After Becoming a Succubus, I Was Offered to My Mortal Enemy - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

“Sister A-Zhi,” Ning Yuan called out sweetly.

Sikong Zhi smiled and said, “Good sister, go and change your clothes quickly.”

She had no younger sister of her own; seeing several of her subordinates with well-behaved and sensible sisters at home, Sikong Zhi would occasionally feel a twinge of envy. Now that this foreign woman was so obedient and willing to call her “Sister,” Sikong Zhi felt joy in her heart.

Ning Yuan noticed that Sikong Xue, standing behind Sikong Zhi, looked increasingly cold ever since she uttered that word “Sister.” It turned out it wasn’t that Sikong Zhi disliked being called sister, but rather that Sikong Xue forbade her from calling Sikong Zhi that.

Why was it so? Did Sikong Xue feel her status was too lowly, making her unworthy of calling them “Sister”? She knew it—that “sworn sister” talk was just lip service; how could Sikong Xue truly treat her as such?

She cast a resentful glance at Sikong Xue before returning to her room to change.

Xia Xun pulled out a green-colored garment and said, “There are lanterns at the night market; Miss will look absolutely stunning in this.”

Ning Yuan shook her head. Sikong Xue had insisted that Sikong Zhi accompany her before allowing her to go out, likely because she didn’t want others coveting her “property.” She had been brought into the manor by Sikong Xue in exchange for an imperial decree; regardless of Sikong Xue’s motives, she probably didn’t want her caught in Yuchi Jin’s sights.

While the dress was beautiful, it was too eye-catching. Even with Sikong Zhi’s protection, Ning Yuan didn’t want to cause further trouble. She chose a very simple and elegant outfit and styled her hair plainly. Yet, with a face like hers, it was hard not to notice her even in such understated attire.

Seeing her finished changing, Sikong Zhi cast a thoughtful look at her elder sister. This girl was indeed different from the Ning family sister. Sister Ning was beautiful and delicate, always dressing up with great care and never wearing anything so plain. However, there was beauty in simplicity, and her “worthless” elder sister had already begun to daze.

No wonder her sister insisted she accompany this girl; she was likely too worried. With such a beauty, if she were abducted, her sister wouldn’t be able to sleep.

Sikong Zhi preferred riding horses when going out, but seeing the girl’s frail appearance, she assumed she couldn’t ride. She had Song Yan prepare a carriage. Before anyone could bring the footstool, Sikong Zhi lightly leaped onto the carriage. She was about to reach out to pull Ning Yuan up, but retracted her hand the moment she met Sikong Xue’s gaze.

Sikong Xue was usually stern, but seeing Ning Yuan and Sikong Zhi acting so intimately made her face turn even colder. Was a Succubus like this with everyone? If she had been taken back by Yuchi Jin that day, would she have been this submissive to him too? Yuchi Jin spent every day at Lanyue Pavilion and had so many tricks in “those matters”; he would surely satisfy this Succubus’s heart.

With this Succubus staying in her manor, forced to suppress her heat with medicine, she must be dissatisfied. If Yuchi Jin were by her side, he would surely…

In the past, A-Yuan had been deceived by Yuchi Jin. Would this Succubus be lured away as well? Even though she knew she should be wary of Yuchi Jin, Sikong Xue couldn’t help but stare at her sister’s hand reaching toward Ning Yuan. Her gaze didn’t carry killing intent, but it was so intense that Sikong Zhi felt uncomfortable.

Sikong Zhi felt as if her elder sister was now being guarded against her. It didn’t make sense—her sister knew her character; how could she have any improper thoughts about this foreign woman?

Ning Yuan looked at the high carriage and then back at the cold-faced Sikong Xue, her displeasure written all over her face. Sikong Xue was truly excessive, saying she would treat her well one moment and then teasing her the next. Knowing she couldn’t jump onto the carriage, she didn’t allow anyone to bring a footstool, nor did she let Sikong Zhi pull her up. Sikong Xue clearly wanted to see her make a fool of herself.

Ning Yuan said, “I don’t like the jolting of a carriage. I’d rather walk.” In any case, the capital wasn’t that large; the Prime Minister’s manor shouldn’t be far from the bustling market.

Sikong Zhi said, “Very well. You are so thin; it’s good to move your muscles and bones a bit.”

Watching the two of them leave side-by-side, Sikong Xue couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy again. This foreign woman wasn’t a monster; it was just a stroll outside—why did A-Zhi have to accompany her? If she accompanied her personally, it wouldn’t be impossible.

No, this woman dared to glare at her as soon as she arrived at the manor. If she were treated too well, she would surely become spoiled and arrogant.

Sikong Zhi took Ning Yuan to the bustling market. Seeing Ning Yuan dazed, she thought it was because a foreigner had never seen such a lively scene.

Ning Yuan wasn’t shocked; she was simply remembering the time she watched the lanterns with Sikong Xue as a child. Along the long street, lanterns were like a river of stars. Gauze lanterns painted with flowers, birds, fish, and insects swayed in the wind, lighting the entire street like day.

Ning Yuan remembered that as a child, she and Sikong Xue spotted a Black Bird lantern at the same time. They had sneaked out and neither had enough money. Ning Yuan originally wanted to trade her hairpin for the lantern, but Sikong Xue, in order to snatch it from her, simply pawned her jade pendant to the vendor.

Having secured the lantern, Sikong Xue began to show off: “Call me ‘Good Sister,’ and I’ll give it to you.” Ning Yuan wouldn’t call her that for a mere lantern. Since she wouldn’t speak, Sikong Xue wouldn’t give it to her. Later, Ning Yuan managed to snatch the lantern from Sikong Xue using her own skills. As for Sikong Xue, she was severely beaten by the Grand Preceptor for pawned a family heirloom. Though the jade was redeemed, Sikong Xue was beaten so badly she was bedridden for several days.

Ning Yuan had carried the lantern to the Grand Preceptor’s manor, and seeing Sikong Xue being punished, she had gleefully made faces at her. Thinking back, it was truly childish. In truth, she wasn’t entirely gloating; she had also wanted to see how badly Sikong Xue was hurt. It was only because Sikong Xue wouldn’t let her see that she felt a bit annoyed.

Seeing Ning Yuan staring at the lanterns, Sikong Zhi bought one for her. “You like this one?” It was a little rabbit lantern, pure white with red eyes, bearing a slight resemblance to Ning Yuan.

Ning Yuan took the lantern, feeling a warmth in her heart. “Thank you, General.” Though not as beautiful as the Black Bird of the past, it was incredibly cute.

Sikong Zhi said, “You forgot again. No need to call me General; call me Sister A-Zhi.”

Ning Yuan suppressed her melancholy and said, “Thank you, Sister A-Zhi.” That voice was both obedient and sweet.

Sikong Zhi couldn’t help but sigh internally; she feared she wouldn’t be called “Sister A-Zhi” for more than a few days. This woman was so likable that in a few days, she might have to call her “Sister-in-law” instead.

Sikong Zhi took Ning Yuan for a round, buying her many small trinkets. Ning Yuan didn’t actually like these things much, but for some reason, looking at them always made her think of Sikong Xue. The capital was just too small; every street and alley held memories of her and Sikong Xue. Even though Sikong Xue always teased her and snatched her things, Ning Yuan had subconsciously kept her in her heart.

Whenever Ning Yuan dazed at something on the street, Sikong Zhi would buy it for her. Sikong Zhi didn’t think too much of it; she simply felt that the foreign tribes had nothing and everything was a novelty to her. To show off the prosperity of Great Liang, she couldn’t be stingy.

They bought so many things that they could no longer carry them all. Sikong Zhi simply gave the vendors some tips to have the items delivered to the Prime Minister’s manor first.

Ning Yuan asked, “Are we not going back?” For some reason, she had a faint feeling that if they returned too late, there would be trouble. Plus, she was getting tired from walking. The embroidered shoes were beautiful, but walking so much was exhausting.

Sikong Zhi said, “If we go back now, the manor’s cook would have to make food specifically for you. Wangjiang Tower is just ahead; the food there is no worse than the palace’s. I’ll take you to try it.”

Ning Yuan hesitated but eventually nodded. If for no other reason than her mother never allowed her to go to Wangjiang Tower. Though Wangjiang Tower wasn’t like Lanyue Pavilion, the private rooms on the second floor still featured male and female entertainers. Her strict upbringing forbade her from entering. She had heard there were many talented “clean” entertainers inside. Now that Sikong Zhi was leading her, there was no harm in going in to see.

Sikong Zhi didn’t take Ning Yuan to the private rooms on the second floor but seated her on the first floor, watching the song and dance performances from a distance. On the stage, beauties wore gauze clothing, their slender waists visible. Ning Yuan was initially embarrassed to look, but Sikong Zhi said, “Making a living through song and dance is not disgraceful, and appreciating it is not a breach of public morals.”

Ning Yuan felt Sikong Zhi’s words made sense, and her gaze toward the stage became much more open.

By the hour of the Dog (7–9 PM), as the curfew approached, Sikong Xue didn’t see Ning Yuan return; instead, she saw a pile of random trinkets being delivered. Lanterns, sugar figurines, masks, rouge, plain silver hairpins… and several vases that were clearly cheap.

Song Yan ordered the items to be sent to the West Court and remarked, “It seems the Second Young Lady and the girl are getting along well.” As soon as she finished, she felt a chill. Sikong Xue’s face had darkened further.

“Master?”

Sikong Xue said, “Buying lanterns and sugar figurines is one thing, but why buy these ceramics, jewelry, and rouge? When did I ever mistreat her in terms of food, clothing, or expenses?” Why would that woman refuse to wear the jewelry she bestowed, yet trick A-Zhi into buying these worthless things for her? Did this foreign woman want to put on a simple and piteous act to seduce A-Zhi?

Unexpectedly bearing the brunt of this unexplained anger, Song Yan felt very innocent. But she had to say, “Master, going to the night market is just about buying little trinkets. The Second Young Lady is looking after the girl for you; please do not let this cause a rift between you.”

Sikong Xue naturally wouldn’t let such a small thing cause a rift with A-Zhi. “Did the delivery people say when they would be back?”

Song Yan said, “Master, do not worry. The Second Young Lady said she would take the girl out for a meal before bringing her back.”

“Troublesome.”

What time was it? Instead of returning to the manor early, what meal were they eating? Was she lacking a meal from her? At this hour, most teahouses and restaurants were closed; what could they possibly be eating? Weren’t the snacks they bought enough for her?

Sikong Xue suddenly realized that at this hour, the only places still open—aside from Lanyue Pavilion—was the endlessly performing Wangjiang Tower.

She knew this foreign woman was restless.

Sikong Xue stood up and said, “Song Yan, prepare my horse!”

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