After Becoming a Succubus, I Was Offered to My Mortal Enemy - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

“A-Xue, if you don’t clear things up with her and let her continue overthinking, I’m afraid she’ll eventually run away with all the silver and valuables in your manor.”

Yin Chiyun thought of the small bundle Ning Yuan had hidden under the bed and felt both helpless and amused.

Sikong Xue frowned. “What nonsense are you talking? Ayuan’s body is so weak; how could she possibly run away?”

In her heart, Sikong Xue thought: How could Ayuan bear to leave me?

Could it be that Ayuan wanted to leave her to go to Lingnan to find her family? But Lingnan was so far away; how could Ayuan possibly go there alone?

Yin Chiyun said, “I saw a small bundle under her bed, likely filled with gold, silver, and jewelry. You’ve forgotten that’s exactly how you prepared when you tried to run away from home as a child.”

Except that after being caught by the Grand Commandant, the bundle would be confiscated, and a heavy punishment would follow.

Sikong Xue’s heart tightened, yet she spoke with a hint of self-deception, “Perhaps she just wants to save some silver…”

Yin Chiyun shook her head and said no more. If the eldest Miss Ning needed silver, Sikong Xue would likely give her everything she had. Although Sikong Xue currently seemed to indulge Ning Yuan in every way, if Ning Yuan truly were to leave, she would likely go mad.

Sikong Xue suddenly thought of something and said, “In the past, Ayuan loved to drink tea and chat with my mother. If I let my mother talk to her properly, would she be willing to stay?”

Actually, as long as the gates of the Prime Minister’s manor were guarded and people followed her closely, Ning Yuan certainly couldn’t escape. But how could Sikong Xue bear to treat Ning Yuan that way?

Yin Chiyun said, “If your mother knows your health has improved because of Ning Yuan, she will certainly be happy. I’ll go to the Grand Commandant’s manor first to tell her that your body is doing better. For now, it’s still inconvenient to reveal Ning Yuan’s identity; we must wait a while longer. I imagine that because you are well, your mother will also be willing to treat her kindly.”

Yin Chiyun knew that what Sikong Yan worried about most right now was Sikong Xue’s health. If Sikong Xue suddenly claimed the person in the manor was Ning Yuan, Sikong Yan would also think she was suffering from excessive longing and had lost her mind.

Sikong Xue said, “But if we don’t let Mother know her true identity, she might still feel heartache upon seeing her.”

That day when Ayuan was sent as a tribute, the first look Sikong Xue caught of her made her feel as if a knife were twisting in her heart. Her mother had also doted on Ayuan in the past; if she saw her and remembered Ayuan, she would surely be unable to bear it.

Yin Chiyun teased, “But you haven’t considered how you exposed Ning Yuan’s identity… if your mother finds out you bullied Ning Yuan, she’ll surely chase you down and beat you. Anyway, everyone in the capital knows you disregarded your status and insisted on snatching a foreign woman from Yuchi Jin in front of all the ministers. Why not just make the best of it and act as if you were smitten by her beauty?”

“You’re truly asking for a beating.” Sikong Xue rolled up her sleeves, making a gesture to strike.

Yin Chiyun picked up her medicine chest and bolted out.

After Yin Chiyun left, Sikong Xue thought about their conversation and felt a surge of self-reproach. It was all because she wasn’t good enough to Ayuan that Ayuan wanted to pack up her valuables. During those first days, she didn’t know the person in the manor was the one she had yearned for all these years, so her attitude had been poor. Likely Ayuan held a grudge because of those things, which is why she thought of leaving.

If she had known it was Ayuan, she would have treated her with the utmost care. But why didn’t Ayuan reveal her identity from the start? Could it be that Ayuan still didn’t want to trust her…

It seemed she had to be even better to Ayuan in the future so that Ayuan wouldn’t want to carry her treasures away. Sikong Xue also knew that no matter how much gold, silver, and jewelry she gave Ayuan, it couldn’t truly make her happy. Ayuan was currently pining for her family in Lingnan; she had to find a way to handle all of this.

Sikong Xue saw that the kitchen had prepared the plum soup Ning Yuan liked. She called out to the maid, took the food box, and intended to deliver it to Ning Yuan personally. Walking to the Yilan Pavilion, she saw the door was still tightly closed; Chunhe and Xiaqun were not allowed inside.

Sikong Xue asked in a low voice, “Is she still angry?”

Whenever Ayuan had a petty temper, she couldn’t be coaxed back for three to five days. Sometimes she was just coaxed, and the very next day she would start a row again.

Chunhe shook her head and said, “The lady shouldn’t be angry, but she hasn’t liked anyone being around when she changes her clothes these few days, so we came out.”

Chunhe and Xiaqun knew the general gist of certain things, so they didn’t dare show it.

Sikong Xue: “…”

Driving everyone out while changing… surely the marks I left when I lost control that night haven’t faded yet. But the bite Ayuan gave her hadn’t been merciful either.

For a moment, Sikong Xue didn’t know if she should knock. If Ayuan finished changing and saw her, would she start being angry and shy again? As Yin Chiyun said, if her mother found out she had taken such liberties with Ayuan, she would likely break her legs.

Just as Sikong Xue was thinking, the door was suddenly opened. Ning Yuan looked at her and said, “Since you’re here, why are you standing outside?”

She didn’t even know how to knock was she planning to just stand for a while and then leave?

Sikong Xue said, “I… I came to bring you some plum soup.”

“Can such a thing even trouble you to do it personally?” As Ning Yuan spoke, she still stepped slightly to the side. This gesture meant Sikong Xue was permitted to enter.

Sikong Xue felt joy in her heart but didn’t dare show it. She walked into the room, caught sight of the small bundle under the bed, and pretended not to see it. If she exposed it now, she feared it would displease Ayuan.

Sikong Xue opened the food box and said, “I heard from Chunhe and Xiaqun that you like plum soup, so I have the kitchen prepare it every day. Just don’t eat too much; be careful not to upset your stomach.”

Ning Yuan whispered, “Truly a nag.”

She never knew Sikong Xue could be this talkative. Sikong Xue knew to tell her not to eat too many cold things, yet why did she drink her sorrows away in the middle of the night? Thinking of how sad Sikong Xue was that night, Ning Yuan pouted. She didn’t look at Sikong Xue but said, “Then you shouldn’t drink any more wine either; drinking so much will also hurt your stomach.”

Seeing Sikong Xue drinking alone that night made Ning Yuan feel unwell in her heart too. Hearing Ayuan’s words, Sikong Xue’s heart warmed. Ayuan didn’t blame her for that absurd thing she did that night and even cared for her like this.

Sikong Xue hurriedly said, “I’ll listen to everything you say.”

“Listen to everything I say?” Ning Yuan’s eyes darted. Knowing Sikong Xue might be lying, she still said, “Then can I go out often?”

Staying in the manor all day meant she couldn’t inquire about the Ning family, nor could she think of a way to seek revenge on Yuchi Jin. Last time she had finally summoned the courage to offer herself, but was rejected by Sikong Xue. For a time, Ning Yuan didn’t know what to do; she could only try to find a way to get out first and then see if there was a way to reach Lingnan to find her family.

As if fearing Sikong Xue wouldn’t believe her, Ning Yuan looked at her eagerly and said, “I just feel it’s a bit stuffy in the manor and want to go for a walk. I definitely won’t run around, nor will I spend money recklessly.”

“How could I be afraid of you spending money recklessly? If you want to go out…” Sikong Xue was just about to agree when she suddenly remembered what Yin Chiyun had said. Her tone shifted as she said, “I’m afraid it won’t do these few days. The floods in Jiangnan are severe, and many refugees have come to the capital. Some even snatch money and grain on the streets. With your delicate skin and tender flesh, what would happen if you were kidnapped?”

Hearing Sikong Xue say this, Ning Yuan shrank her neck in fear. She knew that whenever there was a flood or drought, poor commoners would come to the capital. Although they were piteous, some might not be evil people. But to survive, they inevitably turned to burning, killing, and looting.

In the past, during such times, her mother wouldn’t let her run around. Speaking of which, back then, if she told her mother she was going to the Grand Commandant’s manor to find Sikong Xue, her mother would agree.

Ning Yuan said, “Then I…”

Sikong Xue said, “Don’t be afraid. If you feel uncomfortable being with me, whatever day you want to go out, I’ll arrange for people to protect you.”

Sikong Xue even anticipated that Ayuan might not want to go out with her. Ning Yuan nodded and then added, “Don’t let Sister Azhi accompany me anymore. She has busy official duties; how can she waste time on me?”

Most importantly, with Sikong Xue around, commoners would inevitably avoid them. Thus, it would be inconvenient for her to inquire about the Ning family. Sikong Xue guessed Ning Yuan’s intention and said, “Don’t worry, I have my own arrangements.”

Although Sikong Xue wanted to protect Ayuan every step of the way, she also knew that if she followed too closely, she might frighten her.

Having coaxed Ayuan, Sikong Xue left the Yilan Pavilion and summoned Songyan, saying, “Songyan, arrange a few people to protect her. If she feels bored in the manor, have them protect her while she goes out, and buy whatever she likes. Only one thing ensure no harm comes to her. Also, keep an eye on whom she sees and what she says outside.”

Having given these orders, Sikong Xue was still a bit uneasy. What if Ning Yuan met Yuchi Jin or an old friend and heard something she shouldn’t? On the surface, people were arranged to protect Ayuan; privately, she would still have to follow personally.

“If she wants to go out, she must still report to me first.” This way, it should be foolproof. Songyan guessed the Master’s intention and complied.

Sikong Xue added, “By the way, has there been any more news from Lingnan? Is Old Madame Ning’s illness any better?”

Songyan said, “Old Madame Ning’s body is slowly recovering, but the heat of Lingnan is ultimately not suitable for convalescence. However, if we bring her back to the capital now, the journey might be too taxing for her health, and Yuchi Jin is watching too closely.”

Sikong Xue also knew that if she rashly brought the Old Madame back, any slight mistake would lead to lifelong regret. Sikong Xue never wanted to see Ayuan sad again. This was a grave matter; she had to discuss it with her mother.

Over these five years, clear the Ning family’s criminal record had already cost Sikong Xue a lot of effort. Back then when Yuchi Jin planted evidence, Sikong Xue hadn’t been able to think things through thoroughly. Additionally, the Eldest Princess and Yuchi Jin were used as blades by the late Emperor, who tacitly allowed them to do so; how could there have been a chance to overturn the case for the Ning family?

As a subject, Sikong Xue always thought it was enough to be loyal to the court. She hadn’t expected the Yuchi family to be so intolerant in their pursuit of power. Originally, the one capable of inheriting the throne was the late Emperor’s eldest daughter, Princess Zhaoyang. As her aunt, the Eldest Princess, to prevent Zhaoyang from ascending, even harmed the Ning family who supported her.

In the past, Sikong Xue hadn’t thought about so many things. She only thought that if she won battles, she could be a respected general and marry Ayuan. After the Ning family’s downfall, Sikong Xue only then regretted not studying properly in the past and not liking to listen to her mother talk about court matters. If she had noticed earlier, perhaps she wouldn’t have watched the Ning family suffer like that.

Now Sikong Xue held a high position, and Sikong Zhi had joined the military. Her mother, Sikong Yan, to avoid suspicion, had personally resigned from office. This saved the court from truly thinking the Sikong family’s merit had overshadowed the monarch. Although Sikong Yan was no longer in court, she still knew court matters perfectly.

Sikong Xue immediately had a horse prepared to find her mother. Sikong Yan still lived in the Grand Commandant’s manor, but she spent her days playing with a parrot. Because too many things had happened over the years, though Sikong Yan was only over fifty, frost had already touched her temples.

For these several years, while Sikong Xue worried over Ning Yuan, Sikong Yan was also worried about her daughter’s health. Recalling the events of back then, she also felt some self-reproach. She had long noticed the late Emperor couldn’t tolerate the Ning family, and the Eldest Princess was wary of them because of Princess Zhaoyang. If she had settled the marriage between Xue’er and the Ning girl earlier, the Ning family might not have come to this. After all, an Emperor wouldn’t dare eliminate two great noble families at once.

Sikong Xue arrived at the Grand Commandant’s manor. The guards saw her return and were about to announce her. Sikong Xue called them off, saying, “No need for announcements; I’ll go straight to see Mother.” Thinking that if her mother accompanied her, Ayuan’s mood would be better, Sikong Xue’s steps became much lighter.

In Sikong Yan’s room, seeing her mother teaching a parrot to speak, Sikong Xue said, “Daughter has come to pay respects to Mother.”

Seeing Sikong Xue like this, Sikong Yan joyfully helped her up and said, “Sit down quickly. Chiyun came to the manor today to take my pulse and said your body has been much better these few days. I didn’t believe it at first. Xue’er, seeing you today, you truly are…” As she spoke, Sikong Yan’s eyes grew moist.

Over these years, she knew her daughter was grieving over the Ning family. When Sikong Xue had tortured herself into a shell of a person, Sikong Yan could only watch in anxiety. Since it was a heart illness, she only hoped Sikong Xue wouldn’t do anything rash. A few days ago when Sikong Xue brought home the person sent by the foreign tribes, Sikong Yan didn’t know if it was a blessing or a curse. Today, seeing Sikong Xue’s health was much better, Sikong Yan finally felt at ease.

Hearing her mother’s words, Sikong Xue took a step back and bowed deeply, saying, “It is daughter’s unfiliality; over these years, I’ve made Mother worry for me.”

Over these years, Sikong Xue had been in constant sorrow and had actually forgotten to fulfill her duty as a daughter. If anything happened to her, how sad would her mother be? Fortunately, Sikong Yan’s health was fine; sometimes she could still ride and hunt. Even if Sikong Xue wasn’t before her every day, she didn’t need to worry about her mother’s body.

“Say no more of such things, Xue’er. Get up quickly.” Sikong Yan helped Sikong Xue rise and sit, saying, “You returned suddenly; has something happened in court?”

Sikong Xue said, “Nothing has happened in court, but I want to bring the Ning family back to the capital as soon as possible. Lingnan is damp and hot, and Old Madame Ning is unwell; convalescing there is truly inappropriate.”

Sikong Yan sighed and said, “Xue’er, now is not the time; some things cannot be rushed. The Ning family has only just had their criminal status cleared, and all these years you’ve had people look after them; do you know how many people are resentful?”

The two families were old friends; Ning Yuan’s mother, Ning Huaiwan, had once saved Sikong Yan. Seeing the Ning family in such a state, Sikong Yan also felt unwell. But as a subject, there were many helplessnesses. “Perhaps if we had settled the marriage between you and Yuan’er earlier, it wouldn’t have reached this point today.”

Back then, Ning Huaiwan and Sikong Yan intended to settle the marriage, but the two children quarreled every day. Ning Yuan would say she didn’t want to marry Sikong Xue, and Sikong Xue wouldn’t say a word about it. They worried that such a thing couldn’t be forced and simply let it be. At that time, Ning Yuan was saying the opposite of what she felt, and Sikong Xue feared Ayuan truly was unwilling. So when the elders asked, she didn’t dare speak. She didn’t dare agree on Ning Yuan’s behalf, nor did she want to refuse.

Sikong Xue said, “Mother, if Ayuan were still here, would you be unwilling to let me marry her because her family had fallen?”

“What kind of talk is that?” Sikong Yan said seriously. “When did I ever teach you to look down on others?” Recalling that Ayuan had long been entombed, she felt a bit more helplessness. If Yuan’er were still alive, she would naturally be willing to let her daughter take care of her. But how can the dead return to life?

Such words, if spoken to Sikong Xue again, would only add to her sorrow. Sikong Yan then said, “I see your complexion is much better; is it because the new lady in the manor serves you well?”

Sikong Yan had heard that the girl looked similar to Ning Yuan; seeing her daughter’s complexion improve, she assumed it was because of her proper care.

Sikong Xue said, “She is very good, but I kept her in the manor not so she could serve me.” No matter what, Sikong Xue couldn’t let Ayuan suffer grievances.

“It’s all good.” Sikong Yan didn’t care how Sikong Xue saw her; as long as she was there and her daughter’s health improved, even a foreign woman was fine. “Only one thing… Xue’er, if you intend to treat her well, why not marry her? As things are now, it’s neither legitimate nor proper, and if word gets out, it will damage your reputation.”

Sikong Xue’s eyes lit up. “Mother, you agree to me marrying her?” Sikong Xue had initially been worried about how to convince her mother; she hadn’t expected her mother to speak first.

Sikong Yan said, “As long as she doesn’t help the foreign tribes harm you, why would I be unwilling?” Sikong Yan thought that if Sikong Xue were willing to marry this foreign woman, it would mean she could let go of Ning Yuan. “Azhi also told me that the girl is very likable.”

No matter the reason, Sikong Yan was willing to accept it. Thinking that the foreign girl was somewhat similar to Ning Yuan, Sikong Yan couldn’t help but sigh: “It’s just that I cannot let Huaiwan see her…” If Ning Yuan’s family saw that girl, they would surely be sad.

Sikong Xue said, “Mother, I will handle this matter properly. But right now, there is one thing I need your help with.”

Sikong Yan said, “We are mother and daughter; no need for such talk.”

Seeing her mother so easy to talk to, Sikong Xue hurriedly said, “It’s not a major matter, but court affairs have been busy these few days, and with the severe floods in Jiangnan, I must go there personally in a while. That girl is all alone in my manor and it’s truly piteous; she misses her family, so I want her to accompany you and chat.”

Sikong Xue didn’t dare say she wanted her mother to accompany Ayuan, but rather that Ayuan should accompany her. Sikong Yan saw through her daughter’s thoughts in an instant and said, “Do you also want me, your mother, to protect her for you?”

Sikong Xue smiled somewhat embarrassedly; she truly didn’t know how to bring this up. Rarely seeing her daughter smile, how could Sikong Yan refuse? It happened that Sikong Yan also wanted to see this girl. Previously, Sikong Xue didn’t mention it, and she couldn’t easily speak up. Now that Sikong Xue had raised it, she naturally agreed.

“When you go to Jiangnan, bring her to my manor; I naturally won’t mistreat her. You must also remember to ensure your own safety on this trip; do not take risks, and be wary of assassins.”

Sikong Yan also knew that Sikong Xue’s trip south wasn’t just for official business but also to see the people of the Ning family.

Sikong Xue said, “Mother, rest assured, I will return safely.” In the past, thinking Ayuan had left her, Sikong Xue often acted without regard for consequences. Now that Ayuan was waiting for her in the manor, she had to cherish this life.

After Sikong Xue left, Sikong Yan summoned Sikong Zhi back to the manor. Sikong Zhi was training troops in the military. Hearing the urgent summons, she thought something major had happened. She hurried back to the manor, only to hear her mother say: “Azhi, your elder sister wants me to look after that girl for a few days for her. Do you know what she usually likes? Are there any rules for the foreign tribes? If she comes to the manor, what should we prepare? I still don’t know her name; how should I address her when we meet?”

Sikong Zhi was driven to her wit’s end by her mother. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she said, “Mother, you summoned me back in such a hurry just for this?” Her elder sister had pulled so many excuses to have her protect that foreign girl; her mother wasn’t even pretending.

Sikong Yan said, “Your elder sister’s health has finally improved; she said she wants to marry that girl in the future. I thought, she’s all alone in a foreign land and it’s piteous; we must treat her well. I heard she’s very delicate and fragile; I wonder if I’ll frighten her.”

Sikong Yan had also come from the battlefield. Although she looked much more amiable now, sometimes when she turned sharp, she could still strike fear into people.

Sikong Zhi said helplessly, “She’s not that timid; don’t overthink it, just treat her like any other junior. Her name is Qilan, but she doesn’t seem to like that name much; she always wants me to call her A-Lan…”

A-Lan, A-Lan—it was actually somewhat similar to Ning Yuan’s courtesy name from before.

Sikong Yan said, “Then what does she usually like to eat? If she comes to the manor, I must have the kitchen prepare for her.”

Sikong Zhi shook her head and said, “She’s not picky, just a bit pampered, sometimes a bit like that sister from the Ning family. But her character isn’t bad; she’s very likable.”

Sikong Yan said, “If she’s just pampered, that’s fine. Then have Xue’er’s old room cleaned up for her to stay in. It’s not hot there in the summer; she shouldn’t feel uncomfortable staying there.”

Mentioning the living arrangements, Sikong Yan thought of how Ning Yuan often came to their manor to play when she was a child. Sometimes when she was tired and it was late, she would have a room prepared for Ning Yuan to stay in. Ning Yuan was timid and easily feared the dark in a new place, so she insisted on staying with Sikong Xue. Sikong Xue would call her pampered but still shared half the bed.

The relationship between the two children was so good when they were young, but after Sikong Xue’s coming-of-age ceremony, for some reason, they became a bit distant. Sikong Zhi wasn’t that familiar with Ning Yuan; seeing her mother grieved over this matter, she didn’t know how to comfort her and thought of leaving.

Sikong Zhi just turned around, but suddenly froze in her tracks, spinning back abruptly and saying, “You just said elder sister is going to marry her?!”

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