TGCFNM -Chapter 47 I’m the Third Young Mistress?

By the riverbank, a gentle breeze stirred the wildflowers, and a small dropped pouch rolled a couple of steps with the wind.

Wan Sanjin half-squatted, picked it up, carefully wrapped it in a handkerchief, and tucked it into his sleeve.

Chu Ling was still a little dizzy, her mind caught in a whirlwind of emotions—she hadn’t yet recovered from the shock of realizing that her donation to the government had been for Fu Qingyu’s astonishment.

“My lady?” Wan Sanjin waved in front of Chu Ling.

Chu Ling brushed his hand away and asked irritably, “Are you afraid I’ll do something to this Fu Qingyu?”

Wan Sanjin nodded firmly. “Yes. Although the Third Young Mistress of the General’s Mansion has a reputation as a useless girl, she is still the daughter of the Great General. If anyone tried to forcefully marry her to Qingyu, there would at least be a chance. Who would have thought that the General’s Mansion would collapse overnight, and my lady is not quite as people had rumored.”

“I’m the Third Young Mistress?” Chu Ling murmured.

Cui Xi, her maid, looked shocked and tugged at Chu Ling. “Miss, our family is the second branch of the household. You are the only legitimate daughter of the second branch, ranking third in the General’s Mansion. The first branch has two sons and two daughters: the eldest young lady is Chu Yue, the second young lady was adopted by the first branch, Chu Rou.”

Chu Ling of course knew that Chu Yue was the main character, and that her own role was a lively supporting female character. But the author had focused only on Chu Yue; Chu Ling’s early story was glossed over. There was no preface to her previous life, and the book didn’t even mention which man she had donated to the government for.

In the book, Chu Ling was merely a troublemaker for the heroine, appearing only to carry out Prince Rui’s orders and create difficulties for the heroine, with almost no personal characterization.

Chu Rou, on the other hand, was the heroine’s trusted ally, repeatedly taking risks for her, loved the male lead Xiao Han, and eventually let go gracefully—a tragic yet admirable second female lead.

But… wasn’t Chu Rou supposed to be the younger sister recognized by Chu Yue after being rescued? How did she become the second young lady adopted by the first branch?

This plot… doesn’t make sense.

No, this plot is definitely off. Something in the story has changed.

“My lady? My lady?!” Wan Sanjin shouted.

Chu Ling plugged her ears and glared at him. “So… you like Fu Qingyu and hurried over either to stop me or… to kill me?”

“How could this young master ever kill anyone!” Wan Sanjin looked falsely accused. “I came to persuade you, my lady. Besides, I can even provide you with money to help you gather the finest men in the world.”

Chu Ling’s expression said it all: “You care this much for Fu Qingyu?”

“Although Qingyu’s reputation is widespread, the Fu family now only has him and his grandfather. The Grand Tutor is retired and not in good health—they have no one else to rely on.” Wan Sanjin sighed sincerely, genuinely concerned for his friend.

“The greatest in the world, Young Master Qingyu,” Cui Xi reminded her. “Miss, how could you forget? Every woman in the world would be proud to marry him.”

Chu Ling coughed lightly, her mood sour. “He’s that formidable? Even if I use the General’s Mansion to pressure him, you think he’d just comply?”

“Qingyu is unmatched in martial arts and brilliant in literature; he’s destined for officialdom. Even the most gifted would start from the bottom. And your grandfather is a true Great General—no one at court could rival him. If you tried to force Grand Tutor Fu…” Wan Sanjin trailed off, unable to finish.

“Not a chance! The Great General doesn’t like our miss, thinks she’s too flashy,” Cui Xi said pitifully.

Chu Ling pressed a hand to her forehead. “My grandfather doesn’t favor me.”

“That actually makes me feel better.” Wan Sanjin exhaled, coughed awkwardly twice, and quickly added, “Who would have thought the General’s residence would change so drastically overnight? And you, sir, are different from the rumors. Only the Chus are still being held in the capital.”

“Held in the capital? No casualties?” Chu Ling asked hurriedly. “I can’t return to the capital, so if you know anything, tell me immediately. I’ll even let you continue acting as my adviser.”

Wan Sanjin immediately replied, “Yes. Aside from the Grand General committing suicide to prove his innocence, the Chus are all still confined in the General’s residence. As of now, it seems to have caused no further issues.”

Chu Ling confirmed it—things were really different now. There were changes she didn’t yet know about.

But it didn’t matter. Whether the Chus were in trouble or not, she would absolutely not return. Going back would expose her; she wasn’t the real Chu Ling.

Chu Ling patted Wan Sanjin on the shoulder and said earnestly, “For your diligence in serving as my adviser, I’ve decided not to force Fu Qingyu anymore, nor will I return to the General’s residence. You can rest easy.”

Wan Sanjin’s eyes lit up, and he thanked her sincerely. “Sir, no matter how good Qingyu is, he isn’t your true match. I can still spend money to gather the finest men from across the land for you.”

For the first time, Chu Ling found this flashy, peacock-like man to be quite sincere.

“No need. I think being a county magistrate is great. So you must guard my identity and continue obediently as my adviser,” Chu Ling instructed seriously.

Wan Sanjin’s eyes gleamed with determination. “You have my word, sir.”

Chu Ling waved it off, setting these matters aside for now, and turned back to the case. “If I’m correct, this pouch was made using the root of the Snake Venom Herb.”

“Once dried and ground into powder, the root of the Snake Venom Herb can be used medicinally or as a poison. A small dose relieves pain, but a large dose can make someone lose consciousness, just like what happened to me. So, whoever handled the Snake Venom Herb and knew its effects… that all needs to be confirmed by asking Magistrate Zhao.”

“Ordinary people wouldn’t know this,” Wan Sanjin frowned. This was too obscure.

Chu Ling nodded. Indeed, she only knew this because of Aunt Su; ordinary people definitely wouldn’t. So the focus should be on the herbalist, the doctor, or the apprentices at the pharmacy.

“Let’s go. We’ll examine the case files,” Chu Ling said, leading the way to the county office.

From what could be gathered, Zhong Hong had indeed been attacked by the river, but was later carried home. Whether she was unconscious or dead at the time remains unknown.

The Snake Venom Herb powder in the pouch was the poison that affected the ten women—this was certain. But how the poison was administered was still unclear.

Zhong Hong’s memory of the incident was very hazy, likely a side effect of the poisoning. The other women were probably the same, so no one knew what the culprit looked like.

“Sir, Magistrate Zhao said that ever since the flower thief appeared, every household has been on high alert. Anyone who could still get inside must have some skill,” Wan Sanjin said.

Chu Ling nodded. Some martial arts ability, able to penetrate layers of defenses, and familiar with poison… this person was no ordinary criminal.

Moreover, this person committed so many crimes and still eluded capture, which meant he was bold, easily excited, eager to show off his abilities, and deliberately taunted those who couldn’t catch him.

So he had a strong desire for attention. He wanted to be noticed!