Empress’ Game: Make-up Master Chapter 33 - The Least Technical Spy

“K-kill people?” Ning’er murmured, repeating the words as though frightened stupid by that sudden sentence.

“Mm. Kill people.” Wu Sheyue wound the hair before her chest around her finger, patiently waiting for Ning’er’s answer.

Wu Sheyue asked this because everything that had happened since she woke up had already confirmed that her new life was set in a dangerous environment. And because of her many years as an assassin, Wu Sheyue had always carried one thought, one idea she constantly remembered: all conflicts could be solved by killing the other party.

Although she was an unqualified assassin, she was still an assassin. If it came to infiltrating and killing, she should be able to manage if she tried her best.

She could see that Ning’er was a simple child, a little careless and sometimes easily startled. Such innocent children were rare in the chancellor’s estate. At the very least, after following a foolish young lady through so many bitter years, there were some things Ning’er ought to know so she could choose for herself.

Ning’er was stunned for a long while before speaking. “Concubine Yin… was killed by the Eighth Prince. Why is it that even when we dutifully stay here, we still cannot avoid being harmed?”

“So—”

Ning’er quickly continued, “If Concubine Yin had not protected us, we would have died long ago. Even if Miss forgot so much, the hatred has not been forgotten, has it? That is why Miss wants to kill them.”

Wu Sheyue looked at Ning’er without speaking. Ning’er thought that although Wu Sheyue had forgotten the past, the hatred produced by those events had appeared along with her clear mind. Wu Sheyue had no way to explain.

Ning’er said firmly, “No matter what Miss wants to do, Ning’er will absolutely never betray Miss.”

Wu Sheyue nodded. What a pity that the original Third Miss no longer has the chance to treat Ning’er well. Then I will do it on her behalf. She smiled at Ning’er. “Good. Then we will think of a way to live well.”

The panic in Ning’er’s heart calmed. Wu Sheyue always gave her a feeling of warmth. That was true. At worst, their lives could not become more difficult than before.

Wu Sheyue promised Ning’er, “From now on, I will not pretend to be mad or foolish, and I will not swallow humiliation. Trust me. When my mind was not working, they could do what they wanted. Now that my mind works, no one should even think of riding on my head. We used to lower our voices and bow our heads. From now on, absolutely not.”

“Mm, mm.” Ning’er nodded excitedly, then asked, “Then… aside from those concubines and misses, will Miss oppose Master and Madam too?”

“At most, not openly.” Wu Sheyue’s eyes moved. “Right. That steward from today. What is he like?”

Since Ning’er had chosen her side, Wu Sheyue would not hide so much from her anymore.

Ning’er thought about it. “I have not really dealt with him… but I have heard other sisters mention him. They say he is a good person and that he does things especially properly. It seems he never makes mistakes.”

Never makes mistakes? That capable? Wu Sheyue smiled and asked, “Who do you think is shrewder, him or Bailian?”

“Bailian? Is there even a comparison? I have heard many young male servants say Bailian is kind, innocent, gentle, weak, and very pretty. But Ning’er and several other sisters all think Bailian is fake and pretentious.”

One useless white lotus, and now an old fox has appeared. The figures in this chancellor’s estate truly come in endless variations. And judging by things, this old steward manages quite a few matters. He will definitely be useful in the future.

“Our days will not be boring from now on.”

—

Early summer days were longer. After dinner, the sky was still very bright, but Jiang Qingxue’s room was dark and unlit.

Jiang Qingxue’s face was heavy as she frowned at Bailian before her.

“After this day, what did you see? What exactly is wrong with her?”

Bailian said, aggrieved, “As soon as Madam left, she immediately made things difficult for me. She made me do dirty work, wipe the floor in the mourning hall, and—”

“Get to the point.” Jiang Qingxue was somewhat impatient. This girl had even come to act pitiful in front of her. She truly had no brains.

“Yes. This servant feels that Third Miss was deliberately tormenting me. She wanted to give me a warning as soon as I arrived. How could someone whose mind has only just recovered do that? Madam, she must have some scheme.”

Jiang Qingxue did not speak. She began carefully considering it.

After a long while, Bailian asked cautiously, “Madam? What should this servant do next? Please guide this servant.”

“Are you certain? Wu Sheyue has a scheme, and it was not accidental?”

“I…” Bailian hesitated. She had known the former Third Miss. If she had to firmly make a conclusion now, she truly could not say. And if she was wrong, Madam would punish her to death.

Jiang Qingxue lowered her head and sipped tea, no longer looking at Bailian. “Investigate for a few more days. No matter what seems wrong, come tell me.”

“This servant understands.” Bailian hesitated. “But Third Miss seems to be guarding against me…”

“Is she guarding against you, or do you merely feel she is? If she is guarding against you, would she still let you come here to pass information? Or could it be… she is so confident she is certain you will find nothing?” Jiang Qingxue scoffed. “Go back and tell her the house physician prescribed tonic medicine. From now on, you will come to me every day to fetch it. That will save you from having a reason today and no excuse tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Bailian quickly agreed. “This servant will test her as soon as possible.”

After Bailian hurried away, Jiang Qingxue sat alone in the chair and poured herself another cup of tea, drinking it leisurely. She gazed into the air before her, her eyes distant, unable to feel settled.

She knew the Old Madam was right. But that was Yin Qiuming’s daughter. Since the matter was suspicious, she had to be cautious. As long as Wu Sheyue had no other intentions, she would let the girl live peacefully in the future. But if someone was directing her, or if she sought death herself, then not even that old woman would get to interfere.

—

Bailian carried the tonic back to the west courtyard. As soon as she entered, she saw Wu Sheyue and Ning’er chatting and laughing.

She placed the medicine on the table respectfully. “Miss, this is the tonic the house physician prescribed. Please drink it while it is hot. Madam said that workers will come first thing tomorrow morning to tidy the courtyard. Miss may go out for a walk tomorrow and return to sleep here at night. If they cannot finish in one day, you may sleep at Madam’s place for one night.”

The bowl of medicine was pitch-black and smelled bitter. Ning’er covered her nose with her hand. This… have they boiled an entire bowl of bitter coptis?

“Fine. I know.” Without changing expression, Wu Sheyue drained the bowl in one go. “Good. Tomorrow I’ll go to Grandmother’s place to mooch food and drink for the day.”

Bailian stared, dumbfounded. She could hardly believe it. That medicine was packed with fierce ingredients. She had carried it in both hands the whole way, unable to cover her nose, and had almost wished she could stop breathing.

Wu Sheyue glanced at her. “Anything else?”

“No, nothing… This servant will withdraw.” Bailian collected the bowl and hurried out.