The scheme

Dongfang Lizhu's expression stiffened. She had come to demand an explanation, but Dongfang Minghui's words reminded her that she had always been known for being gentle and virtuous. How could she behave so harshly?

"Ninth Sister, you've misunderstood me. You rushed out without warning, and that was extremely dangerous. Fortunately, those wretched servants knew you were their mistress. What if someone too blind to recognize you had injured you by mistake? How would we have dealt with that? Besides, I don't understand why you took the punishment for that bitch this time."

Dongfang Minghui snorted in disdain. "Why would I take her punishment? I simply wasn't watching where I was going after we parted and accidentally ran into a tree."

Even as she said it, she knew this excuse would not dispel Dongfang Lizhu's suspicions.

Dongfang Minghui suddenly felt she needed to find a way to pin all the foolish things she had done to The Female Lead on this venomous woman. Let her taste what it was like to take the blame for someone else.

This woman had always used her as a pawn. Why couldn't she give her a taste of her own medicine?

"Fourth Sister, this was all my fault. I let that bitch escape disaster. We'll have to come up with another way to deal with her." Dongfang Minghui took the blame of her own accord, speaking against her conscience and looking thoroughly frustrated.

Seeing her like this, Dongfang Lizhu's suspicions eased somewhat. "There are plenty of opportunities. The only question is whether you'll dare to act."

Dongfang Minghui's face lit up. She eagerly caught Dongfang Lizhu's hand and wheedled, "My dear Fourth Sister, hurry up and tell me. You know it's either her or me. How dare she compete with me for a man? I'll torment her to death."

Dear The Female Lead, please don't take offense. I'm only doing this to fool the enemy and lower her guard. Dongfang Minghui tearfully repented in her heart.

Seeing that she had finally regained something of her old self, Dongfang Lizhu beckoned her closer and whispered, "The last time our cousin saw her, he seemed rather taken with her. Why don't we give things a little push and help him get what he wants? Wouldn't that be nice?"

Dongfang Minghui was startled. "You mean our cousin?"

Dongfang Lizhu nodded. "He seems to listen to you. If you handle this, the plan is sure to succeed."

"No problem. Just wait patiently for my good news, Fourth Sister."

After cheerfully seeing Dongfang Lizhu off, Dongfang Minghui propped her head on her hand, looking miserable. She had known this venomous woman was no pushover. No wonder she had managed to marry comfortably in the end while Dongfang Minghui had met such a tragic fate. Had she been left to shoulder all these crimes?

"Miss, the wound on your head hasn't healed yet. You need to rest," Cui'er reminded her from the side.

Dongfang Minghui shook her head and waved a hand. "Why would our cousin come at this time?"

Their cousin?

"Have you forgotten, Miss? The master's birthday is in a few days. Naturally, your cousin has come to offer his birthday wishes."

The master was her father. His birthday?

There seemed to have been a passage about it in the book, but it had only been mentioned in passing, so nothing significant must have happened. Still, her father's birthday would probably put Seventh Sister in a difficult position.

Two days later, while strolling through the garden, Dongfang Minghui encountered this unexpected visitor: her cousin, Qin Mu.

Qin Mu was handsome and graceful, excellent in every way except for one flaw—he was far too lustful. Whenever he saw a pretty girl, he could barely move. Her mother had once declared that a woman would be his downfall.

"What brings you here alone, Cousin?"

Though still young, Qin Mu was already a Level Three Warrior. Throughout the entire county town, it would have been difficult to find anyone who could compare with him. With proper training, he was bound to achieve great things.

The moment Dongfang Minghui saw him, she abandoned her previous plan. "Cousin, it's been so long. You seem even more handsome now. Have you seen my mother yet?"

"That little mouth of yours grows sweeter by the day. I haven't paid my respects to Aunt yet. I was just about to go. Would you like to join me?"

"Of course. Mother told me you went out to gain experience. Why don't you tell me about the interesting things you encountered along the way?"

The two chatted so happily that they were still talking when they reached the door to the room of Qin Qin, the second wife.

Seeing how well they got along, Qin Qin teased, "Hui'er, what are you talking about with your cousin that has you so happy? Tell your mother, so I can enjoy it too."

Dongfang Minghui threw herself into her mother's arms and said bashfully, "Don't tease me, Mother. Cousin just encountered lots of interesting things on his travels. I want to go out and gain some experience too."

"Hui'er, don't be silly. You're still young."

Dongfang Minghui stuck out her tongue, then sat off to the side and watched Qin Mu chat with her mother.

On the day of the birthday celebration, the Dongfang residence blazed with lights and bustled with joy, festive red decorations everywhere. When it was time for the evening banquet, Dongfang Minghui specifically invited Dongfang Wanyu and Qin Mu to sit beside her.

Dongfang Wanyu had initially ignored her. She and Dongfang Minghui had always been like fire and water, keeping out of each other's way. If not for the incident in the woods a few days earlier, her impression of this Ninth Sister would probably have been even worse. When she had been at her lowest and most miserable, this Ninth Sister had never stopped tormenting her.

But Dongfang Minghui pestered and coaxed her relentlessly, until nearly everyone was about to turn their attention toward them.

"What exactly are you trying to do?" Dongfang Wanyu demanded through gritted teeth, both irritated and furious.

At the anger in her voice, Dongfang Minghui's legs trembled spinelessly. She swallowed. "S-Seventh Sister, don't be angry. I just want you to watch a little show."

A show?

Dongfang Wanyu scoffed. The ingratiating look on Dongfang Minghui's face made her want to hit her. Certain that she wouldn't dare try any tricks, she decided to wait and see what happened.

Qin Mu's eyes lit up when he saw Dongfang Wanyu, and he smiled warmly, wanting to greet her. Unfortunately, his cousin sat between them, and Dongfang Wanyu did not so much as glance at him.

Dongfang Minghui took a small sip from her cup and secretly observed the two. Seeing Qin Mu's besotted smile, she realized Dongfang Lizhu had been right: this cousin of hers had fallen for The Female Lead.

Dongfang Minghui thought that no matter how smitten her cousin was, it would be useless. The Female Lead's harem was far too formidable.

To others, however, this strange scene looked rather different.

Especially to Dongfang Lizhu. Seeing that Dongfang Minghui had indeed lured Dongfang Wanyu over and seated Qin Mu beside her, she understood that the plan was already underway.

She did not have to do a thing. All she needed to do was wait quietly.

Thinking that her plan would soon succeed, Dongfang Lizhu smiled with dazzling beauty, her eyes full of alluring charm, completely unaware that someone was watching her every move.

After the banquet ended, everyone left one after another.

Dongfang Minghui watched Qin Mu leave, then pulled Dongfang Wanyu along and slipped into the West Wing Courtyard, where they quietly waited for something.

"What game are you playing?"

Dongfang Minghui clapped a hand over her mouth and pleaded softly, "Seventh Sister, don't make a sound. Someone will discover us. The show is about to begin."

Earlier, she had sent Cui'er to deliver a message to Dongfang Lizhu, instructing her not to let anyone else see.

Dongfang Lizhu had already retired for the night, delighted and waiting for good news, when Cui'er unexpectedly brought her a note.

It read: The plan has changed. Come at once to discuss it.

She immediately followed Cui'er over and entered the room Dongfang Minghui had specially prepared for her. It was pitch-black inside; she could not see her hand in front of her face.

"My mistress asks that you wait here a moment, Fourth Miss. She'll come as soon as she has seen your cousin off." Cui'er helpfully lit a lamp for her, then added the sedative she had prepared to the Sandalwood Incense, allowing its fragrance to spread.

"Fourth Miss, shall I go and see whether my mistress is here yet?"

"Go ahead."

Dongfang Lizhu had already noticed Cui'er's little maneuver, but her expression did not change. She leisurely poured herself a cup of cool water, an evil smile curling her lips, and took a small sip. After a long while, she slumped over and lost consciousness.

Cui'er waited outside for quite some time before opening the door again. Seeing Dongfang Lizhu sprawled over the table, she immediately shook her. "Wake up, Fourth Miss. My mistress is here."

When she received no response, she hurried outside and called softly, "Miss, Miss."

Only then did Dongfang Minghui silently breathe a sigh of relief. She emerged from behind the bushes and answered, "Stop calling. Come on, let's hurry."

Dongfang Wanyu emerged as well. She wanted to see exactly what this Ninth Miss was up to.

She watched the two carry the unconscious Fourth Miss into another room. Cui'er laid her on the bed, and Dongfang Minghui unceremoniously stripped off all her clothes, leaving her naked beneath the covers. She did not hesitate in the slightest.

"All right, Cui'er, go tell my cousin." Dongfang Minghui wiped the sweat from her forehead, thinking that doing bad things really was far too difficult. Her heart was practically leaping into her throat.

"You—"

Before Dongfang Wanyu could say anything else, Dongfang Minghui pulled her out of the room again. They crouched behind the bushes, and after a while, they saw a drunken man push open the door to that room.

Soon, heavy panting sounded from inside...

"This is the show you meant? You really are all cut from the same cloth." A flicker of disgust crossed Dongfang Wanyu's cold eyes. She stood, turned sharply, and walked away.

Dongfang Minghui was dumbfounded. Had everything she had done been for nothing? She hurried after her. "Seventh Sister, Seventh Sister, listen to me. It's not like that. Fourth Sister was planning to set you up, and I—"

Dongfang Wanyu suddenly turned, and Dongfang Minghui nearly collided with her. The Female Lead's smile sent chills down her spine. It was terrifying.

"So you're saying she plotted against me, and then you plotted against her, all for my sake?" Dongfang Wanyu's smile suddenly became radiant, but the pressure she exuded was overwhelming.

Dongfang Minghui backed away step by step, thinking that The Female Lead was far too guarded and truly difficult to deal with. Claiming she had done all this for her was too implausible and would only make The Female Lead suspicious.

At that thought, Dongfang Minghui immediately shook her head and said firmly, "No. I did all this for myself. I don't want to foolishly keep doing her bidding anymore."

The two stared at each other in silence for a while. Then Dongfang Wanyu nodded and smiled. "Indeed. Very foolish."

Dongfang Minghui was dumbstruck. "..."

What did The Female Lead mean by that?