The young girls finally dispersed, curiosity piqued.
Madam Yao was one of those present. She had heard the whole story and couldn't help but glance at her silly second daughter. Her intuition told her that her daughter's injury might be related to this matter, but her rational mind told her that, for now, there seemed to be no connection.
Some of the ladies frowned, showing their dissatisfaction.
"Please forgive the children's loose tongues, Empress Dowager, Concubines, and all the ladies," said a lady, stepping forward.
"It's just children's pranks," said Concubine Rui, waving her hand to indicate that everyone shouldn't take it to heart. "Isn't it time for the second half of the game? Everyone, get ready quickly."
"I actually find these words quite interesting," said Shi Muyuan, seizing the opportunity to straighten her reclined body.
"These little rumors are only spread because they're interesting," Concubine Qi chimed in. "But there's no smoke without fire. They're really quite frightening."
Shi Muyuan was overjoyed. How come she never noticed before that Concubine Qi was so cute? She was simply a divine helper!
"Isn't it inappropriate to talk about this in this situation?" Concubine Rui tried to stop them from continuing.
"What's inappropriate? It's all for entertainment today. It's quite fun to listen to as an anecdote," Shi Muyuan retorted, not about to stop.
"Hehe, I just think it's not very proper," Concubine Rui said awkwardly with a forced smile.
"I also find it strange. Miss Li's family was supposed to come for the snow - viewing with the invitation today, but the palace maid sent to deliver the invitation reported that Madam Li was unwell and probably couldn't come. I even sent some tonics there specially," Shi Muyuan said.
Originally, she didn't think there was anything wrong with Madam Li's illness. After all, illness can strike suddenly. But after hearing what those young girls said, Shi Muyuan suspected that this illness might not be ordinary.
"In that case, the opera troupe is rather suspicious. I heard that many young girls disappeared after watching their shows," a brave lady said, picking up on Shi Muyuan's lead.
"Why haven't I heard about this? And no one seems to be looking for them either," a completely unaware lady asked.
"Which family would make a big fuss when their daughter goes missing? It's no different from telling everyone that their daughter has lost her virtue," another lady scoffed.
That's why few people knew about this, and fewer people went to the opera troupe. Shi Muyuan remembered what Yan Mo had told her. He was deliberately pushed out by those people, which meant that most of the on - lookers were their own people, aiming to make the visitors relax their vigilance.
"Empress Dowager, I also heard that the Supreme Court of Justice has been rather troubled recently. It seems they caught someone and found some clues," Xiao Xiao whispered to Shi Muyuan.
Concubine Rui, who was nearby, heard every word clearly. Her hand holding the hot tea tightened involuntarily. Her sent letter shouldn't have been discovered, right?
No, there might be unexpected situations. She had to send someone to check.
Concubine Rui gave a subtle look to Zhu'er, who quickly understood and quietly slipped out. Shi Muyuan had been keeping an eye on her. As soon as she made a move, Shi Muyuan glanced at a hidden corner.
Although she couldn't see clearly, Shi Muyuan knew that the person who had been quietly staying there had started to move.
Shi Muyuan finally let out a sigh of relief. She didn't expect Concubine Rui to be so impatient. Now she just needed to wait for good news. She shifted her gaze to the game field and didn't intend to stop the ladies' discussion.
The more Concubine Rui listened, the more irritated and anxious she would become, and she would eventually show her flaws. Moreover, this could also make the ladies pay more attention to the safety of their daughters.
On the ice - hockey field, Yao Kun scored a goal neatly, causing the girls on her team to cheer. Chen Leran even made exaggerated gestures, which made Xie Lan roll up her sleeves and want to beat her. Jiang Qiong quickly threw away her ice - hockey stick to stop Xie Lan.
"There are so many people here. Don't cause trouble. In others' eyes, it'll look like you started it. You won't be able to justify yourself then," Jiang Qiong said.
"Look at the way she acts. She really deserves a beating," Xie Lan said angrily.
"Even if you want to beat someone, it's not your turn. Miss Zhang hasn't said anything yet," Jiang Qiong's words reminded Xie Lan.
Right! Such a heroic act should be left to Zhang Mingzhu.
Zhang Mingzhu had her grandfather, the Duke, to protect her. She wouldn't suffer any harm. But Xie Lan's elders at home were very strict.
Sure enough, Zhang Mingzhu was also furious. Every time at a crucial moment, their side would drop the ball, giving points to Yao Kun's team for free. It really made her angry.
Zhang Mingzhu shouted, "It doesn't count. It's all Jiang Qiong's fault for making a mistake."
Jiang Qiong, who was named, showed a look of apology on her face. "I'm so sorry, everyone. It was really my mistake. I've been reading for the past few days, and my eyes hurt. I was in a daze just now and dropped the ball."
Zhang Mingzhu turned her head away, not wanting to look at her weak - looking appearance.
"Sister Zhang, forget it," someone said.
"Why should I forget it? All the points I've worked so hard for are gone because of your mistake? Once is okay, but it's happened several times. You're probably doing it on purpose!" Zhang Mingzhu shouted.
"Sister Zhang, how could I?" Jiang Qiong replied.
Xie Lan was also confused. Why was Zhang Mingzhu yelling at Jiang Qiong? Shouldn't she be scolding Chen Leran and the others?
"Chen Leran, let's have another round. I'm not convinced. Replace Jiang Qiong," Zhang Mingzhu demanded.
"Zhang Mingzhu, I advise you to rein in your competitiveness. Who do you think you are? You think you can just start a game whenever you want? The Empress Dowager is sitting on the main seat," Chen Leran retorted.
Zhang Mingzhu looked at her disdainfully. "You're such a coward."
Hearing this, Yao Kun frowned and stared at her.
"Is it just about being a coward? I didn't expect Miss Zhang to think like this. Does the Duke think the same way?" Yao Yao said coldly.
"What are you talking about? What does this have to do with my grandfather?" Zhang Mingzhu stepped forward and grabbed Yao Yao's collar.
She was a bit taller than Yao Yao. The young girl just tilted her head slightly and said word by word, "Miss Zhang is so bold. I'm just wondering if it's the Duke who gave you the courage?"
"How dare you!" Zhang Mingzhu shouted.
"Tsk tsk tsk. Who's really being bold here?" Yao Yao said, moving closer to her and whispering, "You haven't answered yet. Did the Duke teach you to act like this?"
Zhang Mingzhu had always been disrespectful to her superiors. She used to be more restrained, but now she was becoming more and more arrogant. Yao Kun also walked over to Yao Yao with her ice - hockey stick in hand, exuding a menacing aura.
This person was so disrespectful to Sister Beauty.
The ice - hockey field was far from where Shi Muyuan and the others were. So the ladies sitting by the fire pit couldn't hear what they were saying. By the time they noticed something was wrong and started asking the servants, Yao Kun was almost about to rush over and beat Zhang Mingzhu up.