Chapter 65 Counterattack (1/2)

”Don't go, that's Third Miss Mo.” Yun Yiqiu grabbed the maid's hand and said weakly, coughing twice. She avoided the glances that others gave her and held on to the maid. The maid did not know, but she did. Her aunt had once told her that her cousin wanted to marry Third Miss Mo.

Her aunt said that the only way to reestablish the Duke's Manor was for her cousin to marry the young lady. As such, she could not ruin her cousin's plans now.

”But, Miss, you are the one His Excellency loves!” The maid stomped her feet, feeling aggrieved on her behalf. Her mistress has been staying in the manor since she was 10 and had grown up with His Excellency. They got along very well and His Excellency would help her mistress find anything that she desires.

If her mistress was unhappy, His Excellency would accompany her. Everyone in the manor knew how His Excellency felt about her mistress. They knew that Yun Yiqiu would one day belong to His Excellency and they naturally treated her differently.

Only Yun Yiqiu understood that if she ruined her cousin's plans right now, not only would her aunt not spare her, even her cousin would be angry at her. As such, she could only hide the sadness and uneasiness she felt and watch as her cousin tried to b.u.t.ter up to Third Miss Mo who was under the veil. She scrunched up her handkerchief into a ball and comforted herself that her cousin loved only her. The other women were all being used by her cousin to reestablish the Duke's Manor. In the end, her cousin would marry her.

After he marries that woman, her cousin would definitely marry her and dote on her.

If there was a chance, he would definitely make her his main wife.

”Is this Miss Luo of the Fu General Manor? I was too preoccupied speaking with Third Miss Mo earlier. My apologies, Miss Luo.” Sima Lingyun always seemed so solicitous and he smiled and spoke with Luo Mingzhu politely. He seemed gracious and dignified, and did not appear to treat Luo Mingzhu any different because she was the young lady of the Fu General Manor. Only Mo Xuetong could see the surprising joy in Sima Lingyun's eyes.

That's right. In her past life, Sima Lingyun had to go through her to get the support of the Fu General Manor since he did not have the chance to meet her cousin. He would definitely be excited to see her cousin right now. Mo Xuetong was not worried that Luo Mingzhu would be so blind as to fall for Sima Lingyun like she had. Judging by how Luo Mingzhu was tugging on her sleeves impatiently, she knew that Sima Lingyun's plans had fallen through.

”It's such a rarity to meet Miss Luo here. Since we are so fated, I wonder if I can gift you two ladies some gifts?” Sima Lingyun's postured, appearing on the surface to be a polite and gracious n.o.bleman. It was difficult for others to reject him, especially coupled with his handsome appearance and polite behavior. It was not difficult for him to gain the interest of young ladies. Sima Lingyun was confident of that.

”Many thanks, Your Excellency. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, but my cousin and I still have something on.” However, Luo Mingzhu was a tough nut to crack and did not like young men who pretended to be gentle and elegant. This was especially so for the Duke's son who had just tried to b.u.t.ter up her cousin and then her. It displeased her greatly.

Mo Xuetong stood on the side and watched as Sima Lingyun tried to b.u.t.ter up to her cousin. She felt disgusted by it as well, and her heart ached. She did not know if it was sadness or hatred. This man had ruined her life. His gentleness and elegance only appeared when he needed to please her. She also felt sick, and her heart was full of pain. She had thought that he was a true gentleman, but he was not.

”Sir Sima, if you wish to pick out some clothes for my eldest sister, then how about this? My eldest sister liked the s.h.i.+rt that you gave us the last time, and she will like it this time too.” She smiled gently, hiding the pain in her heart. She pointed at a s.h.i.+rt hanging by the side and spoke suddenly.

Sima Lingyun paused when he heard that, not knowing how to reply. ”Sir Sima, do you think this isn't a good match for my sister? I remember that she likes such bright colors. Eldest sister will definitely like this bright pink.” Mo Xuetong held on the corner of the skirt, looking innocent. She smiled coyly at Sima Lingyun, seeking his thoughts as if Sima Lingyun understood Mo Xuemin the best.

”Lingyun doesn't know what First Miss Mo likes.” Sima Lingyun regained his wits and answered politely.

”Isn't Sir Sima close with my eldest sister? My eldest sister likes the dress that you sent very much!” Mo Xuetong pretended not to understand and c.o.c.ked her head, asking him gently. She did not know what was going on between Mo Xuemin and Sima Lingyun, but knowing Mo Xuemin, how could there be nothing going on between the two? It was normal to gift jewelry and clothes and it was unlikely for Mo Xuemin not to have received anything from Sima Lingyun.

She looked at Sima Lingyun coldly through her veil, trying to see how he would get himself out of this!

Sima Lingyun was frightened by what Mo Xuetong said. There was an awkward pause and he smiled, trying to smooth the matter over. ”I didn't have much with me when I visited Mo Manor, so I sent clothes on behalf of my female relatives. My concubine mothers and sisters probably sent about five pieces of clothing. Your father was very polite and also gifted us some bolts of cloth.”

”Sir Sima, you are too kind. You are close to my sister and it is normal to send some clothes. I have only just arrived in the capital and do not know what my eldest sister likes. So, Sir Sima, what do you think of this one?” Mo Xuetong smiled lightly and continued pointing at the dress, not letting him off. When others heard what she said, they would think that Sima Lingyun had sent clothes to Mo Xuemin more than once and knew her preferences clearly.

She laughed coldly to herself. Since Sima Lingyun had approached her, how could she let this opportunity slip her by?

Most of the patrons in the Clothes Pavilion were n.o.ble women and ladies. Sima Lingyun was a handsome man and was very striking when he greeted Mo Xuetong and Luo Mingzhu. When others listened to their conversation, coupled with the rumors going around, the way they looked at Sima Lingyun changed.

Even someone like Sima Lingyun could not help but blush. He hated Mo Xuetong at that moment.

”Sir Sima, my apologies. My nanny is calling. I should be home when you come to visit Eldest Sister again. I will make it up to you again then.” Mo Xuetong did not wait for Sima Lingyun to defend himself. She apologized regretfully and pointed at Nanny Han who was glaring at them from afar.

She turned to leave with Luo Mingzhu without waiting for him to say anything. She walked up the stairs and her slender figure disappeared.