Chapter 9: Losing Momentum-Rebelou-se contra ele(Sonho de ossos em uma noite)

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A Jiu entered and saw Lin Xihe clutching her injured thigh, staring blankly at a certain spot. Guilt immediately welled up inside her. "Miss, let me stop the bleeding for you."

After bandaging Lin Xihe’s wound, she noticed the girl smiling foolishly for no apparent reason. Perhaps she had been bullied silly by Lord Yu Tingye. A Jiu’s guilt deepened. "Miss, please don’t blame me, I just..."

Lin Xihe threw her arms around A Jiu, nearly delirious with joy. "A Jiu, I’m free now. Yu Tingye has set me free. He knows I’m not Wanwan. He’s forgiven me."

A Jiu was utterly confused. "Miss..."

Lin Xihe released her and picked up an embroidered pillow, hugging it to her chest. "Yu Tingye is quite reasonable, isn’t he, A Jiu?"

A Jiu forced a smile. Reasonable, Lord Tingye? There must be some misunderstanding.

Tang Xin’er had been in low spirits these past few days. Today, she walked through the night palace garden with her maid, Hua Wu, when she spotted A Jiu carrying a tray from afar.

Her eyes narrowed as she quickened her pace and approached, sharply ordering, "Stop right there!"

Seeing her, A Jiu immediately bowed. "Mistress Tang."

Tang Xin’er looked at the food on the tray and asked, "Who is this for?"

A Jiu replied, "This is Miss Wan’s lunch."

Tang Xin’er frowned at the tray holding a plate of braised pork, spicy tofu, and some greens. "That old witch, does she really need to eat human food? What, does she want to imitate me and Brother Tingye?"

"This..."

Tang Xin’er instructed her maid, "Hua Wu, take the food back."

A Jiu grew anxious. "Mistress Tang, that’s not right. If you take it away, what will my Miss Wan eat?"

"I don’t care what she eats. Hua Wu, do as I say!"

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Hua Wu muttered apologies and snatched the tray from A Jiu’s hands.

A Jiu tried to say something more, but Tang Xin’er led them away.

"Not letting me eat?" Lin Xihe looked at A Jiu.

A Jiu admitted her helplessness and lowered her head.

Lin Xihe smiled softly. "Don’t blame yourself, A Jiu. If they won’t let me eat, then so be it. I’m not hungry anyway."

A Jiu promised, "Next time, I’ll be more careful not to let her see."

Lin Xihe waved her hand. "It’s useless. Now that she’s noticed, she won’t let it go easily. But that’s okay. I’m free now—I can find whatever I want to eat myself."

Once Lin Xihe’s thigh wound healed, she couldn’t wait to fling open the door of her chamber.

"Wow, I’m free!"

She dashed down the corridor, with A Jiu chasing after her and calling out, "Miss, your injury just healed—slow down."

Lin Xihe was completely unrestrained.

A Jiu chased on, but suddenly Lin Xihe’s figure disappeared. "Miss? Where are you?"

No response.

"Miss! Miss!"

"Stop shouting." Tang Xin’er appeared from the side. "Let’s see how she dies this time!"

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A Jiu abandoned formalities. "What have you done to my Miss?"

Tang Xin’er furrowed her brows. "Which eye did you see me lay a hand on her?"

"But..."

"Hmph!" Tang Xin’er swept her sleeve and left.

A Jiu called out a few more times anxiously. What should she do? Perhaps she should find Lord Tingye.

Resolving to do so, she set off.

At that moment, Lin Xihe had no idea where she was. She had been chasing a shadow, but it vanished in a flash.

The surroundings were eerily silent and dimly lit. Apart from her footsteps, there was no other sound.

She walked down a long corridor for what felt like ages but could not find an exit.

Could this be a ghostly maze?

She frightened herself nearly to death.

Steadying her nerves, suddenly a blood-red, long tongue slithered toward her, licking at her face...

Instinctively, she raised her hand to block it. The tongue touched her arm, causing excruciating pain and instantly sapping her strength.