Chapter 295 - Ning Qingshan’s Regret (1/2)

Chapter 295 Ning Qingshan’s Regret

The news that Third Young Lady had lost her favor spread throughout the manor. Many people did not believe it before. However, they were finally convinced when they heard that Third Young Lady’s wet nurse had been beaten 20 times in the garden.

No servant had ever been beaten in the master’s courtyard before. Furthermore it was the Spring Festival, which would make the master feel unlucky. So, they believed that Third Young Lady had lost favor with Madam. Some servants who were going to Foggy Courtyard in order to please her, were now thinking twice about moving over.

But, some people thought it was fine. They were sure that Third Young Lady would soon become the Third Prince’s wife. So what if she lost Madam Dowager’s favor now? At her age, she would get married when she was selected. So, it did not matter whether the Madam Dowager liked her or not, at that time.

The servants in the manor had different opinions, but they found the atmosphere was very tense. Except for Fifth Young Lady’s Bright Frost Garden and First Madam’s Auspicious Clouds Courtyard, the other places were filled with gloom.

This matter had nothing to do with Madam Ling. When she heard the news, she sat up and felt much better. She always thought that Ning Yuling was the most qualified person to be the Third Prince’s wife. The reason why Ning Qingshan could take the position now was due to Ling’er’s accident. So, she always thought that Ning Qingshan had usurped Ning Yuling’s place. She was happy to hear that Madam Dowager had counterattacked Ning Qingshan.

Besides, when she moved the account books to her parents’ home last time, Ning Qingshan secretly sent people to keep an eye on her. Maybe she even plotted against her behind her back. Unlike Madam Dowager, Madam Ling was aware of the aspects of Ning Qingshan’s true character. She knew that Ning Qingshan even dared to poison Madam Ming when she was young. So, Madam Ling always thought that Ning Qingshan was a vicious woman.

In the Bright Frost Garden.

Lanning saw Qing’er rushing out of the door of Bright Frost Garden, with tears in her eyes. She dusted herself off and turned back to Ning Xueyan’s inner room, in a good mood.

The environment was tranquil and peaceful. Ning Xueyan leaned back on the couch and read a book. The sunshine outside the window came in obliquely, shining on her tender face. Her black hair, long eyelashes, and the curved shadows that could be seen, made everything seem quiet.

“Did Qing’er go out?” Ning Xueyan asked casually, flipping through the book, without raising her head.

“Yes. Qing’er became anxious when she heard that someone was going to settle the matter about getting people in. She was so scared that tears streamed down her face. I tried to comfort her, telling her that it would be fine. Even if someone found out about that, no one would care about it now, because it was Junior Concubine Xu who tried to put her in Bright Frost Garden. After all, Junior Concubine Xu is now the popular favorite of the marquis.”

Lanning served Ning Xueyan a cup of tea, with a smile.

There was a faint smile in Ning Xueyan’s eyes. She raised her lips and said with a tinge of sarcasm. “Junior Concubine Xu, Xu Yulian, a maid, she thinks that she has soared up into the sky with one start. After a period of peace, won’t they start to get restless? That’ll be just right. Let’s see what those people will do next.”

The mansion was restless.

Ning Qingshan had created such a big scene today in trying to shift Ning Zu’an’s attention to herself. She took advantage of her people to take Mammy Luo out of the manor. She wanted Ning Xueyan to take the blame for her. Ning Qingshan was so good at killing people with a borrowed knife. If she had not been prepared and had reported to Ning Zu’an first, Ning Qingshan would probably have succeeded.

When she was young, she was wicked and merciless. Now, she was even more vicious. However, Ning Qingshan had always been cunning, so she could not always outdo her so easily. Therefore, when she faced Ning Qingshan, Ning Xueyan could not relax her guard even for a moment.

However, she did not expect that Ning Qingshan would take the initiative to give her the evidence. For what had happened this time and before, Ning Qingshan had made a fool of herself and exposed her biggest secret this time. Ning Zu’an would undoubtedly investigate it. With Ning Zu’an holding her down, it would not be easy for Ning Qingshan to stay in the dark, like a viper.

The reunion dinner that had been arranged was not a cheerful affair, and even the food did not taste good.

Madam Ling did not come, giving the excuse of being ill. Ning Lingyun was locked up in the Buddha Hall. Except for the most favored Junior Concubine Xu, all the other concubines were trembling with fear. They did not dare to make any loud noises. Madam Dowager’s face darkened, and Junior Concubine Xu’s jokes failed to make her burst into laughter. In the end, Junior Concubine Xu’s voice became lower and lower, and finally died out in the end.

There were no expressions on Ning Zu’an’s and Ning Huaiyuan’s faces. They sat at the table, eating calmly.

Ning Qingshan looked at Madam Dowager, with tears in her eyes from time to time, looking pitiful and full of regret. She tried to beg for Madam Dowager’s forgiveness. After a few mouthfuls of rice, she took the initiative to stand behind Madam Dowager, helped her to get the food and cutlery, and asked Junior Concubine Xu to have dinner, so that she could serve Madam Dowager.