TSWRLM -Chapter 64 An Assassin

“Cao Chun Xi, you—”

Madam Mo didn’t expect Chun Xi to talk back to her. Just as she was about to get angry, Shen Qingchi quietly interrupted: “Mother, it’s getting late. I’ll accompany Sister-in-law to change clothes.”

“Accompany her? She knows this place far better than you.”

Madam Mo directly pulled Shen Qingchi away. The kneeling maid quickly said, “Mistress, I will take Lady Shen to the guest room to change her clothes immediately.”

“All right.”

Chun Xi’s lips curved into a smile as she leisurely followed behind the maid.

The Wei household had strict rules. On a day like today, all the servants were on high alert, not daring to make a single mistake. The tea poured on her earlier was clearly intentional.

Could it be that Miss Xiao had “sent wealth” to her again? Chun Xi pondered silently. Soon, they arrived at the guest room reserved for the women of the household.

As soon as she entered, the maid stepped aside to fetch clean clothes.

Chun Xi quickly scanned the room and noticed nothing unusual. She was about to inspect more carefully when the door creaked open—Wei Lingze walked in.

Freshly married and recently promoted by the Emperor, he wore a crimson silk robe embroidered with twin dragons playing with pearls in gold and silver threads. His jade crown held his hair neatly, and the matching belt accentuated his narrow waist. Even his hair radiated vitality and confidence.

Had he sacrificed his brain just to regain the use of his legs? Wasn’t the last slap enough to wake him up?

Their eyes met. Chun Xi felt surprise and curiosity, while Wei Lingze’s gaze showed a flicker of astonishment.

Xiao Qinghe was stunningly beautiful, few in Hanjing could compare, and Chun Xi naturally was no exception.

But no matter how beautiful someone was, even after years, one could grow accustomed.

Previously, Chun Xi had always appeared in maid attire in front of Wei Lingze, sometimes decorating her hair with a small silk flower. But today, she had shaped her eyebrows, applied delicate makeup, and worn pearl hairpins and earrings—a stark contrast that created a strong visual impact.

Wei Lingze’s lips curved slightly. He was about to step forward and discuss matters with Chun Xi when she suddenly shouted: “Help! An assassin!”

She exerted all her strength, her voice booming like a roaring lion. Wei Lingze’s eardrums rang, and the earlier impression of beauty vanished instantly.

He scowled and ordered coldly, “Shut up. If people hear you, I’ll claim you were seducing me. Who do you think they’ll believe—you or me?”

The Wei and Xiao families had just united through marriage. Any scandal would inevitably be pinned on Chun Xi, no matter who initiated it.

Wei Lingze felt confident, but Chun Xi wasn’t intimidated. Instead, she shouted even louder: “An assassin is killing people! Help!!!”

It had no effect!

His expression darkened. He hurried forward to cover her mouth—but Chun Xi bit his arm hard.

Her teeth were strong, the bite fierce.

Wei Lingze felt as if a wolf cub had bitten him, tearing into flesh. Rage surged in his chest as he forcefully shook her off.

Chun Xi crashed heavily against the wall. Wei Lingze thought a little pain might make her behave, but she immediately got up and leapt out of a nearby window.

“Stop!”

The female guest rooms weren’t far from the male guest rooms, separated only by a row of low evergreen shrubs for privacy.

Chun Xi was incredibly agile. In the blink of an eye, she dashed through the shrubs and sprinted ahead.

So disobedient.

Chun Xi, you’re forcing my hand!

Wei Lingze’s face darkened as he headed toward the rear garden, already planning countless ways to ruin her reputation.

“Wei Lang?” Xiao Qinghe approached with the Crown Princess, surprised to see Wei Lingze there. “Your Highness, why are you here?”

Today’s promotion banquet was held specifically for him. He should be in the front courtyard receiving guests.

Wei Lingze remained calm, stepped forward, and gently took Xiao Qinghe’s hand: “I came to check on you.”

The Crown Princess had been close to Xiao Qinghe before marrying into the Eastern Palace, back when Xiao Qinghe and Wei Lingze’s relationship was at its peak. Seeing this, she teased with a smile: “He’er is already married to the eldest young master of the Wei family. She’s not going anywhere—yet you can’t bear being apart even for a moment?”

“I was worried she’d be overworked,” Wei Lingze replied, affirming his devotion to his wife.

Xiao Qinghe, however, slightly curled her fingers, trying to pull her hand away.

From a distance, she had seen Wei Lingze coming from the guest rooms for the women.

He shouldn’t have been there.

Moreover, his arm was injured. Though quickly hidden under his sleeve, she saw the teeth marks left behind—deep, bloody impressions from a vicious bite.

Today’s banquet had many distinguished ladies. If Wei Lang had been in a struggle and bitten, the implications were obvious.

Xiao Qinghe forced herself to suppress her thoughts, unwilling to dwell on what had just happened in the guest room.

In the rear garden, Madam Yun and Madam Xiao were receiving congratulations and praise from the guests.

Wei Lingze was young and talented, with a bright future. Xiao Qinghe was capable, beautiful, and well-managed. Their marriage exemplified the ideal union between prominent families.

Their joint appearance elevated the atmosphere to its peak. Guests’ admiration even overshadowed the Crown Princess’s presence.

Many unmarried noble ladies looked on enviously, wishing they could also marry a capable and devoted husband like Xiao Qinghe.

Having composed herself, Xiao Qinghe gracefully led the Crown Princess to her seat, receiving praise with poise.

Wei Lingze’s gaze, however, wasn’t on Xiao Qinghe—he was searching the crowd for Chun Xi.

Yet, she was nowhere to be seen.

Where had she gone?

Wei Lingze frowned. Some guests noticed his unusual behavior. Madam Yun’s voice was calm but firm: “Ze’er, why are you here?”

Wei Lingze immediately returned his attention, answering gently: “I was worried He’er might be overworked today, so I came to check on her.”

This only increased the guests’ envy. Madam Yun smiled and chided: “So it’s true—you’ve forgotten your mother once you have a wife. Don’t worry; I already treat He’er as my own daughter and would never let her be overworked.”

Her words elevated Xiao Qinghe’s status within the Wei household even further.

Madam Xiao showed approval and praised Wei Lingze before announcing loudly: “I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce someone to everyone.”

She scanned the crowd for Chun Xi, but hadn’t found her yet. Madam Mo had already brought Shen Qingchi to Madam Xiao: “A-Xi isn’t used to such grand occasions. She’s clumsy and accidentally got her dress wet earlier. She hasn’t returned from the guest room yet. Anything you wish to say to her can be conveyed through Qingchi.”

Xiao Qinghe clenched her hand tightly—just as expected, Wei Lingze had gone to see Chun Xi.

Unable to find Chun Xi among the ladies, Wei Lingze sensed something was wrong. Just as he prepared to leave, the steward rushed over anxiously and whispered to Madam Wei: “Madam, it’s bad! There’s an assassin in the mansion!”

Wei Lingze, standing beside Madam Wei, heard every word clearly. He ground his teeth in fury.

Cao Chun Xi, you have a lot of nerve!