The Villain Has A Yuri Halo [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 62

Fu Zhiqing had been terrified of alerting the two figures ahead, suppressing her coughs the entire way. Now, after enduring for so long, the dry cough finally erupted. As soon as she finished speaking, she leaned against the doorframe and began to cough, her head bowed. Her numb expression and indifferent gaze betrayed her utter helplessness. Trapped by her chronic illness, she saw no escape but to resign herself to fate.

A wave of pity washed over Li Ju’s eyes—not romantic love, but genuine heartache for Fu Zhiqing’s suffering. Even knowing Fu Zhiqing would eventually recover, she couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else enduring this torment in her place.

Li Ju rushed over, her expressive eyes fixed on Fu Zhiqing, radiating concern.

With her delicate features and gentle, obedient nature, Li Ju’s luminous eyes conveyed her thoughts clearly. Though she couldn’t speak, Fu Zhiqing always understood her unspoken words.

She was obedient and sensible, meticulously following Fu Wanbai’s instructions. Yet even this version of Li Ju was treated as a mere object by Fu Wanbai—a trivial plaything unworthy of her attention.

The memory of what she had just witnessed filled Fu Zhiqing with resentment.

She hated her own helplessness, which had endangered her mother and nearly subjected Li Ju to mistreatment.

Fu Zhiqing had never believed Madam Lü’s words. It was only because she had overheard Fu Wanbai planning to take Li Ju to see Madam Lü that she had forced herself to follow them, despite her weakened state.

She feared Madam Lü would continue to spread her lies, and her instincts proved correct. Had she not intervened, Li Ju would have been left behind by Fu Wanbai.

Fu Zhiqing shook her head and croaked, “I’m fine.”

Li Ju sometimes hated being mute, unable to voice the curses simmering in her heart. How could Fu Zhiqing possibly be fine? She’s practically coughing up tears!

Without hesitation, Li Ju adopted a stern, disciplinary tone, scolding Fu Zhiqing.

“It’s freezing outside! How could you forget your cloak?”

To Fu Zhiqing, Li Ju’s serious demeanor resembled that of a mountain sparrow.

She remembered a time when she was young, climbing the mountain to gather medicinal herbs. There, she had spotted a plump mountain sparrow with black feathers on its head and tail, its body as white as snow.

Perched on a branch, the bird cocked its head and stared at Fu Zhiqing, as if warning her to keep her distance. Little did it know, its plump, endearing form had no power to frighten anyone away; on the contrary, it made people want to cradle it in their hands.

But Fu Zhiqing understood that this mountain sparrow belonged to the forest, and she couldn’t harm such a creature.

Her gaze softened, her weary eyes becoming as gentle as water. She murmured, “I was in such a hurry, I forgot.”

Li Ju pursed her lips and, standing on tiptoe, brushed a snowflake from Fu Zhiqing’s hair.

She looked up at the sky. So it’s snowing already.

“Mother, let’s go back.”

Fu Zhiqing turned her gaze to Fu Wanbai. In the silent exchange between mother and daughter, Fu Wanbai was the first to look away. She sensed her daughter’s displeasure, and her hands clenched silently in her sleeves.

As Fu Wanbai remained silent, Fu Zhiqing smiled faintly. This time, she turned her attention to Madam Lü, the woman Fu Wanbai clung to like a lifeline.

Madam Lü was a plump woman with a kind face and gentle eyes—a fitting description for her. Her perpetually smiling face made her approachable, and her silver tongue could convince the dead to rise again. Her warmth had earned her the adoration of those beyond medical help, and Madam Lü’s fame had spread throughout Quanyang County, where she was revered as a celestial being.

An immortal? Not necessarily.

Fu Zhiqing believed in the existence of immortals, but she was certain that Madam Lü was not one of them.

If she truly were an immortal, why wouldn’t she intervene to correct the world’s injustices? Why resort to deceiving people with her silver tongue?

This was Fu Zhiqing’s first encounter with Madam Lü. She smiled calmly and said, “Madam Lü, I heard everything you said to my mother just now. Xiao Ju has been with me for a month. If she carries the ‘turbid energy’ you mentioned, it must be because of me. As long as I live, this energy will persist. So, I won’t trouble you to dispel it. Xiao Ju will come home with me.”

Fu Zhiqing’s demeanor was impeccable, her movements graceful and measured. There was no hint of her resentment toward Madam Lü.

Madam Lü’s expression remained unchanged as she studied Fu Zhiqing with unfathomable eyes. Then, turning to Fu Wanbai, she spoke with profound meaning: “Her eyes are clear and bright, her features refined. Even a grave illness couldn’t diminish her spirit. She was born with the grace of moonlight and the beauty of dawn, a truly remarkable woman. It’s such a pity…”

Madam Lü’s regret pierced Fu Wanbai’s heart. More than anyone, Fu Wanbai knew how extraordinary her daughter was. Precisely because she held such high hopes for Fu Zhiqing, she couldn’t accept the fact that her daughter’s life was nearing its end.

Tears streamed down Fu Wanbai’s face as she pleaded, “Madam Lü, please don’t blame Zhiqing for her rudeness. I’ve cherished every word of your teachings. I’ll make Xiao Ju stay, and I’ll even make Zhiqing take the pill! Just please save my daughter.”

Madam Lü smiled, smoothed her sleeves, and slowly retrieved the pill she had intended to give Fu Wanbai. With pointed emphasis, she said, “Madam Fu, sincerity of heart brings fulfillment.”

Fu Wanbai desperately tried to stop Madam Lü from leaving, but the woman had already turned away. Her words were a clear rebuke, implying that Fu Wanbai’s lack of genuine sincerity was why the pill had been withheld.

Fu Wanbai realized all her efforts had been wasted. What had been the point of her daily smiles and obsequious devotion to Madam Lü if not for this very pill?

Her face remained expressionless as she glared at Li Ju, even her most beloved daughter now bearing the brunt of her anger.

Without a word, she turned and walked home alone.

Fu Zhiqing frowned, glancing sideways at Li Ju. “Hide behind me later,” she instructed.

Li Ju, terrified, clutched Fu Zhiqing’s sleeve, shrinking uneasily beside her.

“Could it be this isn’t acting? Could it be her true feelings showing through? I’d almost prefer Fu Wanbai hit and scold me! Physical pain I can endure, but Fu Wanbai’s mental attacks are her specialty! Just the thought of her staring at me with that world-weary face, scrutinizing my every move, makes me want to grab a gun and blast her! Fu Wanbai really is like a vengeful spirit clinging to my back! How does the female lead even tolerate having her as a mother?”

Li Ju frowned, puzzled. Fu Zhiqing coughed a few times and reassured her, “Mother’s just angry with me. Don’t be afraid.”

Li Ju pressed her forehead against Fu Zhiqing’s shoulder, feeling wronged. It was true that Fu Wanbai was angry with her, but Fu Zhiqing was her precious darling! Fu Wanbai would never dare to lose her temper at her. In the end, who would bear the brunt of the scolding? It would be Li Ju herself, of course!

“Let’s go. I’ll take care of everything.”

Li Ju asked, Why don’t you want me to stay here?

Fu Zhiqing’s beautiful eyes curved slightly, but her expression was mocking.

She exhaled a warm breath, watching the swirling snowflakes. “If she truly possessed such extraordinary abilities, why would she remain in Shangyang Village? She would have been invited as an honored guest by the powerful long ago.”

Li Ju admired her clarity and rationality, but a faint bitterness lingered in her heart.

Sometimes, it’s better to be a little foolish. Someone as rational as Fu Zhiqing would only suffer.

Li Ju flashed a radiant smile and gave Fu Zhiqing a thumbs-up.

“What does that mean? Are you praising me?” Fu Zhiqing asked, tilting her head.

Li Ju nodded vigorously, then gently guided the weakened Fu Zhiqing out the wooden door.

Fu Zhiqing chuckled softly. She had heard and seen countless instances of flattery and insincere praise, each more elaborate than the last. Yet this was the first time she had encountered such a simple form of commendation—a mere thumbs-up. How utterly charming, she thought.

As they walked home, the snow fell heavier. Li Ju wished the road could stretch on forever, just to avoid facing Fu Wanbai’s wrath.

But even the longest road has an end. They arrived home.

Li Ju pushed the door open like a thief, her eyes immediately landing on Fu Wanbai standing under the eaves of the main house. What terrified her even more was the long disciplinary ruler in Fu Wanbai’s hand. The sight nearly made Li Ju’s soul flee her body.

She’s brought out the ruler?!

This can’t be happening!

Is it too late to run back to Madam Lü’s place?!

“Zhiqing, come here.”

Li Ju turned to Fu Zhiqing in shock, only to see her brush the snow from her shoulders and respond with a calm, “Yes, Mother.”

Li Ju grabbed Fu Zhiqing’s sleeve, but Fu Zhiqing shook her off.

A storm brewed in Fu Wanbai’s eyes, her face twisted with fury.

Without hesitation, Fu Wanbai struck Fu Zhiqing’s back with the ruler, her voice choked with emotion. “Do you even realize what you’ve done?! You’ve thrown your life away! All my efforts to appease Madam Lü were for you! Zhiqing, what’s with this stubborn pride? Your life is on the line, yet you still look down on Madam Lü? I sent you to school, poured my heart and soul into you—is this how you repay me?!”

Fu Zhiqing remained smiling, her voice soft. “Mother, if I hadn’t stopped you, Madam Lü would have completely bewitched you, stripping you of your reason. Strike me if you must. After all, my life is already worthless.”

The moment Fu Wanbai raised the ruler to strike Fu Zhiqing’s back, Li Ju’s heart leaped into her throat. She rushed forward, shielding Fu Zhiqing from the second blow. And it really hurt!

Pushing Fu Zhiqing behind her, Li Ju frantically waved her hands, pleading with Fu Wanbai to stop.

Don’t hit her! I was counting on Fu Zhiqing to give me a few good years!

Fu Zhiqing had died at seventeen, but she was only thirteen now! She still had four years of good times ahead of her!

Seeing the situation, Fu Zhiqing tried to stop Li Ju, but the tickle in her throat and the pain in her chest forced her to double over, coughing violently.

Li Ju’s heart felt like it was about to shatter. Why are you hitting her? Fu Zhiqing was so frail! What if she got seriously hurt?

Too disgusted to look at the crazed Fu Wanbai any longer, Li Ju kicked open the bedroom door and helped Fu Zhiqing back to her room.

She rushed back and forth, pouring water and feeding her medicine.

Li Ju desperately wanted to yell at Fu Wanbai. For the past month, she had been caring for Fu Zhiqing like a delicate porcelain doll. Where else could you find such a devoted servant and wife, all in one? Even as the villain, she couldn’t bring herself to harm Fu Zhiqing. Why was Fu Wanbai trying to steal her villainous role?

Li Ju didn’t want to comment on System 666’s crude analogy. She let Fu Zhiqing lean against her chest and gently moistened her throat with warm water. Watching the faint blush on her pale cheeks, brought on by the coughing, Li Ju tenderly wiped the beads of water from the corners of her lips with a handkerchief.

Her voice hoarse, she asked, “Does it hurt?”

Li Ju gently stroked Fu Zhiqing’s back. Fu Zhiqing closed her eyes weakly and said with remorse, “I’m sorry. Being with me always brings you hardship.”

Leaning against a soft pillow, Li Ju combed through Fu Zhiqing’s long hair with her fingers, stroking it rhythmically. Her presence was more soothing than any medicine; Fu Zhiqing drifted off to sleep in Li Ju’s arms without even realizing it.

The bedroom was quiet, the gray basin beside the low couch emitting wisps of warmth.

Li Ju cradled Fu Zhiqing, her fingertips lingering on her shoulder. Her thoughts weren’t on anyone else, but on Madam Lü.

That Madam Lü is so strange and unsettling. She doesn’t seem like a good person at all.

Li Ju sighed. Though the Fu Family had few members, Fu Wanbai alone could match ten people. She was like a landmine ready to explode at any moment, without warning.

After resting on the low couch for a while, Li Ju carefully disentangled herself from Fu Zhiqing. While Fu Zhiqing could sleep in, Li Ju couldn’t afford to. Despite her official status, Fu Wanbai still treated her like an outsider. Li Ju couldn’t let her guard down, lest the landmine detonate indiscriminately.

She quietly closed the door, glanced at the smoking chimney, and headed to the kitchen.

Fu Wanbai was chopping vegetables with a grim expression. Li Ju brought over a stool and added firewood to the stove.

“How is Zhiqing…?”

Li Ju closed her eyes, pressed her palms together, and placed them beside her ear, signaling to Fu Wanbai that Zhiqing was asleep.

Fu Wanbai sighed in relief. The deep furrow between her brows, etched by years of frowning, revealed her sentimental nature.

“Keep a close eye on Zhiqing tonight,” she said. “Don’t let your sleep interfere with your care for her.”

Li Ju cursed inwardly, but maintained a docile smile. She nodded without protest, projecting an image of meekness and good temper.

Fu Wanbai, realizing she had acted rashly earlier, explained awkwardly, “I’ve been desperate for Zhiqing to recover quickly. They say Madam Lü is skilled, so I had no choice but to seek her help. Zhiqing’s lack of understanding is one thing, but she threw a tantrum in front of Madam Lü! In a fit of anger, I used the disciplinary ruler.”

Li Ju played along, knowing she was a mute girl. If she couldn’t speak, she might as well be a smiling mascot.

Fu Wanbai continued, “I didn’t hit hard. It didn’t hurt you too much, did it?”

What could Li Ju say? She shook her head, of course.

Fu Wanbai forced an embarrassed smile and resumed her work.

Where Fu Wanbai couldn’t see, Li Ju glared coldly at her, silently flipping her the middle finger in contempt.

Li Ju tossed a piece of firewood into the stove. The flames illuminated her beautiful face, but the heat couldn’t melt the icy glint in her eyes.

She needed to find something for Fu Wanbai to do.

To keep her from meddling all day long.

Madam Lü reclined lazily on a low couch, a maid kneeling at her feet, massaging her legs. She lived a life of pampered ease, like a celestial being.

“Has Madam Fu come today?” she asked.

The maid’s hands paused mid-stroke. “Madam Fu hasn’t come today either,” she replied in a voice barely louder than a mosquito’s buzz.

Madam Lü arched her delicate eyebrows, incredulous. She pushed herself up to a sitting position with a hand. “It’s been three days! That Fu woman still hasn’t come? How could she not come?”

“Madam, should I go to the Fu Family to inquire?” The maid had been purchased by Madam Lü several years ago. Back then, Madam Lü’s act of buying a servant had been a rare spectacle in Shangyang Village, proof of her family’s wealth—so rich they could afford even servants.

Madam Lü rejected the suggestion, her eyes narrowing coldly. “No need. I have other tasks for you.” She crooked a finger, and the maid leaned in, understanding her mistress’s unspoken command.

The next day at noon, a loud knocking echoed at the Fu Family’s gate.

Li Ju pretended not to hear, but the persistent knocking outside infuriated her, prompting her to throw a few angry air punches.

Annoying! Why come calling in the dead of winter? Can’t they see I’m busy washing clothes?!

Li Ju’s face darkened. By the time she opened the gate, she had already reverted to her usual timid expression.

As Li Ju saw the woman standing outside the door, a flicker of darkness crossed her eyes.

Liu Xuandie offered a graceful smile. Though her delicate features weren’t perfectly refined, she was undeniably striking. Having received several years of education, her demeanor radiated an elegance as refined as an orchid.

Li Ju had met her a few times before, and each time, she felt an uncanny familiarity. To put it simply, Liu Xuandie and Fu Zhiqing seemed to share the same character archetype. Moreover, Liu Xuandie was Fu Zhiqing’s cousin, though she had rarely visited the Fu family since Fu Zhiqing’s biological father was dismissed.

Liu Xuandie greeted Li Ju with a warm smile. “Is my aunt at home?”

Li Ju nodded, then hesitated, withdrawing her hand. What’s the point of gesturing if she can’t understand me?

But Liu Xuandie surprised her. “I understand sign language,” she said. “When my cousin and I studied at the private school, the teacher had a servant named Uncle Ya who was very kind to us poor farm girls. Over time, my cousin learned sign language, and I picked up a little from her.”

Li Ju blinked. The more she talks, the more she sounds like Fu Zhiqing… especially her tone and that smile.

Could it be… Liu Xuandie has a secret crush on Fu Zhiqing?!

This dynasty wasn’t bound by rigid rules like its predecessors. Even the Empress had both male and female consorts. When the current Holy One ascended the throne, he reformed the Imperial Examination system in honor of his late mother, overcoming fierce opposition to allow women to participate.

This year marks the Holy One’s seventeenth year on the throne. Women now hold official positions in court, and the dynasty no longer imposes the harsh restrictions on women that characterized previous eras.

With such freedom, a golden age naturally followed.

As Li Ju explained, Liu Xuandie asked anxiously, “Is Aunt Wanbai ill? Has she seen a doctor? She was perfectly fine just yesterday—how did she suddenly fall sick?”

Li Ju innocently shook her head, refusing to admit she had slipped croton powder into Fu Wanbai’s food.

Liu Xuandie didn’t have time to linger. She rushed off to see Fu Wanbai, acting as if they were old friends.

Li Ju dutifully closed the door, tucked her hands into her sleeves, and prepared to return to the kitchen to continue washing clothes with hot water.

She wasn’t foolish enough to use cold water, preferring to chop extra firewood instead.

Before long, Liu Xuandie returned, her eyes red-rimmed.

Li Ju heard her footsteps and looked up curiously.

The kitchen was steamy and warm—a welcome refuge from the cold.

Li Ju’s clothes weren’t new, nor were they brightly colored. The dull, dark brown was practical and stain-resistant. She had deliberately changed into this apron-like garment to protect her inner layers from getting dirty.

Even in her worn, dark brown apron, Li Ju’s delicate, peach-blossom complexion glowed with youthful vitality. She sat on a stool, a small, adorable figure.

Seeing Li Ju like this, Liu Xuandie couldn’t help but smile. She leaned in solicitously and said, “Let me help you. After all, you’re my little sister-in-law now.”

Li Ju stared blankly at her, wondering if this was a veiled insult. Wary, she politely declined and continued washing clothes, feigning demure shyness.

“Are these your cousin’s?” Liu Xuandie asked. “How awful, having to wash your own clothes and your cousin’s too. Your aunt isn’t short on money—why doesn’t she hire another servant to help you?”

Li Ju noticed movement behind the bedroom door across the courtyard. She stood up, wiped her hands dry, smiled at Liu Xuandie, pointed vaguely, and decisively walked away.

She had no patience for Liu Xuandie’s nagging. This time, her villainous plot was aimed squarely at the male lead. She had no real grudge against the female lead—just a touch of envy and jealousy. Why bother antagonizing her? This time, she was going to torment the male lead!

Liu Xuandie’s smile faded, her dark eyes becoming unfathomable. She stared intently at Li Ju’s retreating figure, then glanced at the noticeably thinner Fu Zhiqing. An indescribable emotion stirred within her.

“Cousin,” Fu Zhiqing called out, her clear, gentle gaze fixed on Liu Xuandie. Her eyes held no trace of resentment toward Liu Xuandie for her father’s despicable actions.

Liu Xuandie replied, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, “Cousin, I’m just relieved you don’t mind my sudden visit.”

“You’ve always been sensible, unlike my father,” Fu Zhiqing said. “We’re family, after all. Why would I blame you?” She coughed after speaking, and Li Ju gestured toward the side room, her expression helpless. Let’s talk inside. It’s freezing out here.

Liu Xuandie hurried over, her voice filled with self-reproach. “I was so thoughtless! I completely forgot about your health.”

She took Fu Zhiqing’s arm from Li Ju, her warm fingers brushing casually across the back of Li Ju’s hand. Casting a sidelong glance at Li Ju, Liu Xuandie teased with a playful smile, “Little Cousin-in-law, you won’t mind me bothering your cousin, will you?”

Li Ju’s innocent smile faltered.

At that moment, System 666’s voice echoed in her mind:

Li Ju glanced subtly at Fu Zhiqing, having heard System 666’s words.

Tsk tsk, the female lead isn’t even dead yet, and her cousin is already trying to seduce me? This plot, this development…

Still the same old story: everyone’s a villain!