Volume One, Chapter 12: Counterattack

“I want to see how long you can keep up your stubbornness.”

Shang Runyu did not believe Shang Yinqiong’s words for a moment. After all, when she first returned, she immediately went to curry favor with their father and mother, using all kinds of gifts and flattering tactics.

How could she truly be indifferent just by saying so?

It was nothing but bravado.

With these thoughts, Shang Runyu’s confidence surged instantly.

Shang Yinqiong cast a meaningful glance at Shang Runyu but said nothing more, choosing instead to leave the garden.

She never liked exposing the self-deceptions of fools.

Watching Shang Yinqiong’s retreating figure, Shang Runyu’s fists naturally clenched tightly, and a calculating gleam sparked in her eyes.

Elsewhere,

No sooner had Shang Yinqiong stepped into the old madam’s courtyard than Aunt Tang approached her with a warm smile.

She smoothly took the food box from Shang Yinqiong’s hand and added, “The old madam guessed the Third Miss would come today and specifically instructed me to wait at the gate. I didn’t expect you to arrive so promptly.”

“Grandmother, you knew I would come today?” Shang Yinqiong’s tone was filled with curiosity.

Aunt Tang only smiled. “The old madam has walked many more roads than the salt the Third Miss has eaten. Sometimes, the old madam’s schemes are so deep that even those of us who have stayed by her side cannot fathom them.”

Shang Yinqiong understood.

Aunt Tang led the way, and Shang Yinqiong followed closely behind as they entered the old madam’s chamber.

The old madam wore a deep purple robe, her hair meticulously styled, with a single emerald centrally placed, devoid of any other adornments, radiating an aura of calm dignity.

One hand cradled a Buddhist scripture, the other gently playing with prayer beads, her eyes never lifting. “Qiong’er, you’re here?”

“Yes, Grandmother,” Shang Yinqiong respectfully bowed and sat to the side, slightly lower than the old madam.

Aunt Tang placed the food box on the table. “Old madam, the Third Miss has always kept you in her heart. Look, every time she comes, she personally makes these pastries.”

The old madam smiled faintly, setting aside the scripture, her tone lighter. “Then I must give them a proper taste.”

Aunt Tang brought out a plate of green plum cakes.

Shang Yinqiong stood and spoke earnestly, “Grandmother, these past few days I heard your appetite has been poor, so I specially made these sweet and sour green plum cakes to stimulate your appetite.”

The old madam gave a subtle signal, and Aunt Tang promptly sent the remaining maids out, closing the door tightly.

The old madam took a bite of the green plum cake. The flavor suited her perfectly, even better than what her small kitchen made. “Qiong’er, you’re considerate.”

“Coming to see me today isn’t just to deliver pastries, is it?” The old madam’s words carried a faint smile, never crossing into offense.

Shang Yinqiong could only smile wryly. “You really can’t be deceived, Grandmother.”

“Speak freely. I suspected you’d come these days.”

Having lived in this mansion for decades, the old madam could understand the intricate twists and turns in people’s hearts without much guesswork.

“Grandmother, you must also know my reputation these past few years hasn’t been the best. This situation came about because of deliberate manipulation by those with intent. I’ve never been one to sit idly by. Since the other side has already handed us the leverage, shouldn’t we use their own methods against them?”

Shang Yinqiong spoke slowly, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on the old madam’s face, testing her reaction.

The old madam paused her bite, as if recalling something, and smiled helplessly. “Not too foolish.”

She disliked getting deeply involved in these schemes, but having decided to protect Shang Yinqiong, she naturally had to arrange everything properly.

Still, everyone has private interests; she needed to carefully assess whether Shang Yinqiong was truly someone who could be supported.

“That’s the proper teaching from Grandmother,” Shang Yinqiong said.

After all, Aunt Tang’s words when she came to the courtyard that day were heavily suggestive. It took Shang Yinqiong some time to fully grasp the old madam’s meaning.

The old madam picked up the scripture again. “You’re more like your old self with this kind of nature.”

To be vengeful is not necessarily a flaw. If one is wronged and does not retaliate, that is sheer foolishness.

“Grandmother, although this plan is set, it will require some people to handle things on my behalf. I suppose you will need to use your connections.”

Shang Yinqiong’s cautious tone made it clear she already felt genuinely accepted by the old madam.

Naturally, she was bolder in their interactions.

The old madam tapped Shang Yinqiong’s forehead with her index finger. “The cunning ideas in your head probably outnumber mine.”

“Grandmother, since Shang Runyu has resorted to fabricating suicide to frame me, naturally this matter must be publicized. She has always cared deeply about her reputation, and in this capital, everyone praises her as a rare talent. Surely, this will be a heavy blow to her.”

Shang Yinqiong was determined.

The old madam merely nodded in tacit agreement. “I will instruct my people to handle it. But Qiong’er, you must understand that once this spreads, she will not let you off easily. The Yu family will likely interfere as well. Have you prepared a strategy to deal with this?”

She disliked having everything planned out too neatly. Sometimes, to nurture growth, one must face challenges alone to mature faster.

Shang Yinqiong’s voice was low but resolute. “Grandmother, that’s precisely where the problem lies. Even if I wished to keep this quiet, Shang Runyu and I have become irrevocable enemies. Rather than waiting for her to strike, it’s better to seize the initiative and catch them off guard.”

The Yu family controlled the entire Duke of Zhenguo’s household, their influence not to be underestimated. Should anything happen to Shang Runyu, they would surely act.

She could not afford to be careless.

Seeing Shang Yinqiong so confident, the old madam chose not to say more. “It’s enough that you have a plan in mind.”

After chatting with the old madam for a while, Shang Yinqiong left as dusk approached.

Ling Yu silently followed, holding a lantern to light their path. “Miss, is something troubling you?”

Since leaving the old madam’s room, the Third Miss had seemed somewhat subdued.

Shang Yinqiong said nothing, only shaking her head. “Nothing.”

She merely felt a heavy weight in her heart, as if something ominous was about to happen.

She hoped it was just her imagination.

She needed to investigate the Yu family’s true intentions. To know oneself and the enemy is to win every battle.

Shang Yinqiong left with her maid, entirely unaware that two shadowy figures stirred in the bushes behind her.