Chapter 86 Let Me Put on a Good Show First

"Men, search the place!" Steward An wiped his face, casting a sly glance at Qin Mingyue. His eyes gleamed with malice as he waved his hand, and several servants stormed into the Qin residence, turning the place upside down.

Steward An was closely allied with Madam Seventh, so naturally, he was eager to serve her interests. Ever since Madam Seventh had failed in her attempt to murder Hua Qinci, she had conspired with Steward An: since Shang Jinxiu was so determined to bring Hua Qinci into the Qian household, why not fabricate a debt in her father’s name that Hua Qinci could never repay, and then seize her for the Qian family? The rest of the plan had been carefully arranged between them.

They had to thank Liu Bingbing for her timely reminder. That day, after Madam Seventh’s failed attempt, she was furious. Liu Bingbing, having profited from Hua Qinci’s schemes but never seeing her promise to become a concubine fulfilled, had grown increasingly resentful. Every time she tried to bring it up, Hua Qinci would dodge the subject with some excuse. Liu Bingbing realized she had been played for a fool.

Her anger mounted as her spies reported back about Hua Qinci’s dealings with the Qian family and the murder at the inn where she stayed. In Liuli City, one might risk offending the magistrate, but never the Qian family. All the flowers, trees, land, and forests belonged to Master Qian. When the Southern Moon Emperor restructured the government, the Qian family had purchased all of Liuli City under the new land division. In other words, the city and its surrounding villages belonged entirely to Master Qian.

Liu Bingbing reasoned that offending the Qian family meant certain death for Hua Qinci—but death alone would not satisfy her grudge. So, she personally went to the Qian residence and sought out Madam Seventh, who had already attempted to murder Hua Qinci in secret. Together, they devised the drama now unfolding.

Last time, Hua Qinci had deceived everyone with fake ginseng and wriggled out of prison; this time, Liu Bingbing was determined to see how she would escape her fate. Becoming the Qian family’s Ninth Mistress was just the beginning—far more delightful retribution awaited Hua Qinci.

From a distance, Liu Bingbing watched with a smile. She was ready to play her part in this performance, justifying it in the name of her own virtue. How could she let such an opportunity slip by?

In no time, the Qin family courtyard was in chaos, with chickens and dogs scattering everywhere. Qin Mingyue was held back by Qin Youtian, left fuming and helpless.

"Stop it! Don't break anything!" Hua Qinci wanted to shout, but she was a moment too late. The one who spoke up was none other than her meddlesome cousin, Liu Bingbing.

At the sight of her, Hua Qinci arched an eyebrow, her face impassive though her heart bristled with alarm. She already guessed what Liu Bingbing was about to do.

She smiled. An enemy’s plot is nothing to fear—seeing through it and turning the tables is where the true pleasure lies. Hua Qinci feigned panic, playing her role to perfection, while Liu Bingbing, brimming with pride, thought to herself, “The best is yet to come! Let me put on a good show first.”

Hua Qinci quickly composed herself, smiling serenely at Liu Bingbing. Whatever schemes her cousin might have, she had the unfathomable Shang Jinxiu backing her, and if all else failed, there was always the Qian family—a casual move from them could become a deadly sword at her command.

With two sharp swords at her disposal, even the most childish enemy could be cut to pieces.

Confidently, Liu Bingbing produced a pouch of jewelry and silver, handing it to the short, stout Steward An.

“How much does my cousin owe Master Qian? Will this be enough?” Her voice was as melodious as an oriole, sweet and enchanting, bewitching all who heard it.

Her innocent generosity drew admiration from everyone present; more than one man wished he could propose marriage to Liu Bingbing on the spot.