Zhou Wanyou paused, instinctively pulling the small bundle in her arms closer. "Momo, don't be rude."
What was wrong with the little one today? So mischievous.
Ye Jingcheng shook the toys off his body onto the ground, showing no anger. Instead, a smile flickered in his eyes.
"It's alright. It's common for children to feel bored sitting with adults. Since Momo dislikes them, they can be destroyed."
As he spoke, he actually bent down, picked up the scattered toys, and casually tossed them into the lake.
Su Yunmo watched the toys sink, her expression growing increasingly displeased.
What did Ye Jingcheng mean by this? A show of dominance?
"If you don't like toys, would you prefer to watch a play?" Ye Jingcheng asked with a smile, as friendly as a neighborly brother.
Mei Yan chimed in, "There are no plays at the manor right now, but I created a new dance yesterday. If Your Highness and Madam would grace us with your presence, I can perform a dance to entertain everyone."
Ye Jingcheng replied, "That would be wonderful. Dancing in the snow is certainly enjoyable. However, there is no music here. Wouldn't it be lonely for you to dance alone?"
Mei Yan's gaze fell upon Zi Yuan. "Your Highness is right. I see this maidservant is carrying a sword, so she must know some martial arts. Perhaps she could join me?"
Su Yunmo felt a slight unease as they exchanged words.
Was the entire point of this elaborate setup to have Zi Yuan participate in a dance?
Zhou Wanyou also seemed to sense something was amiss.
"This maidservant was brought back from outside by Momo and has not been trained by anyone in the manor. I fear she may not be able to cooperate well with the County Princess. It would be best not to have her perform."
"Oh, it's just ordinary entertainment, nothing important," Ye Jingcheng said, giving Mei Yan a meaningful look.
Mei Yan stepped forward. "May I know your name?"
Zi Yuan looked down at her mistress.
Su Yunmo pondered for a moment and nodded.
Zi Yuan then stated her name.
"Then, please, Miss Zi Yuan, join me," Mei Yan invited.
Zi Yuan hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward.
Mei Yan began to dance, and Zi Yuan accompanied her with swordplay.
"It's freezing cold, and Prince Lian truly has a good spirit," Ye Yunshuang's voice cut through the air as she approached by boat, interrupting everyone.
The two figures dancing and sword-dancing were also interrupted.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Mei Yan's eyes. Her gaze fell upon Zi Yuan's sword, and she subtly moved a step closer to her.
Ye Jingcheng also frowned deeply. "Little Aunt, why have you suddenly decided to visit my manor?"
Ye Yunshuang stepped onto the pavilion. "I was originally here to visit the Princess Consort of Lian, but I saw people in the Liangxin Pavilion on the way and decided to take a look."
Her gaze swept across the group, finally settling on Mei Yan. "Oh? Since when did Prince Lian's manor have such a beautiful singer? She looks somewhat familiar."
Lin Yu Ning was right. The reason their scheme had failed before was because of this woman named Mei Yan!
Otherwise, she wouldn't be dancing in this icy weather to please Su Yunmo today!
Trying to use the General's manor as a stepping stone to reach the heavens? What a pipe dream!
She had ruined her plans and now wanted to enter the royal family. Utterly delusional!
Ye Jingcheng was slightly displeased. "Little Aunt, please watch your words. This is the County Princess of Southern Xinjiang. You should have met her at the palace banquet last time."
"Oh my, so it is the County Princess. My apologies, my eyesight is poor and I mistook you," Ye Yunshuang exclaimed in feigned surprise, then cast a disdainful glance at Su Yunmo.
"However, the County Princess is also quite something. Even if Southern Xinjiang is a remote and backward place, it is still a country. As a County Princess of noble status, why would you dance for a child in this pavilion for amusement?"
"If not for that, how could I have mistaken you for a lowly singer?"
At these words, the expressions of all four changed.
Only Mei Yan remained composed, bowing neither subserviently nor arrogantly. "Your Highness's reprimand is correct. While what I did may seem improper in your eyes, I see no fault in it."
"I am performing this dance at the behest of Prince Lian, not for any one person. Since His Majesty bestowed me upon His Highness, I must obey His Highness's commands."
Ye Jingcheng glanced at her, a spark of admiration igniting in his eyes.
Su Yunmo raised her eyebrows playfully.
Someone who had only been with Ye Jingcheng for two days was already this loyal?
She didn't know when Ye Jingcheng had developed such charisma.
Although Zhou Wanyou didn't have a good impression of Mei Yan, Ye Yunshuang's words clearly contained a condescending tone towards Su Yunmo. She couldn't help but align herself with Mei Yan for the moment.
"It seems the Princess has poor eyesight, not only mistaking the County Princess but also overlooking others. There are three people sitting here. Why does the Princess say the County Princess is dancing only for the child?"
Ye Yunshuang was immediately taken aback.
The point wasn't who was here; the point was that Su Yunmo being here was unacceptable!
Ye Jingcheng waved his hand. "Little Aunt, aren't you here to visit the sick? If there's nothing else, please return. My Princess Consort is doing very well."
"Are you trying to drive me away?" Ye Yunshuang's face darkened.
She had come today for that wretched girl, Su Yunmo!
Yesterday, she had suffered such a significant loss in the palace, and she hadn't settled the score yet!
Ye Jingcheng's gaze was displeased. "Little Aunt, I have guests to entertain today. If my hospitality is lacking, I will certainly visit to apologize next time."
"What guests? The people from the General's manor are enemies of the royal family!" Ye Yunshuang pointed at the small bundle, gritting her teeth.
"Enough!" Ye Jingcheng slammed his hand on the table, his expression turning extremely grim. "I am busy here. Little Aunt, it would be best if you return."
He signaled to the people on the boat.
A servant stepped forward to pull Ye Yunshuang away.
Ye Yunshuang hadn't expected him to order someone to lay hands on her. She struggled desperately. "Let go of me! Ye Jingcheng, how dare you disrespect your elder? Believe it or not, I'll have my imperial brother punish you!"
Ye Jingcheng waved his hand in disgust. "The Princess is unwell today. Escort her back to her manor."
His carefully laid plans could not be ruined like this.
The two servants replied "Yes" and moved to pull Ye Yunshuang.
Zi Yuan watched them quarrel and sheathed her sword.
Mei Yan's heart sank, and she quickly stepped forward.
"You scoundrels, get away from me!" Ye Yunshuang cursed, reaching out to push the servants, but her foot slipped, and she stumbled backward.
As she fell, she collided with Mei Yan, who then lunged forward, crashing into Zi Yuan.
Zi Yuan's sword had not been fully sheathed.
The blade grazed Mei Yan's arm and Zi Yuan's hand.
Their blood mingled.
In that instant, Zi Yuan seemed to see a flash of red, followed by a moment of blankness in her mind.
Mei Yan, lying on top of her, whispered something rapidly.
Su Yunmo, seated, had her view blocked. She only saw Zi Yuan fall and instinctively stood up.
But her head suddenly ached. Turning, she saw Ye Jingcheng gripping several strands of her hair.
The small bundle frowned fiercely.
Ye Jingcheng's eyes were full of apology. "I didn't mean to."
"Ah! It hurts so much!" Mei Yan's cry interrupted everyone.
It was then that everyone noticed she was injured.
"Yan'er!" Ye Jingcheng exclaimed in panic and strode over.