I Have the Aura of a Supporting Character in Yuri Novels - Chapter 102

In the main courtyard, chaos reigned. Mrs. Fang, overcome with anger, fainted on the spot. This sent her wet nurse, Nanny Fang, into a panic, who quickly went to summon a doctor. Zhuyun, meanwhile, feigned the role of a frail and filial daughter, appearing to be deeply concerned for Mrs. Fang. With innocent, tear-filled almond eyes, she looked so pure that no one would suspect her. After all, she was worried enough to shed tears how could she be a villain?

Tang guo knitted her brows, a faint sorrow lingering in her expression. This display of filial piety even made Nanny Fang feel a bit suspicious. Could the black dog’s blood truly have been the result of a stroke?

Tang guo mimicked Zhuyun’s act, wiping away imaginary tears and patting Zhuyun’s back as if to comfort her. “Don’t be scared, Xiaozhu. Mother-in-law is a lucky woman; she’ll be alright.”

Zhuyun couldn’t help but let a slight smile touch her lips. With her teary eyes, she looked incredibly pitiful. She lay in Tangguo’s arms without a shred of guilt, completely unbazed by Mrs. Fang’s fainting spell. Zhuyun had reacted just in time; if she had been a moment slower, Nanny Fang’s bowl of black dog’s blood would have been splashed all over her. Now, Zhuyun had simply returned the favor, so there was no room for guilt.

She obediently echoed Tang guo, who was still trying to comfort her. Holding the gentle warmth of Tang guo in her arms brought a certain satisfaction to her heart.

Nanny Fang and the maids helped Mrs. Fang to the bed. A quick-footed maid had already gone to call a doctor. Nanny Fang then brought in a basin of warm water to clean the filth from Mrs. Fang’s face and change her into clean clothes.

While Nanny Fang was busy inside, Tang guo seized the opportunity to whisper, “How are you going to handle the aftermath?”

Zhuyun had already planned her escape route. She replied softly, “My dear mother is someone who cares about her reputation. Even when she wakes up, she won’t scold me in front of outsiders.”

“Really?”

Zhuyun teased, “Of course it’s true. She’s my mother; how could I not know her? If she wakes up and wants to continue our fight, I’ll be more than happy to oblige. We’ll just have to see if she dares to compete with me again.”

“You must be exhausted.” Tang guo couldn’t help but stroke Zhuyun’s hair and use her handkerchief to dab away the tears at the corners of her eyes. They were both people with difficult lives, cursed with parents who didn’t love them. This endless struggle with their parents was their fate, and it was emotionally draining. Tang guo had temporarily escaped the family’s control by getting married, but what about Zhuyun? Would she have to wait until she got married too?

Dark emotions churned in Tangguo’s eyes. She was unwilling to let Zhuyun go down that path. Marriage wasn’t a good way out. For her, it had been a last resort the only alternative to death. But Zhuyun was different. She had many paths open to her, and no one said that getting married would solve all her problems.

“Guoguo, are you trying to poke my eye out?” Zhuyun yelped, covering her right eye. Tang guo, lost in thought, had accidentally hurt her. Tang guo apologized profusely, “I’m so sorry! Are you alright? Let me see your eye.”

Zhuyun released her hand, revealing a smear of pink like smudged rouge at the corner of her eye, which was very noticeable against her snow-white skin.

Tang guo bit her lip in frustration, her heart aching as she gently blew on the corner of Zhuyun’s eye.

The intense concentration on Tang guo’s face made Zhuyun realize she was the only thing in her eyes. A knowing smile broke across Zhuyun’s face as she said in a soft, sweet voice, “My sister-in-law is so good to me.”

Tang guo’s eyelashes fluttered. Hearing that intimate address, Tang guo instantly understood, as if she had seen through Zhuyun’s trick.

To suddenly call her “sister-in-law” for no reason… if this person didn’t have any ulterior motives, Tang guo would be willing to cut off her own head and let Zhuyun kick it around like a ball!

A subtle and ambiguous tension filled the air between them. Tang guo’s expression was one of gentle rebuke, while Zhuyun’s smile deepened. She asked again, “Why aren’t you talking to me, sister-in-law? Did I upset you somehow?”

Tang guo couldn’t quite figure out Zhuyun’s intentions but was sure she was up to no good. Hearing her use the term “sister-in-law,” Tang guo’s gaze fell to their clasped hands and the close proximity between them. What kind of sisters-in-law were this close? Unless…

Tang guo’s throat bobbed. Her wild fantasies stopped there. A sense of fear took hold, and she didn’t dare to think any further, afraid of unleashing a fierce beast. If that beast were let out, even Tang guo couldn’t guarantee what it would do. Once it was out, it would be dangerous—and terrifying.

Seeing her fall silent, Zhuyun hooked her finger under Tangg uo’s chin, forcing her to look up.

“Why are you ignoring me?”

Tang guo pursed her lips, her eyes full of unspoken words.

Zhuyun couldn’t help but chuckle. She let go of Tang guo’s chin, demurely tucked her hands into her sleeves, and glanced at Tang guo with a smile. “Hmph, then I won’t talk to my sister-in-law either.”

Tang guo’s eyes widened in shock. She watched, flustered, as Zhuyun turned to leave. The arousing fantasy Zhuyun had stirred up was stuck, neither rising nor falling, leaving Tang guo feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

“You… how can you be like this!”

Zhuyun turned back with a mischievous smile that was reflected in Tang guo’s heart. “Like what? I didn’t do anything, you know. Sister-in-law, don’t accuse a good person.”

Tang guo sighed in frustration. She was right; she hadn’t done anything. But she had said those damnable words! They had thrown Tang guo’s heart into a turmoil, and she couldn’t sort out her own thoughts.

Xiaozhu, you’re so bad!

Zhuyun blinked innocently. She was so pitiful; why was everyone accusing her?

“Sigh.”

What are you sighing about? Stop being so dramatic.

Zhuyun stood calmly by the bed, observing the unconscious Mrs. Fang. She said with a smile, “As the saying goes, one thing overcomes another. I overcome my own mother, and my nemesis is that Tang guo.”

[My goodness, how can you say that? You have the order wrong. You’re Tang guo’s nemesis, aren’t you?]

Zhuyun couldn’t hide her amusement. She shot back, “How is she not mine?”

Look at how flustered you’ve made her. She’s no match for you.

Zhuyun pondered this for a moment, then explained, “I wouldn’t say I’m playing with her. I just see how she gets and I really like it. I can’t help but want to be a little bit bad to her. If I were to be a little greedy, I’d say I want all her emotions to be tied to me.”

After speaking her mind, she turned her eyes to Tang guo, who was standing not far away. Zhuyun reached out a hand to her. Tang guo, though reluctant, obediently walked over and stood beside her.

With her wide sleeves concealing her actions, Zhuyun took Tang guo’s hand in full view of everyone. Tang guo glanced at Zhuyun in alarm.

Zhuyun simply smiled without a word. Tang guo hung her head in defeat.

Compared to her, she felt she still had a long way to go.

What kind of heart did this person have? Bold and reckless, she always kept you guessing. And yet… she always managed to make her heart flutter.

Tang guo squeezed her fingertips hard, venting the shame and anger that surged through her.

“The doctor is here! The doctor is here!”

Nanny Fang immediately made way for the doctor. All along, Nanny Fang had never suspected that Zhuyun was responsible. In her mind, she was more inclined to believe Zhuyun’s explanation was true and not just nonsense, because to Nanny Fang, Zhuyun was, after all, Mrs. Fang’s daughter. Even though Zhuyun had been acting strangely recently, her sensible nature from years past was deeply ingrained in Nanny Fang’s mind. So, she never imagined Zhuyun would nonchalantly splash black dog’s blood on Mrs. Fang, and she was still genuinely worried about Mrs. Fang’s health.

“The madam was merely frightened. She needs a few days of rest. I’ll prescribe a dose of calming medicine, and if she takes one bowl daily, she’ll be fully recovered.”

Nanny Fang’s brow furrowed. She asked again, “But is the madam’s body otherwise healthy?”

The doctor looked at the worried Nanny Fang, wondering if the old woman didn’t understand him or if she was going senile.

He let Nanny Fang’s words go in one ear and out the other as he scribbled a prescription with a flourish. Zhuyun took the paper and ordered a servant to get the medicine. After glancing at the prescription, Zhuyun clicked her tongue. Whether it was modern or ancient, she couldn’t read a single word of a doctor’s handwriting. She decided to pass this problem on to the apothecary at the renowned Ji Hall.

“Doctor, when will the madam wake up?”

The doctor shot an annoyed glance at the chattering Nanny Fang and said, “She’ll wake up within the next half-hour.”

Nanny Fang wanted to ask more questions, but the doctor’s impatient look made her realize she might be talking too much. Nanny Fang awkwardly took the consultation fee and prepared to see the doctor out.

With Nanny Fang gone, Zhuyun felt more at ease. She sat by the bed and tucked in Mrs. Fang’s blanket. She said softly, “Fangcao, my mother was frightened into this state today by this black dog’s blood. Do you know who came up with this idea? Why on earth would there be a bowl of this stuff at home? It’s a shame for that little black dog.”

Fangcao, who was one of Mrs. Fang’s personal maids, couldn’t help but look at Zhuyun when she heard the question. Zhuyun was smiling placidly, like a pure white camellia, clear and beautiful.

She had been with Mrs. Fang for many years and knew her mistress’s character. She understood that in Mrs. Fang’s heart, Zhuyun was nothing more than an unloved weed, and her precious darling was naturally Zhutancheng. So, Fangcao played dumb. She knelt on the ground and said truthfully, “This servant doesn’t know anything about that. I’m just a maid who serves the madam. If the madam doesn’t want me to know something, then of course I have to listen to her.”

Zhuyun gave no indication of her thoughts. “That makes sense. Then I won’t pressure you anymore. I’ll just ask mother when she wakes up.”

Perfect. Fangcao’s evasive answer eliminated all other suspects for Zhuyun. She immediately knew who had given Mrs. Fang that bad idea. Who else could Fangcao protect and play dumb for besides Mrs. Fang’s darling? This maid was also loyal; she knew who Mrs. Fang valued most, so why would she sell out Zhutancheng?

Zhuyun walked past Fangcao but then stopped. A light chuckle sent a shiver down Fangcao’s spine.

Fangcao’s lips trembled in unease. What did the young mistress mean? Why did she feel so nervous?

“Young mistress, are you leaving now? Won’t you wait for the madam to wake up?”

Nanny Fang, who had just returned, ran into Zhuyun. Zhuyun’s eyes were smiling, and she looked so good-natured that it even made Nanny Fang offer a stiff smile in return.

Before, Nanny Fang had been so worried about Mrs. Fang that she hadn’t thought about anything else. Now, looking at Zhuyun again, she suddenly remembered the bowl of black dog’s blood.

Zhuyun said nonchalantly, “I’m going back to see if the maids have cleaned my courtyard yet. I don’t want to be bothered by the smell of black dog’s blood.”

The person who had spilled the black dog’s blood on the ground was Nanny Fang. At these words, Nanny Fang awkwardly bowed and dared not say another word, standing to the side with her head bowed.

However, when she saw that Tang guo was also leaving, Nanny Fang blurted out, “Isn’t the young madam staying to serve the madam?”

Zhuyun stopped walking and turned to face Nanny Fang. A cold chill emanated from her deep eyes. Zhuyun asked with a laugh, “She’s been coddled and pampered; how would she know how to serve people? If I made her serve my mother, what good are you for? Are you just here to be an eyesore?”

Nanny Fang was trembling. She didn’t know why Zhuyun was suddenly so angry. Her mother-in-law was ill; shouldn’t the daughter-in-law stay and take care of her? What daughter-in-law didn’t have to go through this?

“This old servant… I am guilty.”

Zhuyun glanced at Nanny Fang, who was acting out of line simply because she was Mrs. Fang’s confidante. Zhuyun scoffed, “My family’s affairs are not for you to meddle in. I’m showing you some respect because you’re an old servant of my mother’s, so don’t take an inch and go for a mile.”

[Tsk tsk tsk, this person is a real idiot. Xiaozhu even dares to fight and scold her own parents, and she still dares to provoke you. Doesn’t she have a death wish?]

“…You’re making me sound like an evil villain. I’ll say it again: I didn’t hit my parents. They willingly took the beating for Zhutancheng, so it has nothing to do with me. I’m the one who beat Zhutancheng.”

Tangguo, of course, had no idea that the impassive woman in front of her was arguing with Agent 857. She looked at Zhuyun with a heart full of joy. She had always wondered what it felt like to be protected and cherished, and now she finally understood. The taste of it was as sweet as honey, making Tangguo feel dizzy and want to applaud Zhuyun.

“Come here.”

Tang guo glanced at the fuming Nanny Fang, who remained silent. She walked to Zhuyun’s side without hesitation, just as she had promised when they first met. She would always be on Zhuyun’s side and always trust her.

Nanny Fang hung her head dejectedly. After Zhuyun and Tang guo left, she rubbed her lower back. The sudden bow she had just made had almost brought back her old injury. It had been a long time since she had been this pathetic.

“Oh, what’s going to happen now? How did such a good young lady suddenly change so much?”

The former young lady had been so good gentle and well-behaved, with only minor temper tantrums that were easily appeased.

Suddenly, she remembered something. The trinkets she had used to appease Zhuyun were all the ones Zhutancheng didn’t want and looked down upon. The best and most exquisite ones had long been picked out by Zhutancheng.

Nanny Fang stood frozen, a mix of emotions flooding her. A pang of pain shot through her heart, making her eyes feel numb.

So, had the young mistress found out that the things she was given to play with were just leftovers? Was that why she had changed so much?

Then, who was really to blame?

“Xiaozhu, this doesn’t seem like the way back.”

Tang guo was being led by the hand. After walking for a bit, she felt something was wrong. Although Tang guo wasn’t very familiar with the other parts of the Zhu family’s residence, she knew the path to Zhuyun’s courtyard very well. She was a little curious now where was Zhuyun going?

Zhuyun raised an eyebrow and said spiritedly, “To see my sickly older brother, of course. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. As his little sister, I should go and show him some concern. We are siblings after all.”

“Huh?” Tang guo listened to her sarcastic tone and, for some reason, felt a hint of sympathy for Zhutancheng. When you’re sick, you should act like a sick person. If you provoke this evil force, aren’t you the one who’s going to suffer in the end? Oh, this evil force is a formidable one. Sometimes even she wasn’t a match for her. How annoying!

Tang guo muttered to herself, puffing out her cheeks and glaring at Zhuyun irritably.

“What is it?” Zhuyun asked, puzzled.

Tang guo said in a strange, mocking voice, “Our Miss Zhu is so powerful and mighty. I wonder who has the ability to tame our Miss Zhu.”

She was clearly still holding a grudge from before. Why should she be the one feeling all flustered and anxious while Zhuyun acted like nothing had happened, leaving her feeling helpless?

The autumn sun filtered through the overlapping leaves, casting a golden light on Zhuyun’s face. It was as if she alone was favored by the sunlight, bathed in its brilliant rays.

Zhuyun smiled. “Don’t you know?”

“Know what?”

“That the person has already been found.”

Tang guo’s eyes dimmed, and a bitterness prevented her from smiling. Tangguo could only muster the last of her courage to act as if nothing was wrong.

“Oh, well, congratulations then.”

Zhuyun pinched her chin and looked her in the eye, a light, clear laugh on her lips. “Why does your ‘congratulations’ sound so insincere?”

Tang guo pouted and scoffed, “You’re so picky. I’ve never met anyone with such high standards.”

“Then aren’t you curious who I’m talking about?”

Tangguo’s eyes flickered. She admitted, “I am. Will you tell me?”

Zhuyun let go of her hand and smiled lazily. “Of course I can tell you. After all, she’s an idiot.”

“Why would you insult her?” Tang guo said indignantly.

Zhuyun sighed, glancing at her. “I’m insulting you.”

As soon as the words left her lips, Zhuyun put both hands in her sleeves and walked forward. Her black hair cascaded down to her waist, and her figure was graceful and captivating. She was as carefree and unrestrained as the wind you couldn’t catch her, but you could feel her presence as she roamed the sky, never stopping for anyone.

“Young mistress, are you crazy? She’s talking about you!”

Tang guo was in a daze, looking at the anxious Ping’er. Tang guo asked, “What? I don’t get it.”

Ping’er stomped her foot in frustration. Was this what they meant by “the bystander sees clearly while the players are lost”? How could such a smart young lady be so stupid about this?

Ping’er gave her a little push and explained, “The ‘idiot’ she was talking about is the person who can tame Miss Zhu. And then Miss Zhu said she was insulting you! She’s telling you that you are the one who can tame her!”

Tang guo stumbled a bit from the push. She quickly steadied herself, and for a moment, her mind cleared. Tang guo’s face broke into a radiant smile. She jogged to catch up to Zhuyun.

Her flying hair and swaying skirt announced her happiness.

Tang guo wrapped her arm around Zhuyun’s. “So I’m the idiot?”

Zhuyun couldn’t help but laugh, the corners of her lips turning up as she shook her head helplessly without saying a word.

“You didn’t even wait for me just now. You just walked away.”

Zhuyun tilted her head. “I haven’t even started spoiling you yet, and you’re already acting like a spoiled brat?”

Tang guo immediately tried to pull her hand away, walking forward on her own in a huff.

“Hey, I didn’t say anything! Who taught you to turn on people so quickly?”

“Come on, come on, keep holding my arm.”

“Huh? Why are you ignoring me?”

“Grandma, please, I’m begging you, talk to me!”

Zhuyun pleaded softly, buzzing around Tang guo like a bee. She was so annoying that Tang guo finally granted her a look, disdainfully pinching Zhuyun’s sleeve and giving a haughty huff.

“Is that all? Just now you were hugging my arm.”

“Then forget it.”

Zhuyun quickly stuffed her sleeve back into Tang guo’s hand. “Don’t, don’t! Whatever you say, I’ll listen!”

Tang guo held back her laughter, not revealing that she had already calmed down. She wanted to teach Zhuyun a lesson so she’d think before she spoke next time.

They were back to normal, but the maid, Ping’er, who had been following them, still looked worried, her heart sinking to the bottom of the sea.

“Young Master, the lung-clearing medicine is ready. Drink it while it’s hot.” Yuanbao brought a bowl of medicine from the side room. Zhutancheng was lying in a rattan chair under the eaves, basking in the sun, feeling very relaxed.

Zhutancheng no longer resisted the medicine he had been drinking for years. He was a married man now, and Tang guo’s beautiful face was always on his mind. Zhutancheng also wanted to get better quickly, if for no other reason than so that Tang guo wouldn’t look down on him.

Suddenly, there was a sound of the door being kicked open. Zhuyun stood at the entrance, her gentle smile unable to mask her murderous intent toward Zhutancheng.

Zhuyun called out “Brother” and walked gracefully towards him. Zhutancheng, with the fastest speed he had ever moved in his life, sat up from the rattan chair. He even forgot to put on his boots. Like a mouse seeing a cat, his actions clearly showed a guilty conscience.

Zhutancheng didn’t even see how Zhuyun got in front of him. All he knew was that his collar was suddenly tight, and Zhuyun had lifted him and put him back where he started. With a gentle toss, Zhutancheng lay limp in the rattan chair.

“You used black dog’s blood to disgust me, didn’t you?”

“Today, I’ll show you my other methods.”

Zhuyun threw a truth talisman into his mouth. People like him only deserved to eat talismans. So Zhuyun picked up the medicine that Yuanbao had just prepared and poured it into his mouth, all while smiling. “You wanted to use black dog’s blood to scare me? How could I possibly let you off the hook?”

“You… you monster!”

Soon, Zhutancheng threw the medicine bowl away and, protected by Yuanbao, escaped.

Zhuyun wiped her fingers. If she hadn’t intentionally loosened her grip, Yuanbao alone couldn’t have saved Zhutancheng.

She smiled faintly and said unhurriedly, “A monster may be scary, but it’s no match for the evil of a human heart. You’d even kill an adorable little black dog. I truly feel inadequate next to you.”

Tonight, just wait for the “Woof Woof” Brigade to come and seek revenge.

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