If the other side could act, Wen Ning could act too. She immediately put on a tearfully grateful expression. “Thank you, Sister Cheng.”
The original Wen Ning had always been the youngest among the women of the household, timid and submissive in front of them.
Standing nearby, Concubine Luo looked dignified and radiant in a sapphire‑blue gown, nodding graciously. “Huiyu is right. Ning’er, your health must come first.”
Huiyu was Concubine Cheng’s given name.
Wen Ning turned to her with a look of deep gratitude.
Cheng Huiyu’s eyes gleamed with scorn. This Wen Ning was still as foolish as ever—she would probably die still feeling grateful to her. Her smile widened. With elegant poise, she lifted a celadon bowl from a maid’s tray. “My sister has always been frail, and yesterday you suffered so much. How pitiful. I specially prepared ginseng soup to nourish you.”
“Since you’re up, drink it while it’s hot.” She sat at the bedside, personally scooping a spoonful of golden broth, blowing on it gently, and holding it to Wen Ning’s lips.
Wen Ning’s eye twitched. She knew without doubt—this soup must not be drunk.
Seeing her hesitate, Cheng Huiyu’s gaze flickered. “Do you dislike my cooking? Don’t worry, I learned from the kitchen staff and watched the fire myself, lest the ginseng be spoiled.”
Concubine Luo added coolly, “Since Huiyu is so thoughtful, Ning’er should taste it. Don’t waste her effort.”
Under their burning gazes, Wen Ning realized why Cheng Huiyu had brought Concubine Luo along.
Concubine Luo carried authority; once she spoke, no one dared defy her. The original Wen Ning had never dared either.
Cheng Huiyu meant to use Concubine Luo’s weight to force her to drink.
Knowing she could not escape, Wen Ning took a breath, smiled sweetly, and said, “Thank you, Sister Cheng.”
She parted her lips, lowering her head toward the spoon—then suddenly clutched her chest and collapsed, retching violently.
Everyone stared in shock. Chunxi, her maid, rushed over, rubbing her back. “Madam, are you all right?”
Summoning all her acting skills, Wen Ning breathed heavily, then managed a weak smile. “Forgive me. My illness is severe. I’ve been vomiting and soiled the bedding. If Sister Cheng leaves the soup, I’ll heat it later when I feel better.”
She deftly shifted attention to the soup, hiding her maid’s startled look.
Chunxi thought: *Since when did Madam vomit? Was that in her dreams?*
Wen Ning added apologetically, “Just before you arrived, I vomited again—right where Sister Cheng is sitting. Chunxi already changed the bedding, so it’s clean now.”
Cheng Huiyu froze, glaring in disbelief. Others glanced at her seat and stepped back.
Forcing a smile, Cheng Huiyu set the soup back on the tray. “I didn’t realize you were so ill. Very well, drink it later. But if you’re this weak, how will you serve the Protector? I know a physician skilled in treating women. I’ll send him to you.”
Another wave of trouble.
Wen Ning wanted to curse at her feigned sincerity.
Concubine Luo’s commanding voice followed: “Huiyu is right. The Protector will return soon. If he sees you so frail, he’ll blame us for neglecting you.”
Wen Ning frowned. That elusive man was coming back? In her memory, this “cheap husband” had only returned once earlier in the year. But he wasn’t the immediate problem. First, she had to deal with these women.
She knew Cheng Huiyu would not relent. Better to agree and buy time. So she raised a delicate smile. “Thank you, Sister Cheng.”
The women blinked, momentarily dazzled. Wen Ning’s beauty, usually hidden by her timid demeanor, shone even through her pallor.
Both Concubine Cheng and Concubine Luo’s gazes deepened. Perhaps they had underestimated her.
Satisfied with her compliance, Cheng Huiyu forced a smile. “Rest well, sister.” She and Concubine Luo departed.
As soon as they left, Wen Ning’s smile vanished. She collapsed back onto the bed, exhausted from the scheming.
Her maid burst out excitedly: “Madam, did you hear? Concubine Luo said the Protector is returning! Wonderful! If he learns of Concubine Cheng’s betrayal, he won’t spare her. We’ll be saved!”
Wen Ning: “…”
She stared blankly at the girl. How could she possibly expect Chen Jinfeng to solve this mess for her?
Concubine Cheng had the powerful Cheng clan behind her. Even if Wen Ning accused her, would Chen Jinfeng believe it? Would he care? The Chengs would certainly retaliate.
And from the few times the original Wen Ning had seen him, Chen Jinfeng had shown nothing but cold indifference toward the women of his household—eyes so detached they bordered on cruel.