Transmigrated into a Scummy Alpha Playboy in Ancient Times (GL) - Chapter 23

“That makes sense. Everyone in the capital knows the Lady is fond of the Su family’s legitimate daughter. Come on, let’s go say hello,” Feng Wenbin said, eyes brightening as he smoothed out his robe and made his way toward Su Muqiu.

He gave a small nod by way of greeting before saying, “Miss Su, we’re all friends of the Lady. Recently, there were a few misunderstandings between us and her—nothing serious. I was wondering… if it’s not too much trouble, could you say a few kind words on our behalf when you see her later?”

Su Muqiu blinked, slightly surprised, but smiled as she asked, “And you are…?”

The girl beside her, Lu Qianqian, quickly answered, “This is Feng Wenbin, the legitimate son of the Deputy Minister of Justice.”

“Pleased to meet you, Young Master Feng,” Su Muqiu replied gracefully. “If I can be of help, of course I won’t refuse. Though I must say, my words may not carry much weight. Would the Lady even care what I think?”

She was well aware of Shen Xingyue’s interest in her, and she enjoyed the way people now came to her seeking favor. She didn’t return Shen Xingyue’s feelings—but being treated like the center of attention, like the moon surrounded by stars, was something she had no intention of giving up.

“Miss Su, you’re being too modest. Everyone knows who the Lady admires,” Feng Wenbin added, then quickly realized his words might have been too blunt. “Ah, forgive me—that was rude. I hope you won’t take offense.”

“Not at all,” Su Muqiu said with an easy smile. “In that case, I’ll try. But I suggest you keep your expectations modest.”

She spoke with humility, but inside, she was already weighing how useful this favor could be. If she succeeded, it would only confirm the rumors of Shen Xingyue’s affection for her—an image she could use to boost her standing among these well-bred daughters of noble families. After all, she didn’t even have the qualifications to sit in the main hall.

“Thank you, Miss Su,” Feng Wenbin said gratefully.

—

Meanwhile, in the front hall, Shen Xingyue and Su Muyu had rested enough and were heading toward the plum blossom garden. Although it was winter, the Fifth Princess’s estate was beautifully kept. From a distance, the snow-blanketed scenery was pure white; up close, the garden was dotted with red and white plum blossoms, making the contrast striking and the flowers even more vibrant.

Even Su Muyu couldn’t help but smile. The cold, fresh air mixed with the light fragrance of plum blossoms, and she felt her mood lift.

“These blossoms are beautiful,” she said softly, gently plucking a low-hanging branch and turning it in her fingers.

“If you like them,” Shen Xingyue said with a smile, “I’ll have some planted at our own estate. That way you can see them anytime you want.”

Su Muyu didn’t believe she was serious. She assumed it was just a casual promise, so she didn’t dwell on it.

The garden was already filling with guests. In a place like Beichuan, where winters lasted most of the year, leisurely activities were rare. Aside from drinking in teahouses, enjoying the winter scenery was one of the few diversion’s nobles had.

Although the paths had been cleared, a light dusting of snow still remained. Shen Xingyue walked with an arm loosely wrapped around Su Muyu, keeping her steady. As usual, her presence drew attention—she was, after all, one of the most well-known figures in the capital.

Among those watching were Su Muqiu, Lu Qianqian, and Su Muxue, who had just arrived in the garden.

Lu Qianqian’s eyes were sharp—she spotted Shen Xingyue from a distance and excitedly pointed. “Hey, isn’t that the Lady? And the person next to her… who is that Kunze?”

Su Muxue squinted, then frowned. “I’m not sure. Probably someone she brought from a pleasure house. One thing’s certain—it’s not Su Muyu. The Lady hates her. Why would she bring her to a gathering like this?”

But Su Muqiu’s face turned cold.

Just earlier in the side hall, she’d been working hard to build the image of Shen Xingyue’s devotion to her—and now this? Shen Xingyue had the nerve to show up publicly with another Kunze?

Typical brainless playboy, she thought bitterly. Bringing someone from a brothel to a noble gathering… is she trying to humiliate me?

Sensing her sister’s displeasure, Su Muxue quickly tried to reassure her. “Big Sister, the Lady must be thinking of you too much. That Kunze is probably just your shadow—someone who reminds her of you. You’re the one she truly cares about.”

Only then did Su Muqiu’s expression soften slightly. “We shouldn’t comment too much on the Lady’s personal life. But I did promise Young Master Feng I’d say something. And I do want to ask her to be kinder to my sister. Let’s go greet her.”

“Yes, let’s! I was just thinking the same,” Lu Qianqian chimed in, her eyes gleaming with interest. The plum blossoms didn’t excite her much—but this? This was the perfect front-row seat to a scandal in the making.

The three of them quickened their pace.

Feng Wenbin, Li Minghua, and several others noticed and quietly followed behind.

Shen Xingyue and Su Muyu continued walking deeper into the plum blossom garden. The sun had come out by now, making the weather noticeably better than when they first arrived. A stroll in the sunlight truly was good for the body.

As they walked, Shen Xingyue suddenly heard someone calling out from behind. Su Muyu heard it too—and she recognized the voice.

“Lady Shen! Wait for us!”

It was Su Muxue shouting. She and her mother still relied on the First Madam and Su Muqiu’s favor to live well in the Su family, so currying favor with Shen Xingyue was a tactic they hadn’t abandoned.

Shen Xingyue stopped and turned around. She saw three Kunze approaching, with Li Minghua and the others trailing not far behind.

Su Muyu also turned to look, and when her eyes landed on Su Muqiu, her entire body stiffened. She hadn’t expected them to receive an invitation from the Fifth Princess. With her father’s rank, this kind of event was typically far out of their reach.

Su Muqiu, too, saw Shen Xingyue—and Su Muyu standing beside her. For a moment, her expression froze. Then she offered Su Muyu a vague, unreadable smile.

Su Muyu’s face went pale under her gaze.

The warmth Shen Xingyue had shown her these past days had always left her uneasy. Part of her feared it was all a game, while another part worried Shen Xingyue only treated her well because she reminded her of Su Muqiu. And now, with Su Muqiu standing right there, Su Muyu felt that everything was about to collapse.

Maybe Shen Xingyue would revert to how she’d been before—cold and cruel. Maybe she’d blame Su Muyu for the arranged marriage, grow disgusted with her, humiliate her publicly, maybe even make her kneel right here in the garden.

Her legs trembled. Muscle memory around her knees flared to life—her body bracing itself for punishment. She felt like she was on the edge of a cliff, seconds away from being shoved over.

Still, Su Muyu clenched her jaw and forced herself to remain composed. At least she’d already sent money and supplies to her mother and sister. Whatever happened to her now, she had done what she could for them.

She swayed slightly.

Shen Xingyue immediately looked away from Su Muqiu and the others and stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Su Muyu to steady her.

“What’s wrong?” she asked softly. “Why does your face look so pale all of a sudden?”

Only after asking did Shen Xingyue realize the reason. Su Muqiu and Su Muxue. Those two from the heroine’s family were never up to any good.

Her expression turned cold.

“I’m fine,” Su Muyu said quietly. But her voice wasn’t as calm as it had been before.

At the same time, Su Muxue—seeing Shen Xingyue holding Su Muyu in her arms—grumbled under her breath, “Didn’t the Lady hate Su Muyu? Why would she bring that wench to a formal gathering?”

“Watch your mouth,” Su Muqiu chided with a frown. “You’re the daughter of a noble family. Speak properly.”

But her own confusion wasn’t much less. She had investigated beforehand—Su Muyu’s life in the Prince’s Manor had been harsh. Daily punishments. Kneeling in the snow. Her body nearly ruined.

So… Shen Xingyue had brought her here now just for show? To provoke her?

That must be it.

Smiling faintly, Su Muqiu stepped forward and greeted Shen Xingyue with a shallow bow. “Your Ladyship, I hope you’ve been well?”

She lifted her eyes, smiling sweetly—only to find that Shen Xingyue hadn’t even looked at her once. Her gaze was fixed entirely on Su Muyu.

Shen Xingyue barely glanced at her. Then, coldly, she turned to Wenyou and said, “Wenyou, what did I say before? Not every random stray on the street gets to greet me. Get rid of the trash in front of me.”

Wenyou swallowed hard and didn’t move. He knew full well his Lady had always liked Su Muqiu. He didn’t dare go too far in front of her.

Shen Xingyue, seeing Su Muyu still looking unwell, gently pulled her closer and whispered, “You must be tired from walking. Let’s head back to the front hall and rest a bit.”

Su Muyu stared at her in disbelief. Not only had Shen Xingyue not turned on her, she’d just humiliated Su Muqiu in front of everyone?

Was this really the same Shen Xingyue?

Su Muqiu felt her face burn. People were watching—and Shen Xingyue hadn’t acknowledged her at all. She cleared her throat and tried again, forcing a pitiful expression.

“Your Ladyship, are you still upset about that matter?”

As she spoke, her eyes shimmered with tears.

Su Muyu watched, hands clenched tightly around her skirts. She felt like her fragile dream was about to shatter. Su Muqiu looked so pitiful—surely Shen Xingyue couldn’t ignore her like this?

But Shen Xingyue’s eyes only darkened further.

You think I’m still the original Shen Xingyue? That I’ll fall for your soft act? I could swat down ten green tea types like you with one hand.

“So what? You think the Su family didn’t do anything wrong during the marriage arrangements?” Shen Xingyue snapped. “Sure, you didn’t name names when you accepted the proposal, but it was clearly for the Su family’s legitimate daughter. I underestimated you and your father. You didn’t want to marry into the manor, so you raised your sister’s status and shoved her in your place. What a touching father-daughter bond.”

Her voice turned mocking. “Now you’ve done what you wanted, and you’re standing here pretending to be the victim? Save your tears. You cry in front of everyone like it’s some kind of currency—how cheap.”

Su Muqiu and Su Muxue both froze.

It was Su Muxue who reacted first, quickly stepping in to defend her sister. “Your Ladyship, don’t tell me that wench badmouthed my sister to you? My sister’s innocent! It was that woman who begged her for the chance to become your consort. She cried and pleaded for days. My sister agreed out of kindness!”