.
After the family carriage departed, Mu Yingying and Su Su returned to her quarters to change clothes. Today, she planned to sneak out to see Uncle Wang again. However, this time, she wasn’t going to discuss business as before. Instead, she was going to learn archery!
Earlier, Mu Yingying had already discussed with Uncle Wang about archery training. Since she had quite a bit of free time lately, learning some self-defense skills seemed appropriate. Uncle Wang didn’t object; in fact, he even helped find a teacher for her.
Once Mu Yingying was ready, she instructed Su Su to stay and guard the quarters while she snuck out to meet Uncle Wang, accompanied by her personal shadow guard...
Imperial Academy
On the pathway between the academic buildings, the figures of two beautiful young women walked side by side, chatting and laughing intimately. Their striking looks drew the attention of everyone they passed, both men and women openly admiring them.
“You received quite a bit of praise from the teacher in today’s calligraphy class. Your brushwork is flawless. I believe that in this year’s competition, you’ll undoubtedly take first place in calligraphy,”
Meng Liting sincerely praised; her beautiful face adorned with a genuine, gentle smile. Her eyes glowed with a soft, faint smile. Ever since she had entered the Imperial Academy years ago, she had felt a strong affinity with Mu Qingxuan. Upon learning that she was Mu Yingying’s older sister, her affection for her grew even more. As they got to know each other, they found they had much in common and eventually became close friends.
“There are always greater heights. I dare not be too conceited,” Mu Qingxuan laughed lightly, the usual coldness on her face completely disappearing, leaving only warmth and gentleness.
In her past life, she and Meng Liting had also been friends. Reconnecting with her again in this life allowed Mu Qingxuan to relax considerably. With Meng Liting, she could be her true self once more.
As the two walked toward the central cafeteria for lunch, three figures suddenly blocked their path. Seeing who it was, Mu Qingxuan’s peach blossom eyes showed a hint of confusion.
“Miss Fei Yang, Eldest Young Miss Mu, if it’s not too much trouble...could we join you for lunch today?”
A friendly voice greeted them. Su Baimiao stood smiling at them, her face showing gentleness, surprising both Meng Liting and Mu Qingxuan.
“Actually, we have some matters we’d like to discuss. We just want to exchange opinions and seek your guidance,” Jiao Fangniang said cheerfully, looking at the two young women in front of her with hopeful eyes.
Wan Ningtong, noticing their confused expressions, couldn’t help but laugh. “You two, calm down a bit. Look...you’ve confused Miss Fei Yang and Eldest Young Miss Mu.”
"Miss Fei Yang, Eldest Young Miss Mu, we only wish to ask for some guidance on calligraphy and playing the zither. We’ve felt that our skills in these areas have been lacking and would greatly appreciate your guidance. Would you be able to assist us?"
"Oh, so that’s what this is about," Meng Liting nodded and replied with a smile. "There’s no need for such formality, really. We’re all students here, and it’s only natural to help each other with what we don’t understand."
"I told you, the young miss has a kind heart and would surely ’help’ us..."
Su Baimiao said to her two companions in a casual tone. Her face still displayed a gentle, friendly smile, though the true meaning of the word, help, was known only to her!
Her eyes flickered with a strange glint for a moment before she lowered them to conceal her true intentions. Since Meng Liting was so kind-hearted, she would surely be willing to ’help’ by stepping aside and letting Su Baimiao and Master Mu be together...
"Well then, let’s go inside and discuss this further,"
Mu Qingxuan said with a smile, inviting everyone to find a seat in the central cafeteria as usual. Once they had found a table, trays of food prepared by the academy, were soon brought to their table.
Today’s meal featured more than seven dishes, each one deliciously savory, prompting praise from everyone. These chefs, all highly skilled, were sent from the royal palace to work in the Imperial Academy specifically. Thus, each dish was so delicious that even the finest restaurants outside could not match.
"I think the main thing that keeps me coming to the academy every day is the food in the central cafeteria. It’s incredibly delicious. Haven’t been here for some time, it seems to be even better than I remember."
Jiao Fangniang picked up a piece of chicken and savored its taste with closed eyes before voicing her genuine praise without reserving her demeanor.
"You glutton,"
Wan Ningtong shook her head slightly and laughed softly, easing the atmosphere around the table. Mu Qingxuan also smiled gently, joining in the light-hearted mood.
"Well, let’s eat first. We can discuss things over tea afterward," Su Baimiao suggested, and everyone nodded in agreement, acknowledging that there was plenty of time to talk after the meal.
As they all focused on their food, no one noticed the malicious glint in Su Baimiao’s eyes. She glanced at Meng Liting, who was eating as usual, with a look of satisfaction before pretending to pour more tea for everyone.
"Come...Let me pour you some more tea,"
Su Baimiao said with a smile, lifting the teapot and pouring tea into each cup. As she raised her sleeve to pour tea into Meng Liting’s cup, a faint, invisible powder drifted from her sleeve. Meng Liting, unknowingly, inhaled the substance deeply.
After she finished pouring the tea, Su Baimiao sat down and began to eat as usual. Her thin lips curved into a slight smile. Once the lunch was finished, they continued sipping tea and chatting leisurely, waiting for their afternoon classes to begin.
“Eldest Young Miss Mu, your calligraphy is exceptionally beautiful. Could you advise me on how to prevent the ink from spreading when I flick the brush?”
Jiao Fangniang, who was dissatisfied with her own calligraphy, asked Mu Qingxuan for guidance. During the morning class, she had seen the other woman writing characters with flawless elegance and power. If she could write even half as beautifully, her father would surely stop criticizing her.
“In fact, it’s not very difficult.” Mu Qingxuan dipped her finger in tea and drawing a character on the table for Jiao Fangniang to see. “The spread of the ink depends on the pressure of your hand. If you press too hard, the brush will press against the paper and the ink will spread. If you lift the brush too much, the brush will float above the paper, and the ink will be uneven and faint.”
“It’s best to apply moderate pressure with the brush. Once you find the right pressure, try to maintain it throughout your writing. Keep your mind at ease and avoid being too tense. Follow the strokes of the characters with your brush. This way, the ink won’t spread.”
Jiao Fangniang watched the elegant fingers drawing characters on the table and listened intently to the advice. When Mu Qingxuan finished, her eyes lit up.
“So that’s it! Thank you very much, Eldest Young Miss Mu!”
Mu Qingxuan smiled in response, not saying anything further. She merely picked up her teacup and sipped unhurriedly, listening to the ongoing conversation at the table.
“I also have something to ask, Miss Fei Yang. The other day, I heard a song you played on the zither in the music room by chance. What song was that? I’ve never heard it before.”
Wan Ningtong asked with curiosity. The melody had stayed with her, but when she sent her people to find out more, they couldn’t discover what song it was. Otherwise, she would have used it to choreograph a dance and practice it for the Empress Dowager’s upcoming sixtieth birthday celebration.
“Oh...Young Miss Wan must be referring to the Clear Moon of Spring song. It’s a piece I composed recently,” Meng Liting replied without concealing. When she had free time, she often composed music for the zither, and this was not a secret.
“I see. No wonder my people couldn’t find it,” Wan Ningtong laughed softly before asking further, “In that case, could you share that piece with my people so they can practice it? I’m interested in choreographing a new dance for this song for the upcoming celebration.”
“Of course, I will...”
Before Meng Liting could finish, she suddenly felt a strong dizziness. Her long eyelashes fluttered rapidly as she tried to clear her vision. Her body swayed slightly as she continued weakly, “I will...se...send...”
Thud!
“Aaah!”
Meng Liting, who was about to continue speaking, suddenly fainted and collapsed onto the floor. The sound of her body hitting the edge of the table created a loud noise, causing those around to panic. The nearby ladies who witnessed the incident screamed in shock.
“Liting!”
“Miss Fei Yang!”
Mu Qingxuan, who had been sipping tea, quickly put her cup down on the table and rushed to check on Meng Liting. Her beautiful face showed an unprecedented level of concern. Meanwhile, Jiao Fangniang, Wan Ningtong, and Su Baimiao were just as panicked, their hands shaking as they didn’t know what to do.
“Liting! Wake up! Liting!”
Mu Qingxuan called out frantically, trying to shake Meng Liting’s shoulders to wake her up, but to no avail. Meng Liting’s eyes remained closed, her beautiful face turning pale before gradually reddening.
“Liting! Hang in there!”
Mu Qingxuan said urgently, her peach blossom eyes shimmering with worry. Her heart pounded irregularly as she reached out to check Meng Liting’s pulse, only to find it irregular and erratic, unlike a normal person’s pulse.
Soon, Meng Liting’s body began to turn frighteningly red, thick rashes appeared all over her body and face, causing further panic among those around her. Meng Liting’s condition seemed dire!
Mu Qingxuan observed Meng Liting’s symptoms with a serious expression. This was clearly an allergic reaction! And a severe one at that!
“Help me carry her to the lounge!” 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
Mu Qingxuan quickly looked up and asked Jiao Fangniang for assistance. Snapping out of her shock, Jiao Fangniang rushed to help Mu Qingxuan move Meng Liting to the lounge next to the cafeteria.
As people in the scene started to regain their composure, they began discussing the incident in a flurry. Wan Ningtong and Su Baimiao, having recovered from their initial shock, immediately shouted for help.
“Someone, go get a teacher and a doctor, quickly!”
“Something has happened to Miss Fei Yang, hurry and fetch a doctor!”
The young misses and young masters hurried to fetch the teachers and the resident doctor of the Imperial Academy. Normally, if something happened to any student, it would be a significant matter since all students here were children of nobles. But this time, the person involved was none other than Miss Fei Yang!
This made it the most urgent crisis!
The students were well aware of the severity of the situation, running in all directions to summon the teachers and doctor. Many followed Su Baimiao’s group to the lounge next to the cafeteria, concerned for Miss Fei Yang’s condition.
The once bustling cafeteria turned chaotic. Amidst the commotion, no one noticed the malicious glint in the eyes of two women. One was Cheng Fuyuan, who stood apart from the crowd, quietly observing the unfolding events from a corner of the cafeteria.
The other was Su Baimiao, who followed Wan Ningtong to check on Meng Liting, her eyes flashing with a mocking glint. Her usually gentle face briefly twisted into a sinister smile.
No matter how many people were sent to fetch the teachers and the doctor, it would be too late to treat Meng Liting!
Su Baimiao had already made preparations. All the teachers and doctors were currently in a meeting with the headmaster. By the time someone managed to get them, it would take a considerable amount of time.
By then, who knew if Meng Liting would still be able to endure such a severe allergic reaction...
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