Chapter Sixty-Six: Lady Six’s Scheming

Xue Fanzhi did not refuse Fifth Sister, responding calmly, “A length of Misty Rain gauze is worth a hundred gold. For embroidery, I won’t ask for much—just another hundred gold. Prepare the money, bring it to me, and in a month, I’ll make you a garment.”

Fifth Sister’s brows furrowed in disbelief. “We’re sisters! You’d charge me for a dress?”

Xue Fanzhi smiled. “I never said I’d gift you a dress; it was you who wanted one. You constantly talk about propriety—surely you know even between sisters, it’s wrong to take advantage?”

“Oh, as if gifting me a dress is such a big deal!” Fifth Sister pouted angrily. “You weren’t raised by Mother, that’s why you’re so stingy. Fine, I don’t want it anymore, alright?”

She had clearly been rebuffed and felt embarrassed, yet she still tried to blame Xue Fanzhi for being unkind to her.

Even so, she persisted in criticizing her.

Xue Fanzhi couldn’t be bothered to argue, her face turning cold as she asked, “Why did you come, Fifth Sister? If there’s nothing else, I have work to do and can’t entertain you.”

It was a blatant gesture to see her out.

Xue Jiaoyue, who hadn’t spoken, watched Fifth Sister’s face turn green with anger—a result she relished. She disliked Xue Fanzhi, and of course, Fifth Sister as well. She detested them both.

She interjected, “Don’t be upset, Fifth Sister. Little Eight’s not good with words. I apologize on her behalf—no one’s driving you away. Stay a while longer.” Then she pointed to the rush mat in front of Xue Fanzhi’s bed and said, “Sit, sit!”

Fifth Sister snorted at Xue Fanzhi but sat down.

Xue Fanzhi wondered if Xue Jiaoyue was being deliberately absurd. Why should it matter to her if someone she didn’t welcome stayed?

Since neither revealed their purpose, Xue Fanzhi lowered her head to arrange her embroidery frame, refusing to speak further.

The air grew awkward and tense.

Fifth Sister, thin-skinned and feeling slighted, wanted to leave—but she hadn’t said what she’d come for.

She stood and declared, “Little Eight, I didn’t come for clothes. Unlike you, so stingy and venomous. I came for your own good, to tell you something fortunate. Don’t say your elder sister doesn’t think of you when there’s good news!”

Not thinking of her would be as rare as the sun rising in the west; this so-called good fortune surely had nothing to do with her, and she would only be a stepping stone.

Xue Fanzhi had no interest in listening and waved her hand dismissively. “Thank you, but I don’t need it.”

Yet Fifth Sister had not revealed what it was. “…”

“I haven’t even said what it is yet!”

---

Xue Fanzhi looked up seriously. “I don’t care what it is; if it’s from you, I don’t want to hear a word!”

“You!” Fifth Sister nearly exploded with rage. What was wrong with Little Eight? She was nothing like before. Previously, a little intimidation would have her meek and obedient.

Of course, except for murder and arson; the girl had always been timid.

How dared she defy her now?

Fifth Sister calmed her breath and said, “I want you to play a game of go with someone!”

Xue Fanzhi feigned ignorance. “Who? What makes them so formidable?”

Fifth Sister saw hope, her anger dissipating as anticipation bloomed. “Naturally, it’s Young Master Wang and his companions. But the most skilled is Young Master Wang himself. Didn’t he invite you? You said you’d go. If you’re afraid, I’ll accompany you!”

This was her main reason for seeking Xue Fanzhi. Wang Yunzhi had only sent an invitation to Xue Fanzhi; no one else received one. Without a formal invitation—and since the recipient was a man—it was improper for others to approach.

Fifth Sister was intent on catching a wealthy husband. Just hearing about the guests’ backgrounds had her salivating, determined to win over Xie Sixth Young Master. She didn’t know Wang Yunzhi’s true identity, assuming he was just a distant relative of the old matriarch. The Xue matriarch had been married for fifty or sixty years, the Shen family’s status was already declining—how much lower could a distant relative be?

As for the Ninth Prince, though handsome and dashing, he seemed indifferent to women, especially after her remarks likening Xue Jiaoyue to the God of Longevity. He was hard to approach, so she gave up. Comparing the rest, Xie Sixth Young Master was the most outstanding. He would do.

Fifth Sister was determined to win Xie Sixth Young Master, but he was hard to get close to. Fortunately, Xue Fanzhi had received an invitation to play go.

If their sisters went, the others could rightfully join in, but Little Eight was lazy and refused. Without her, none could meet the new guests.

Infuriating! She wouldn’t go, so both Fifth Sister and Xue Jiaoyue couldn’t sit still and thus came to persuade her.

No matter how she pleaded or reasoned, Xue Fanzhi wouldn’t listen or respond.

Fifth Sister, exasperated, stood and pointed at Xue Fanzhi. “What are you thinking? The young men invite you and you refuse—trying to act childishly innocent or morally superior?”

Xue Fanzhi laughed. “I simply don’t want to degrade myself like some people, chasing after them. Let him invite; I have my own affairs.”

Everyone knew who was desperate to ingratiate themselves.

The answer was obvious.

Fifth Sister, now insulted, was beside herself. “You dare insult me?!”

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Xue Fanzhi called out, “Honglian, Hongxiao, Fifth Sister has overstayed—see her out!”

Then, glancing at Xue Jiaoyue, she said coldly, “And my Seventh Sister. Since there’s nothing important, see her out as well!”

Xue Jiaoyue: “…”

This brat was nothing like before.

Fifth Sister and Xue Jiaoyue, each harboring their own schemes, were unceremoniously expelled from Xue Fanzhi’s room.

After leaving, they went their separate ways, but their minds remained troubled.

Xue Jiaoyue’s thoughts kept returning to the image of Xue Fanzhi in her room, dressed in that watery pink hue.

What a delicate face it must be to carry such a color!

Xue Fanzhi could, indeed.

She had always known her pretty younger sister was beautiful, though not yet fully grown. That was why she had long wanted to eliminate her, not allowing her to eclipse herself. Seeing her now, she realized her beauty would surpass all expectations, proving her initial decision right. It was only a pity she had failed, causing trouble for herself. If there were another chance, she would not repeat her mistake.

Once again, Xue Jiaoyue felt murderous intent toward Xue Fanzhi, determined to remove her. But how?

Initially puzzled, a sudden thought struck her. Her gaze sharpened as she looked into the distance, satisfaction written clearly on her face.

………………

Fifth Sister, frustrated by her failure to sway Xue Fanzhi, walked home in a sour mood. Just as she was passing the second house, she caught sight of a youthful figure in a sapphire-blue robe ahead. Her eyes lit up, and she called loudly from afar, “Sixth Young Master!”

She didn’t care if he was hiding behind a tree for some purpose—she simply called out without hesitation.

Xie Sixth Young Master and Wang Yunzhi had gambled and lost, not with money but with water—he’d drunk a great deal. The latrine was far, so he was about to relieve himself nearby, only to be interrupted.

Who could be so oblivious?