Chapter 36: The Crippled Young Lady (Thirty-six)

Chapter 36: The Disabled Lady (Part 36)

Then she would go and pay her a proper visit!

Truth be told, over the past three years, Feng Qingqing had sought trouble with her more than once, only to be brushed aside with effortless indifference. Feng Qingqing had always been wary of Jun Mo, so she dared not act too rashly, often ending up humiliated herself instead of shaming her target. In time, this only fueled her bone-deep hatred for Su Kui.

Sometimes, Su Kui could not fathom why Feng Qingqing, a mere concubine’s daughter who lived a life far more comfortable than that of the legitimate daughter, was always obsessed with making things difficult for her. It wasn’t as if she had snatched her child and thrown it into a river! Truly, the animosity between heroines and villainesses in novels always seemed so inexplicably absurd.

Su Kui finished her breakfast in a leisurely manner, rinsed her mouth, and returned to her room to change. The moment she stepped out, everyone felt as if the room had brightened. She had restyled her hair into a flying-fairy bun, adorned with several dazzling pearl hairpins set with rubies so vibrant they looked like drops of blood—clearly rare, genuine treasures. Her willow-leaf eyebrows were lightly traced, her eyes held the shimmer of spring water, and her skin was as delicate as jade, glowing with a soft luster. A touch of rouge on her lips made them look enticingly succulent. Two strands of hair fell loosely beside her cheeks, adding a touch of captivating charm. She wore a vibrant red gown, embroidered all over with intricate peony patterns, appearing exceptionally regal without looking the least bit aged.

She had long since shed the naive simplicity of a young girl, resembling more and more a noble lady who looked down upon the world. Seeing the crowd staring in a daze, Su Kui curled her lips into a smile, a flicker of delight in her eyes. That was right; she was there to assert her dominance, so naturally, the more ostentatiously she dressed, the better!

After leaving the manor, she was helped into a palace carriage by Lü Yao and headed straight for the imperial palace in the city center. The journey was bumpy, and by the time she reached Jingyang Palace, where Feng Qingqing resided, the sun was high in the sky, nearing midday. Lü Yao helped her down, and they entered the palace.

Feng Qingqing, dressed in a pale pink court gown, was sitting upright at the head of the table sipping tea. The moment she saw Su Kui, a flash of jealousy crossed her eyes. That dignified red was far too piercing; her eyelids twitched, and her lips trembled several times before she managed to compose herself. Clenching her fists, she put on a surprised smile and said, "Sister, you’ve finally arrived!"

"Heh," Su Kui sat straight in her wheelchair and offered a perfunctory salute, "It is quite inconvenient for me, so I hope you will forgive me, sister."

Such a dismissive attitude! Feng Qingqing gritted her teeth in hatred. Could this wretched woman, Feng Yanran, not feel at ease if she didn’t annoy her for a single day? Flaunting priceless jewelry in public, she even dared to wear the red robes reserved only for the mistress of the house. Even though she held a high position and few in this world could embarrass her, she still could not wear red! In the eyes of others, apart from the Empress, all other consorts were merely concubines. How could she not hate her? The obsession that consumed her heart was that supreme throne.

Despite the turbulent emotions within, her smile remained fixed. She spoke with a gentle, feigned reproach, "Sister, what are you saying? Do we truly need to be so formal between sisters?"

*Just let you be arrogant for a few more days. Once the Regent falls, I will make you wish you were dead!*

Su Kui was far too shrewd; in the flicker of her gaze, she understood exactly what this smiling tiger was thinking. She returned the smile. "You are right, sister. But I wonder, what is the reason for summoning me?" She raised an eyebrow—it was far too early to tell who would have the last laugh!

Feng Qingqing walked over to sit beside Su Kui, affectionately clutching her arm, and said coquettishly, "I have been so bored in this palace, and since the Prince Regent has gone on a campaign and is not in the manor, I petitioned the Emperor to let you stay in the palace for a few days. Would that be alright?"

Though phrased as a request, the matter was already set in stone. Su Kui sneered inwardly. Was this a disguised way of holding a hostage?