63 The Unexpected Move (1/2)

ChunHua?

What happened to ChunHua?

Concubine Ruolan's eyes sharpened at the mention of her daughter but soon dulled as she caught the look of disgust displayed in Hongyue's eyes. Taken aback, the second concubine looked about her. Her head rotated around the hall slowly as her heart increased in dread. All the eyes the second madam met reflected a disgruntled woman lying pitifully on the ground back at her. The woman had an expression of angst and disbelief with her eyes streaked with tears yet no one spared her a speck of pity.

Instead, there were looks of fear and disdain.

'I killed you once, I'll kill you again!'

Recalling her words, her face paled. If Hongyue had lashed out, then the focus would be on Hongyue however the eldest miss hadn't. So instead, the plan backfired and made the madam herself appeared as a crazed second madam who killed the first madam while coveting for the dead lady's possessions.

The second madam started to sway. This wasn't at all what she calculated. Why didn't Hongyue attack her? Why was Hongyue so calm? Her heart thumped harshly against her chest and she turned her head to General Wei only to be met with cold eyes. Not an ounce of love could be found, just a figure of a fallen outcasted second madam.

Realizing she felt into a trap, Concubine Ruolan's pupils shook.

Who was this?

Was this her?

Had she, the proud second madam, drop down to this level already? All those years that took to build the status to this high, only took half an evening to break alone? Then what was all of this for?

This time, a true heart-wrenching sob ripped out of Concubine Ruolan, breaking clearly into the air.

What did she do so much for? Wasn't it for status? Admiration? Power?

The general was no longer on her side, and her risk of faking insane broke every last trust he had for her instead of exposing Hongyue.

Now she had nothing in the end. No matter how she honestly cried this time, even the general might not believe her. Concubine Ruolan suddenly looked up, her eyes unfocused. This time her mind truly went a bit insane. How could she not? Such an impressive figure diminished to nothing within seconds all within calculations of a 'normal.' Who could stand a chance?

Hongyue watched, her own emotions oddly relaxed. One of her two gifts to Concubine Ruolan had been now received, yet an odd bitterness flashed in her eyes.

To scheme was easy; however, it was also a double edge sword. Who was without a brain? Who didn't know how to harm others? In the world of scheming, how could one be sure their next move wasn't already calculated by the other side? In this world, the master of the scheme could very easily be turned into a pawn and a pawn into a master.

Nothing is ever guaranteed.

The outcome was never certain. It wasn't about who was right or truthful. In the end, it was what it was played out to appear and what others were led to believe.

This was a scheme.