"Qinghan, forget it. We're all good sisters. I don't think Feng Ran meant it like this."
Qinghan let out a cold scoff and said sarcastically, "If she hadn't used despicable means to replace me, I might not be here anymore."
"You didn't see how dirty Feng Ran is. Ha, sister, I don't have such a dirty and shameless sister."
"Do you think she can escape her suffering by going to the Regent's mansion?"
"Feng Ran crawled in through a dog hole."
"Feng Ran was severely humiliated in front of everyone."
Qinghan was so consumed by jealousy that she was going mad. Ha, if she couldn't get what she wanted, then Feng Ran wouldn't have a good life either. Destroying Feng Ran, such an idea festered in Qinghan's heart.
Feng Ran's body stiffened, and her breathing became rapid.
Just then, someone shoved her hard. She fell directly to the ground.
Her forehead was injured, and bright red blood flowed down, a shocking sight.
Feng Ran seemed to have lost her life, her eyes devoid of any light.
At this moment, all she could hear were the surrounding people's mockery.
At this moment, all she wanted was to die.
If she died, it would all be over.
But could she die?
No, she couldn't.
She still had her unfinished mission. Her brother was waiting for her, and she had to avenge her child who had died. She had finally persevered until now; how could she easily give up?
Without a sound, she propped herself up with her hands on the floor and struggled to her feet.
Standing up, she faced Qinghan, her eyes filled with coldness. She paid no heed to the pointing fingers and contemptuous glances around her.
When Qinghan pushed Feng Ran down and saw her injured, she was terrified. Her whole body trembled. Just as she was wondering what to do, how to explain, she caught sight of Feng Ran getting up.
Feng Ran's lips curved into a smile, which made Qinghan feel uneasy again.
Qinghan looked at Feng Ran with disdain and said coldly, "Feng Ran, stop acting and don't try to frame me."
As Feng Ran's calm demeanor met Qinghan's gaze, she directly resorted to force again, pushing her away. However, this time Feng Ran was prepared and dodged. But among the onlookers, someone unseen delivered a blow, and Feng Ran was injured again.
"Qinghan, you were right. Feng Ran is a good actress," someone said. "She clearly dodged, but she still fell to the ground."
Qinghan scoffed sarcastically, "I told you, I didn't push her down when she fell just now. She was just pretending to be pitiful."
"Such a person is truly detestable."
After speaking, Qinghan's eyes glinted with calculation, and she said coldly, "Since my reputation is already ruined, I might as well vent my anger."
With that, she slapped Feng Ran across the face.
Feng Ran wanted to evade, but she was surrounded, leaving her no chance to escape. She could only watch as the slap landed on her face.
Various forms of torment and harsh words followed.
"Are you people here to bully others?" Aunt Sheng, upon hearing about the incident, rushed over. But when her gaze fell on Feng Ran's face, she knew she had arrived too late.
Seeing Feng Ran's state, clearly having been bullied severely, Aunt Sheng's expression darkened. She scanned the surrounding people and said coldly, "Disperse, are you waiting for me to teach you your manners?"
The onlookers who had been gathered to watch the spectacle scattered.
Qinghan was unwilling to let Feng Ran go so easily. Upon meeting Aunt Sheng's warning gaze, she left reluctantly.
However, as she left, she cast a vicious glare at Feng Ran.
She had witnessed Aunt Sheng's methods of torment. She didn't want to make her own life difficult because of someone like Feng Ran.
Aunt Sheng's ability to manage affairs in this place was undeniable.
"Feng Ran, why didn't you avoid Qinghan?" Aunt Sheng questioned, her body radiating anger.
She knew Feng Ran was a pitiable person.
Everyone in the city knew about Feng Ran's situation. Many felt that Xuanyuan Heng had gone too far.
Alas, under the power of authority, no one would speak up for someone they had no connection with.
Perhaps, some would even go so far as to torment Feng Ran to please Xuanyuan Heng, hoping to gain his attention.
Human hearts are always so dirty; human hearts are the most unable to withstand trial.
Feng Ran should know this best.
"Aunt Sheng, please don't speak up for me."
"I will implicate you."
Aunt Sheng was taken aback. She looked at the person before her with heartache. She had a whole speech prepared, but upon meeting Feng Ran's pleading eyes, she could only swallow her words. Grasping her hand, she said helplessly, "Go and treat your wounds."
"It's nothing."
Nothing? Did she think she didn't understand?
Aunt Sheng almost wanted to scold her, to wake her up.
Ultimately, the words on the tip of her tongue were swallowed down fiercely. "This small matter won't drag me down."
"That's good," Feng Ran said, completely relieved, her sense of guilt lessened.
"Aunt Sheng, can you help me? I want to gather enough money as soon as possible." She needed to gather money; she had important matters to attend to.
"This..." Aunt Sheng looked troubled.
Because of that matter, Xuanyuan Heng had issued an order, and Feng Ran's days ahead would likely be difficult. After all, no one would dare offend Xuanyuan Heng for Feng Ran's sake.
Aunt Sheng spoke a few words to Feng Ran and then left.
Feng Ran touched the jade pendant in her hand, a self-mocking smile on her lips.
He had treated her that way, yet why could she still not forget him?
The next day.
Feng Ran was brought into the elegant chamber. In truth, she didn't want to go.
However, her strength was no match for the hands pulling her, so she could only resign herself to fate.
"Lord Di, this is Feng Ran."
Feng Ran's gaze fell on Qinghuan, who was nestled in a man's arms, acting coquettishly. Qinghuan whispered something intimate into the man's ear. The man's lecherous gaze fell upon Feng Ran.
"Feng Ran, this is Lord Di, a favorite of the Emperor. If you serve him well, perhaps he'll even take you back to his mansion as a concubine."
Feng Ran shook her head, "No, I don't need it."
Would Qinghuan really help her out of kindness? Clearly not.
Qinghuan's expression turned unpleasant. Ha, Feng Ran, it's not up to you to say no now.
She had sacrificed so much, all for Feng Ran to fall into her trap. How could she let Feng Ran escape so easily?