Hong Qiao returned soon.
However, what she brought back was not the fragrant flower and fruit tea that Ning Yuqin wanted, but rather an unrelated bowl of fish maw and chicken soup.
"Who prepared this?"
Having just eaten a few more pieces of pastry, Ning Yuqin was currently parched and having difficulty swallowing. Without waiting for Hong Qiao to answer, she took a big gulp.
The chicken soup was rich and fragrant. With just one mouthful, she felt a warm sensation slide down her throat and into her stomach, leaving her feeling extremely comfortable and refreshed.
It was truly a delicacy!
Ning Yuqin had lived a life of privilege for over a decade. One taste was enough for her to tell that both the fish maw and the chicken were of the highest quality.
Immediately, her eyes lit up and her appetite was whetted. It was as if there was a gluttonous worm in her belly, enticing her to take one sip after another.
"The kitchen prepared it especially for Second Miss," Hong Qiao said without explaining the reason, but Ning Yuqin could sense something.
Presumably, with Yuan Qingrong's departure from home and now the presence of Liu Ruyi, a difficult person for Ning Fengnian to handle in the mansion.
Her status was undetermined. What if Ning Fengnian promoted her to be a favored concubine?
The servants were all opportunistic people. Unable to predict the outcome, they were eager to curry favor with her.
This was the first time in months that she had received such special treatment.
Hong Qiao added, "The kitchen said that Second Miss can order whatever she wants in the future."
Ning Yuqin gave a slight snort on the surface, but deep down she was elated. "They're quite sensible!"
She finished the fish maw and chicken soup in a few mouthfuls, licking her lips reluctantly. "Tell them I'd like something light for dinner."
Because of the incident involving Tang Sanjin, the Ning couple had ignored her.
Although she still held the title of Second Miss, her food, clothing, and daily necessities were far from what they used to be.
The kitchen only sent over a regular six - course meal and a soup every day, and there were no longer the extra snacks she used to have.
Since the kitchen was being so accommodating today, Ning Yuqin was naturally not going to be polite.
"Yes," Hong Qiao nodded in response. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the strange exchange of glances between Ning Yuqin and Liu Ruyi.
She hesitated for a moment, then calmly retreated.
As soon as Hong Qiao left, Liu Ruyi pulled Ning Yuqin's hand and sat her down.
"Qin'er, tonight's matter must not be known to anyone. It concerns the survival of our mother - daughter duo in the Yongning Marquis Mansion!"
Ning Yuqin hesitated for a while before finally nodding. "Do we really have to do this?"
Liu Ruyi first quietly looked around, then lowered her voice. "Tonight, you just listen to mother."
The two were plotting in the room, unaware that their shadows were already cast on the flower - patterned window paper.
Nor did they know that a cautious figure had overheard their entire plot.
The Mingzhu Courtyard.
It was the courtyard where Ning Yuwan had lived before her marriage and was also the sunniest spot in the entire Yongning Marquis Mansion.
Even after her marriage, there were still dedicated servants to take care of it.
The flowers were in bloom and the grass was green, exuding a warm and fragrant atmosphere, all carefully nurtured in the greenhouse.
Ning Fengnian and Yuan Qingrong's love for their daughter was not only shown on the surface but also in the numerous details.
Unfortunately, the former self of Ning Yuwan had only strangers and fear in her eyes.
Even when facing her own parents, she was cautious and timid, not daring to show her true feelings.
She didn't know how to react when she received true love.
Should she be extremely grateful or take it for granted?
The former self was ignorant, which was why Ning Yuqin had the opportunity to take advantage of her.
A flicker of light passed through Ning Yuwan's eyes. She gently covered her chest. She still hadn't managed to transform that soul body into spiritual power.
Instead, she had been nurturing it with her heart's pulse, but she could still feel that the soul body was becoming increasingly weak.
The cycle of life and death in the world followed its own laws, and no one could truly change it.
It seemed that the soul body sensed the Dragon Girl's unstable emotions and trembled slightly, trying to comfort her.
"I will definitely let you witness Ning Yuqin's downfall with your own eyes!"
The Dragon Girl's dragon pupils shimmered with colorful light as she made a solemn promise in her heart.
In fact, she didn't have to be in such a hurry. According to the agreement between the two "people" back then: the former self was willing to sacrifice her soul forever in exchange for Ning Yuqin to suffer.
The Dragon Girl, now Ning Yuwan, only needed to ensure that the final result was the same.
However, Ning Yuwan wanted the former self to see the enemy in distress with her own eyes and leave without any regrets.
Perhaps this was because after staying in the human world for half a year, she had gradually been influenced by human emotions.
But now, she seemed to understand, yet still felt a bit confused.
Ning Yuwan gently stroked the petals, lost in thought.
"Eldest Miss, this servant has something to report," came Hong Qiao's cautious voice from outside the courtyard, which happened to startle Ning Yuwan.
Lianzi looked at Ning Yuwan. Seeing her nod slightly, she went to lead Hong Qiao in.
Hong Qiao had always served Yuan Qingrong. Although she was not as close to her as Hong Lu, she was still loyal.
Although she had been assigned by Ning Yuwan to serve and teach Ning Yuqin, she was completely unwilling.
Thinking that she might be able to help Ning Yuwan monitor Ning Yuqin and Liu Ruyi's actions, she chose to obey.
Of course, if Hong Qiao could think of this, Ning Yuqin could too.
Therefore, Ning Yuqin had always disliked Hong Qiao.
But unfortunately, she didn't have any other maids who served her to her satisfaction.
There was a flash of panic in Hong Qiao's eyes, but she still quickly and concisely told Ning Yuwan about the secret plot between Ning Yuqin and Liu Ruyi.
"This servant is worried that the two of them may do something harmful to the Yongning Marquis Mansion tonight."
She bit her lower lip, looking guilty. "It's just that they were very cautious, and this servant didn't hear the details of the plot clearly."
"You've done a good job," Ning Yuwan said calmly, as if she had already guessed it.
Yuan Qingrong was not good at power - play, but she was good at managing the household.
The servants in the Yongning Marquis Mansion, following their master, were loyal and straightforward.
Except for those around Ning Yuqin. For some reason, they were all heartless.
"You can go back first. Don't alert them. I'll make the rest of the arrangements myself."
Hong Qiao nodded obediently. "Yes, Eldest Miss."
Her submissiveness in front of Ning Yuwan was completely different from her coldness in front of Ning Yuqin.
It was easy to tell who was the master she truly recognized.
"Madam, shall Lianzi go and watch them now?"
Ning Yuwan lowered her eyes in thought. Her long eyelashes fluttered like a butterfly, making her look as cold and lonely as a fairy in the Moon Palace.
Lianzi was amazed in her heart and liked her mistress even more.
If she could see the beautiful and charming Madam every day, she would be willing to give her all for her!
"I'll go with you," Ning Yuwan said with a light smile. "Let's go and see how they're going to make a desperate move!"
The two looked at each other and both understood why Liu Ruyi and Ning Yuqin had suddenly plotted this action.
It was nothing more than that someone knew their secret was about to be exposed and was going to strike first!
At the Hour of the Pig.
The lights in the Luofen Courtyard were extinguished. The courtyard was pitch - black and completely silent.
The servants had already been sent away, leaving no one inside, which was perfect for nocturnal activities.
"Creak!"
The back door was quietly opened, and two thin black figures could be seen moving faintly.
"Qin'er, be careful," Liu Ruyi and Ning Yuqin were both dressed in black, as if they were going to blend in with the night.
But because there was no light, their movements were not very smooth. They stumbled along.
Ning Yuwan and Lianzi watched their stupid actions from a high place.
A faint sneer drifted through the air.