Chapter Three: Was It Deliberate or Accidental?
“Cousin? Why would she come to seek refuge with us when she’s perfectly fine?”
“Well…”
Faced with Song Xirui’s question, Su Yun racked his brain for a plausible explanation, then sighed deeply, “Our uncle was a hunter. He was bitten by a wild beast while hunting in the mountains and died. Auntie was so grief-stricken she followed him in death, leaving cousin all alone and helpless.”
“Yes, yes, exactly!”
Madam Li, understanding her son’s intentions, quickly added, “Our Su family is known for its kindness. When relatives face hardships, it’s only natural to support them.”
Kindness?
More like a heart of wolves and dogs!
Song Xirui’s face showed nothing but sorrow as she sighed, “I see… losing both parents is indeed an ill omen…”
Su Yun’s expression darkened as if he’d been scolded.
Why did that sound like an insult?
“In that case, let her come. I will make sure she is well taken care of.”
Song Xirui smiled faintly, but there was a hidden blade beneath that smile.
Su Yun breathed a sigh of relief at her words, but looking at that smile, an ominous feeling crept over him.
Only two days later, the so-called ‘cousin’ arrived at their doorstep.
She was brought in by Su Yun, wearing a simple cloth dress. Once inside, she timidly hid behind him, looking pitiful and shy.
But Song Xirui clearly saw the intense jealousy in Luo Yun’er’s eyes every time they glanced at her, jealousy she could not hide.
“Yun… Yun’er greets sister-in-law…”
She lowered her head timidly, fingers nervously twisting together, and bowed to Song Xirui.
Song Xirui smiled warmly and stepped forward, gently grabbing Luo Yun’er’s arm, a smile playing on her lips that was both kind and cutting, “Cousin, you are truly a beauty, like a goddess. To be so close with my husband despite years apart… if it weren’t for mother-in-law’s guarantee, I might suspect you were his kept mistress.”
At her words, everyone present except Song Xirui broke out in a cold sweat.
Su Yun’s lips trembled as he quickly said, “Madam, how can you joke about such things with cousin?”
“Exactly, husband. Cousin just lost her parents; such jokes are inappropriate.”
Song Xirui sighed softly, pulling Luo Yun’er into her arms, her voice heavy with sorrow, “Cousin, the journey must have been difficult, hasn’t it?”
Luo Yun’er sneered inwardly at her sentimentality.
Such soft-hearted women in the inner quarters were usually brainless and easy to manipulate. This would make things easier in the future.
“Y-yes… it was a bit difficult…”
“I know, I know.”
Song Xirui tightened her embrace and choked back tears, “In the countryside, when parents pass one after another, many will whisper things behind your back, calling you a jinx. But don’t be sad—we will never shun you.”
A jinx? You’re the real jinx!
Luo Yun’er’s face turned pale with anger—how dare this foolish woman frame her this way!
“I…”
Luo Yun’er tried to break free, but Song Xirui held her tighter, as if trying to strangle her, leaving her gasping for breath.
“No need to speak. I understand your grievances. From now on, I will care for you well in the Su household.”
Song Xirui rambled on, and Luo Yun’er’s vision darkened, nearly fainting.
She strained her eyes to look at Su Yun for help, only to see him exchange a glance with Madam Li, both looking relieved.
“C-cousin…”
Luo Yun’er’s lips moved weakly before a sharp pain stabbed her waist and she finally lost consciousness.
“Cousin! What’s wrong with you?”
Song Xirui was shocked, “Why did you faint out of nowhere? Quick! Help her inside! I’ll perform acupuncture!”
After a long while, Luo Yun’er was roused by a sharp sting.
“You’re awake! Finally awake!”
Luo Yun’er propped herself up, only to find her chest covered in countless silver needles.
“Stay still, cousin.”
Song Xirui wore a solemn expression and whispered, “You passed out just now and scared me terribly. Luckily, I know some acupuncture. Stay still a little longer while I finish.”
As she spoke, Song Xirui plunged two more needles sharply, causing Luo Yun’er to writhe in pain, drenched in cold sweat.
Weak and faint? She was clearly knocked out by Song Xirui! Perhaps even by these very needles!
Luo Yun’er clenched her fists tightly, glaring fiercely at Song Xirui.
“You…”
Song Xirui smiled sweetly and met her gaze, “What about me?”
Luo Yun’er forced herself to suppress the nausea, softening her eyes. She knew now was not the time to quarrel.
“It’s nothing. Thank you, sister-in-law…”
Song Xirui smiled even brighter.
“You’re welcome, you’re welcome. It’s nothing worth mentioning.”
Luo Yun’er took a deep breath to calm herself.
“A life-saving kindness must be acknowledged.”
As she spoke, Luo Yun’er retrieved a handkerchief from her bag, wrapped around a jade bracelet of deep emerald green.
“Sister-in-law, this is a family heirloom jade bracelet. Please accept it as a token of my gratitude. Do not refuse.”
The bracelet was simple yet exquisite, clearly valuable.
But Song Xirui knew well the venom hidden within this gift.
In her previous life, Luo Yun’er had given her the same bracelet. Deceived by Luo Yun’er’s gentle act, she had accepted and worn it, only to find a parasitic insect hidden inside, which drained her vital energy daily to boost Luo Yun’er’s fortunes, leaving her weaker by the day.
“You’re quite thoughtful for such a child.”
Song Xirui pursed her lips, tears welling at the corners of her eyes, moved, “You come here all alone and still bring a gift for your cousin. It’s truly touching.”
Luo Yun’er placed the bracelet in Song Xirui’s hand, her smile sweet as honey.
“Just a small token, sister-in-law. Please keep it well.”
Her lips curled into a smile—once Song Xirui wore the bracelet, she would lose at least half her life force, if not her life itself!
Then she could monopolize Su Yun and use him to achieve her own ends!
Song Xirui accepted the bracelet and, to Luo Yun’er’s surprise, slipped it onto Madam Li’s wrist instead!
“Mother-in-law, since cousin and I are of the same generation, it wouldn’t be proper for me to accept her gift. I’ll offer it to you instead.”
Luo Yun’er: “…”
Su Yun: “…”
Among those present, only Madam Li was unaware of the bracelet’s curse. Now adorned with a pure white jade bracelet, she felt overjoyed.
“Wonderful, wonderful, such good children. I’ll gladly accept this bracelet.”
Luo Yun’er’s lips twitched, but she didn’t dare to warn anyone.
“Well then, cousin is awake, so I can rest easy.”
Song Xirui jingled the warehouse keys in her hand, “I’ll go count the treasury. Cousin, you should rest well.”
“Mm, sister-in-law, you go ahead.”
Luo Yun’er sat on the bed, eyes thoughtfully watching Song Xirui’s retreating figure.
Su Yun described Song Xirui as soft-hearted and enduring, always accepting hardships silently. Today, she did seem tender, even tearful at times.
But earlier in the courtyard, she had knocked Luo Yun’er unconscious.
Was it intentional or accidental?