Reborn As The Wicked Little Sister-in-Law - Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Softening Heart Unwilling to Twist the Knife

Zou Shengshan had spoken up originally to avoid conflict with Wei Chengyan, but Wei Chengyan had seen far too many “Green Tea” tricks in the manor. She interpreted Zou Shengshan’s words as a direct provocation.

The good mood she had when she stepped out was utterly destroyed. Wei Chengyan’s fury flared; she strode toward Zou Shengshan, intent on teaching her a lesson, but was fortunately intercepted by Mu Yan.

Had he not intervened, it might have been better; his interference only made Wei Chengyan more livid.

There were “fox spirits” at home, and now there was one by Mu Yan’s side as well.

“Mu Yan, you used to ignore those fox spirits who threw themselves at you. What is wrong with you now?”

Lü Guiyan stepped forward, feigning an attempt to soothe Wei Chengyan. “Heir, I believe Miss Zou is not the kind of person you describe.”

“Hmph. Given the kind of person you are, of course you wouldn’t think ill of your own kind.”

A single sentence, two insults. Lü Guiyan put on a look of deep grievance.

Zou Shengshan genuinely considered Lü Guiyan a friend. She had learned of Lü Guiyan’s identity from Jing Hongyi the day before and felt pity that such a young woman had been forced to become a concubine.

“You are the Heir of the Pingyang Mansion. You may scold me, but Miss Lü is your father’s concubine—she is your elder. How can you speak to her like that?”

Faced with Zou Shengshan speaking up for her, Lü Guiyan felt a pang of guilt. She had intentionally engineered this situation, yet Zou Shengshan was defending her.

Wei Chengyan was seething. How dare a lowly flower-seller interfere in her family matters?

“What do you think you are, daring to lecture me?”

Mu Yan spoke in a cold voice, “Chengyan! Miss Zou is kindly reminding you—if others knew you spoke to your own elder this way, what would they think of the Pingyang Mansion?”

Mu Yan’s voice forced Wei Chengyan to calm down, but it also made her realize that Zou Shengshan was different from the usual women who clung to Mu Yan. She felt a sense of crisis.

“Mu Yan, you have always understood my struggles. You know why I say the things I do.”

Lü Guiyan silently flipped through the “script” in her mind to recall why Wei Chengyan had fallen for Mu Yan.

Wei Chengyan had been neglected since childhood. Other wealthy ladies and youths in the capital mocked her for overestimating herself—a woman trying to snatch the title of Heir. Only Mu Yan understood her and told her not to give up.

Over time, Mu Yan realized life was difficult for her in the manor. It was actually he who had advised her behind the scenes to win over several concubines to create a balance of power. Consequently, Wei Chengyan viewed Mu Yan as her personal possession; she allowed no one else to touch him.

After reading this, Lü Guiyan felt a quiet sadness in her heart. Sigh, she’s just someone starved for love…

Ahem, don’t forget the Azure Glaze Crimson Fire.

Qi Yun’s reminder caused Lü Guiyan to instantly retract her sympathy. The curse’s backlash was too painful to risk.

Mu Yan pitied Wei Chengyan, but her increasingly extreme personality over the last few years had left him disappointed.

“I know your difficulties, but that is no excuse for speaking without restraint.”

Being scolded by Mu Yan for the first time felt like a knife to Wei Chengyan’s heart. Her face went blank, stunned by what she had just heard. She choked out, “Mu Yan, even you think I’m wrong?”

Zou Shengshan added, “Heir, Master Mu didn’t mean it that way.”

“Shut up! This is all because of you!”

Hearing the extreme difference in tone toward Mu Yan versus Zou Shengshan, Lü Guiyan had to admire how quickly Wei Chengyan could shift her emotions.

Seeing her like this, Mu Yan grew angry at her lack of sense. As the Heir of a Marquis, she was acting like a petty, jealous girl.

“Do not forget your status. There are things you simply cannot say. Stay here and reflect on yourself.”

With that, he turned and led Zou Shengshan away, leaving behind a tearful Wei Chengyan and a guilty-looking Lü Guiyan.

While Lü Guiyan was debating whether to comfort her, Qi Yun urged her to add fuel to the fire.

Go on, say a few things. The worse her mood gets, the better.

Isn’t it a bit cruel to kick someone while they’re down? Lü Guiyan felt a bit of hesitation.

Don’t forget, you aren’t a ‘good’ person. You can’t finish this mission with a kind heart.

Fine. Since Lü Guiyan was playing the role of the “wicked Green Tea step-mother” (minor concubine).

“Heir, don’t be sad. I’ve heard Master Mu Yan is kind to everyone. He only pities Miss Zou; he won’t actually develop feelings for her.”

Lü Guiyan understood Wei Chengyan’s personality. This was a girl who trusted no one, wrapping her heart so tightly that no one but Mu Yan was allowed near. She had her own way of interpreting things; the more someone tried to comfort her right now, the more she would feel they were out to get her.

If Wei Chengyan had an indifferent or calm heart, these “Green Tea” remarks wouldn’t hurt her. Unfortunately, she deep down craved care, yet believed no one truly cared for her.

Wei Chengyan looked at Lü Guiyan coldly and hissed, “Stop being so hypocritical. You’re thrilled to see me like this, aren’t you?”

“I… to be honest, I’m not that happy.”

That was the truth. Lü Guiyan had always been a decent person. After fifty years of being exploited in her past life, she thought she could handle a “villain” role, but in the end, her conscience couldn’t take it.

“Don’t use those words to coax me. I know deep down you look down on me just like everyone else. And I look down on you the same way—selling your whole life for money. Lowly!”

Lü Guiyan understood Wei Chengyan’s mindset and didn’t feel the slightest bit angry at the insult.

“Then this ‘lowly’ person won’t disturb your flower-viewing any longer.”

She had achieved her goal. Staying to watch Wei Chengyan’s heartbreak would only make her heart softer.

But Qi Yun wasn’t satisfied. If that’s how you ‘twist the knife,’ it’ll take forever for her to turn dark.

Lü Guiyan figured Wei Chengyan’s descent into darkness didn’t depend solely on her; she was just a minor character. So, she gave up on further provocation for now.

I’ll deal with it back at the manor. As long as I stay away from Wei Chengyan and just cause trouble on Auntie Lan’s side, it’ll be fine.

Yanyan, I warned you about the consequences of failure. Be careful. Don’t go soft like you did the last two times.

I know. Thank you, Qi Yun

Lü Guiyan was conflicted. Constantly firing shots at Wei Chengyan felt wrong. But the thought of becoming a Tool Spirit forced her to be ruthless and do things that went against her conscience.

Lü Guiyan walked aimlessly down a small path, watching the shadows of the trees swaying in the wind. She suddenly envied the willow trees; they only had to bloom in season without worrying about anything else.

She thought a second life would be wonderful, yet by the second day, she felt miserable.

Qi Yun, why did you become a Tool Spirit?

Qi Yun didn’t answer immediately. After a while, she said: I told you already. You run out of chances and fail the mission, you become a Tool Spirit.

I mean, did you give up on a mission voluntarily, or did you just fail?

Qi Yun stopped responding.

Lü Guiyan understood. It seemed Qi Yun had given up on herself.

Lü Guiyan stood under the willow tree for a long time, thinking things through until she found her resolve. She did not want to become a Tool Spirit. Therefore, she had to erase her conscience and complete the mission.

“Wei Chengyan, I’m sorry. Life is just this cruel. I hope your next life is everything you want it to be.”

Lü Guiyan turned back. Wei Chengyan was already gone from the riverbank. She thought to herself: Is she hiding somewhere to cry?