Chapter 11: Daddy, She’s So Fierce
The clicking sound carried endless criticism, veiled beneath an unspeakable sarcasm.
At the remark, Xiao Ziyu instinctively lowered his head.
Chen Xingmiao cursed silently, wishing she could tear Aunt Zhou into pieces.
That old hag, bullying her little antagonist again!
She affectionately linked arms with Xiao Ziyu, wearing a poised smile as she retorted, “What’s wrong? Are you unhappy with the marriage arrangements, Aunt?”
A flicker of cruelty passed over Aunt Zhou’s face but was quickly masked by a smile.
“Not at all. Although Second Young Master’s background is humble, our Chen family treats servants exceptionally well.”
Chen Xingmiao leisurely straightened Xiao Ziyu’s clothes, glancing at him while turning to Aunt Zhou, “Indeed, husband, our family treats everyone well. Look at Aunt here, striking the matriarch’s pose…”
No sooner had she spoken than Chen Shuwan couldn’t help but laugh.
“Second Miss is joking again!” Aunt Zhou’s anger flared at Chen Xingmiao’s subtle jab at her concubine status.
“Enough!” Chen Jinzhou’s gaze flicked among them before he sat down. “Since everyone’s here, let’s eat together.”
Chen Xingmiao sat beside Xiao Ziyu, triumphantly raising an eyebrow at Aunt Zhou.
Old hag, how dare you compare the little antagonist to a servant? Beware, or I’ll turn dark and leave you in pieces.
Aunt Zhou snorted coldly in her heart but forced a smile over her heavily made-up face.
She picked up the wine jug, pouring a cup for Chen Jinzhou first, then approaching Chen Xingmiao.
“Feeling merry today, Xiao Miao. Drink less; Aunt will pour for you.”
Chen Xingmiao’s eyes darkened as she stared at the filled cup.
“If you don’t want to drink, I’ll drink it for you,” Xiao Ziyu offered, lifting the cup, but stopped just before touching his lips.
Seeing his slight frown, Chen Xingmiao’s suspicions deepened—this wine was suspicious!
No wonder the antagonist is so alert.
“Why not drink?” Aunt Zhou looked at Chen Jinzhou with feigned grievance. “Master, it seems this concubine is being rejected.”
Xiao Ziyu pressed his lips tight, swallowing hard. After a moment’s hesitation, he raised his head to drink it all in one go.
Chen Xingmiao stopped him, snatching the cup.
“Husband, this was poured by Aunt specially for me; I’ll drink it myself.”
She drained the cup without a drop left.
Aunt Zhou’s false smile reappeared, “I knew Xiao Miao still favors Aunt.”
I favor your grandpa! Old hag, just wait.
---
The moment the wine touched her lips, Chen Xingmiao felt her head swim dizzily.
Damn, no one told her ancient drugs acted this fast!
Xiao Ziyu gripped her shoulders, his eyes icy as they pinned Aunt Zhou.
“Xiao Miao, what’s wrong?” Chen Shuwan noticed her odd behavior too.
Aunt Zhou yanked Chen Xingmiao up, blocking her with her body and quickly said, “Xiao Miao must be weak to alcohol, drunk after only one cup. Chun Tao, help Second Miss to her room to rest.”
“I’ll accompany—”
“Second Young Master, since it’s your first visit, better accompany Master properly.”
Aunt Zhou cut off Xiao Ziyu, pushing Chen Xingmiao toward Chun Tao.
Weak and unsteady, she leaned on Chun Tao as they left the dining hall.
Xiao Liu, help! Someone’s going to die, Xiao Liu!
Chen Xingmiao screamed in her mind, then heard a beep in her head.
[Detected symptoms in host’s body. Spend 200 points to redeem antidote?]
Redeem, redeem! At a time like this, you should just give it to me!
[Antidote received. 200 points deducted and automatically used.]
What? It’s already in effect? Xiao Liu, you’re a fake; this antidote isn’t working as fast as that old hag’s poison.
Chen Xingmiao rubbed her temples and mustered all her strength to stand.
“Miss? You’re okay now!”
“Shh!” She quickly covered Chun Tao’s mouth and dragged her inside.
Chun Tao helped her sit down and poured tea.
After several cups, Chen Xingmiao felt clearer and went to the bed, piling one pillow on another and wrapping herself tightly in the quilt.
“Miss, what are you doing?”
She didn’t answer but pulled Chun Tao aside.
“Don’t speak yet. Your lady is about to put on a show!”
About ten minutes later, the door creaked open slowly, and a maid peeked in stealthily.
Tiptoeing to the bed, just as she was about to lift the quilt, she suddenly felt a sharp pain on her head and fainted.
“That’s Xiao Lian, Aunt Zhou’s maid! What’s she doing here?” Chun Tao immediately recognized the unconscious girl.
Chen Xingmiao tossed aside a fork, dragged Xiao Lian onto the bed, and carefully covered her again.
---
“Let’s go. We didn’t eat enough earlier. Let’s fill our stomachs first, then come back for the show,” she said, pulling Chun Tao from the room.
At the dining table, Xiao Ziyu was anxious, not paying attention to Chen Jinzhou’s words.
As he considered leaving early, a flustered maid rushed in.
“What a disgrace!” Chen Jinzhou slammed the table sternly.
“I heard, I heard…” The maid lowered her head, trembling in fear.
Aunt Zhou stood, massaging Chen Jinzhou’s shoulders with a charitable air. “It’s nothing. If you heard something, just say it.”
“I heard inappropriate sounds coming from Second Miss’s chamber.”
Everyone froze. Aunt Zhou scrutinized Xiao Ziyu’s dark expression and said, “Impossible. Xiao Miao wouldn’t pretend to be drunk and do such a thing.”
“Father-in-law,” Xiao Ziyu stood and bowed slightly, “If you want the truth, why not go and see for yourself?”
Chen Shuwan couldn’t believe her sister would do such a thing. Someone must be sabotaging her.
Hearing Xiao Ziyu, she quickly agreed.
Chen Jinzhou nodded, and the group moved from the dining hall to Chen Xingmiao’s bridal chamber.
As soon as they reached the door, sounds of lovers’ pleasure leaked out.
Chen Jinzhou’s face turned ashen.
Xiao Ziyu remained calm, showing no signs of surprise, silently staring at the closed door.
“Master, perhaps we should send the servants away first. This concerns Xiao Miao’s reputation; if it spreads…”
“Spread what?”
Chen Xingmiao and Chun Tao appeared behind them.
“Sister!?” Chen Shuwan exclaimed, then glanced toward the door.
Xiao Ziyu’s eyes flickered with a hint of joy, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.
“What are you doing here?” Aunt Zhou stared at her in disbelief.
“If I’m not here, then where else would I be?”
Chen Xingmiao looked at her with mock grievance, then went to Chen Jinzhou, mimicking Aunt Zhou’s ingratiating manner: “Father, Aunt is so fierce.”
“How could you be here? If you are, then who’s in the room?”
Aunt Zhou fixed her gaze on Chen Xingmiao, the sounds from the room still echoing in her ears.