Chapter 36: Can a woman not be the one to take the initiative?

Meng Qingxuan’s words were filled with self-reproach, yet every syllable was a jab at Xiao Ming, stirring the waters once again with just a few sentences. Her voice was low, yet perfectly audible to those nearby, successfully prompting some of the uninformed scholars in blue robes to whisper and cast judgmental glances in Xiao Ming’s direction. Furthermore, she implied that such "indecent incidents" had never occurred before Xiao Ming’s arrival, while her comment about having "arrived too late" carefully distanced herself from any responsibility.

Xiao Ming smiled. "Indeed, Sister was not there. It was the Mo family’s daughter who listened to the slander of that wicked maid and targeted me for no reason. You are a guest as well; how could I blame you? I never expected you to still be so self-reproachful after all this time. It is my fault for causing you such worry. Please, let me apologize to you today, and I hope you can set your heart at ease."

What Xiao Ming said was exactly what Meng Qingxuan had wanted to hear, but for some reason, it sounded grating to her ears. Although Huaixi had a gentle disposition, she possessed a firm spirit beneath her soft exterior. Seeing Meng Qingxuan’s expression shift, she immediately rose to support Xiao Ming, though her words gave Meng Qingxuan plenty of face: "Miss Meng, your wedding date with my eldest brother is approaching, and you will soon be our sister-in-law. Since that is the case, I will speak from the heart: the previous incident was already an act of indecency by the Mo girl. The fact that our Ling family did not pursue it is already giving her enough face, don't you agree?"

Huaixi had a natural gift for making everyone—regardless of who they were or what group she was in—genuinely fond of her and happy to be around her. Hearing the term "future sister-in-law" and the phrase "our Ling family," Meng Qingxuan’s expression turned complex, a mixture of seven parts delight and three parts alarm.

Yet, how could Meng Qingxuan not know these things? She did not target Xiao Ming out of spite, but after hearing the servant’s report of what happened that rainy night—how the "wretch" had been molested by Mo Shichang, how Ling Zhao had cradled her like a treasure back to the carriage, and how Mo Shichang had suddenly become a cripple for no reason—she knew the cause behind it all too well. In Meng Qingxuan’s eyes, Ling Zhao had always been cold and aloof, distant from everyone. To see such an unreachable man dote so tenderly upon a merchant’s daughter made her hate Xiao Ming even more.

"Sister Huaixi is right," Meng Qingxuan replied with a faint smile. After brushing Huaixi aside, she turned back to Xiao Ming. "Sister is dressed so exquisitely today that even I cannot help but look twice. I imagine the young nobles are all quite bewitched by you? I wonder which young man you have set your sights on? Our Marquis of Yongchang manor would be happy to support you when the time comes."

Some things cannot be picked apart too thinly. Take the Dowager Lady Ling, for instance; at over seventy, having weathered countless storms, she was not so much cold-hearted as she was profoundly enlightened. One glance at Xiao Ming’s attire told her everything. But it suited her purpose—as long as Xiao Ming did not marry Ling Zhao, she didn't care who else might take an interest in her. Thus, she turned a blind eye; otherwise, would she have tolerated Xiao Ming’s schemes? In truth, the Dowager and Meng Qingxuan shared the same goal: they only wanted Xiao Ming to leave the Ling household of her own accord. However, Meng Qingxuan was still too immature and impatient. By resorting to provocation and using the word "bewitched," the implications changed entirely.

Sure enough, Ling Zhao’s face darkened. "Grandstanding."

Meng Qingxuan’s words were clearly meant to provoke her. Xiao Ming felt a surge of annoyance, but what truly displeased her was Ling Zhao. If Meng Qingxuan was acting out of petty jealousy, that was one thing, but what right did he have to criticize her? She stepped forward half a pace and challenged, "I wonder who the General is referring to?"

Ling Zhao had not expected the woman to dare press the matter in public, and he felt his composure slipping. "Do not let your imagination run wild."

"What have I imagined?"

In the past, Xiao Ming had feared him and was always cautious in his presence. But having been through so much, she had become reckless. She no longer pressed him about her parents' affairs, and had even hinted—both openly and subtly—that he should stop investigating, meaning their previous agreement was now void. He also knew long ago that she was no paragon of virtue. On that rainy night, she had been almost entirely undressed before him. Today, she was merely dressed beautifully, hoping to find a proper man and carve out a path for herself—was that any of his business?

Could a woman not be proactive? Xiao Ming felt that Huaixi was right; today was a game, and she was the one in control. She enjoyed seeing these young nobles flocking to her like moths to a flame. And not just the nobles, but the successful scholar she had set her sights on. She would make him her own.

"Big Brother, that Lady Li is vulgar and crude; nothing is even settled yet, and she is already coveting Sister Xiao’s property," Huaixi’s younger brother, Huaining, finally chimed in once he had finished eating.

"I am not concerned; it is only that her attire is garish. There are honored guests in the palace today, and she is bringing shame to the Ling family." Ling Zhao picked up his teacup and took a sip, his expression appearing somewhat more relaxed.

At these words, Xiao Ming could no longer restrain herself. "Then I shall not spoil the General’s mood further. Excuse me."

She walked off, summoned Chun'er and Qingzhu, and the three of them whispered for a moment. Qingzhu looked troubled, but Chun'er’s eyes sparkled, and in the end, Qingzhu nodded. Xiao Ming’s spirits lifted instantly, the previous gloom swept away, and she departed like a gust of wind. Huaining and Huaixi did not understand what was happening, but seeing her smile put them at ease.

As expected, Xiao Ming was late for the meal. She did not know what she had been doing, but when she entered the Wuguan Hall, she was busy pinning up her hair. It was a hurried affair, but fortunately, the Dowager Concubine Shu had arrived in person, and everyone was busy with seating arrangements, so no one noticed her. Huaining was pulled to the front by the eldest mistress of the Ling family, forced to show his face before the Dowager Concubine. Huaixi had saved a seat for Xiao Ming, and since neither of them cared to push themselves forward at such a time, they retreated to a corner to chat.

Seeing her sit down, Huaixi whispered, "You were nowhere to be found after the banquet concluded. Where did you go?"

"I went down the mountain," Xiao Ming said with a smile.

Having been angered by Ling Zhao, she had no interest in remaining at the banquet. Rather than being looked at with disdain, it was better to slip away. She had successfully excused herself, claiming to be unwell, just as the Dowager Lady Ling was deep in conversation with the Dowager Concubine and several prominent ladies of the capital.

Qingzhu had been stationed at the temple room to keep watch while she and Chun'er went down the mountain to purchase a set of men’s clothing. Disguised as students preparing for the academy examinations, they had inquired about the situation. Even though the academy was filled with scholars, the intelligence in the capital was unparalleled; in just one afternoon, she had gained a clear understanding of the "great trends of the world." She even found time to compile a "Golden Bachelor" ranking of the capital’s eligible noble sons and the talented scholars from the Hanlin Academy.

Huaixi was amused to the point of laughter by her antics. Today, due to the presence of the Dowager Concubine Shu, the Wuguan Hall was bustling with activity. The Dowager Concubine was surrounded by ladies, talking, laughing, and joking. Taking the opportunity, Huaixi and Xiao Ming slipped away early and crept back to the temple room.

After they had washed up, Xiao Ming sat cross-legged on the guest bed in the sleeping quarters, picked up a brush and silk paper, and began to analyze the situation in earnest.

"Sister, this ranking of the noble sons is for you," Xiao Ming said with a mischievous grin.

"Oh?" Huaixi teased, putting down her book and saying seriously, "Then I must hear your expert opinion."