Chapter 4: 004 Putting on a Show

Qiange watched Xue Qiandai's performance with cold eyes; it was exactly the same as in her past life. Not a single word of a genuine apology could be heard; she only heard her championing her own kindness. In her past life, Qiange had actually been moved to tears by these words, and was ultimately coaxed by her into not confronting the Lu family, causing herself to bear the crime of theft. This led to her being framed by the Lu family again later, until not a single person besides her elder sister was willing to believe her.

"Third Younger Sister, please don't say such things," Xue Qianwu said, clutching Xue Qiandai's hand with emotion, just as she had in her past life. "You meant well; why speak of punishments? This matter cannot be blamed on you."

"Eldest Sister..." Xue Qiandai wore an expression of being understood and grateful, tears rolling from the corners of her eyes.

"What Sister says is incorrect. This matter should, of course, be blamed on Third Younger Sister," Qiange said coldly. Xue Qiandai's affectation truly made her feel nauseous.

Xue Qiandai was stunned, the smile freezing on her face. It seemed she had never imagined Qiange would say such a thing, and for a moment, she did not know what expression to put on.

"Qiange, what are you saying?" Xue Qianwu looked at her in confusion.

"I said this matter should naturally be blamed on Third Younger Sister," Qiange looked at Xue Qiandai and curled her lips. "Didn't Third Younger Sister just admit it was her own fault?"

Xue Qiandai's eyes flashed, and she said aggrievedly, "Eldest Sister, Second Sister is right. It was originally my fault. I wonder what Second Sister requires in order to forgive my mistake of borrowing the hairpin?"

Qiange sneered inwardly. She glanced at her elder sister and, as expected, saw her brows furrow upon hearing the words "mistake of borrowing the hairpin," and the gaze she directed toward Qiange carried a hint of disapproval.

"What do I want?" Qiange said, sounding half-mocking and half-joking. "Naturally, I want Third Younger Sister to explain the truth regarding the borrowed hairpin to Grandmother, Father, and Mother."

Xue Qianwu immediately breathed a sigh of relief and scolded playfully, "You girl, so you were just joking and playing with us."

Xue Qiandai's heart, however, skipped a beat. She had not missed the four words "truth regarding the borrowed hairpin" that Qiange had deliberately emphasized. Her first reaction was that she knew; her second reaction was that it was impossible. When she tried to scrutinize Qiange's eyes, there wasn't a trace of mockery to be found, only a mischievous smile.

Could she have misread it? Xue Qiandai watched Qiange suspiciously for a moment, and only after finding nothing unusual did she feel relieved. On second thought, even if she had been found out, so what? Without evidence, who would believe this foolish woman's words?

Xue Qiandai immediately stopped focusing on Qiange's expression. To want her to clarify the facts? How could that be! Just as she was about to act pitiful again and voice her prepared excuse, Qiange spoke up first: "Wasn't Third Younger Sister here to apologize? Surely you won't refuse even such a small request from your sister?"

Xue Qiandai's words were stuck in her throat.

Xue Qianwu smiled and said, "I was just about to suggest the same to Third Younger Sister. Today's incident was originally a misunderstanding. It isn't a big deal that Qiange was beaten, but her reputation is ruined. It would be best if Third Younger Sister could explain it to Grandmother, Father, and Mother."

Xue Qianwu's eyes darted around as she gave a subtle glance to her maid, Huamei, beside her. Then, in a soft and low voice, she said, "This matter is my fault. Even if my two sisters do not say anything, I will certainly go and explain it."

Huamei immediately cried out urgently, "Miss cannot go! The Madam, she..."

"Huamei!" Xue Qiandai scolded softly.

"Miss," Huamei stamped her foot, "this servant knows the Miss is kind-hearted, but..."

"It turns out the maid by Third Younger Sister's side is the one who values rules the most," Qiange interrupted Huamei, speaking with a half-smile. "What is wrong today? The three of us sisters are talking, yet this maid interrupts, and even tries to prevent Third Younger Sister from clarifying the facts for me. Do you truly think my Mingyu Pavilion is a place without rules, or is it that you, little maid, are harboring some malicious intent?"