Chapter 28: May You Love and War with Him

Rumors spread at a speed that Lu Ying could never have imagined, and the Zeng household was caught completely off guard. Perhaps it was because so many believed that a daughter from a fallen family, orphaned and destitute like her, should never have hoped for such a husband. In many of the stories circulating, Lu Ying was depicted as pitifully humble and wretched. Yet, most of the gossip was directed at the Zeng family itself. As a newly risen household, with wealth acquired only in recent years, the Zengs were the target of much envy. The incident of Lu Ying breaking off her engagement gave many a reason to attack, and with each retelling, Zeng Lang's reputation became more and more tarnished.

In just two or three days, whenever Lu Ying went out onto the streets, she would encounter people she knew, who would offer her well-intentioned comfort, causing her to flee in embarrassment time and again.

One evening, as she returned home, a donkey cart screeched to a halt before her, and a figure leapt from the carriage. The person was full of fury, her hand raised before she had even approached. Seeing the palm lifted high, Lu Ying narrowed her eyes and retreated several steps, hastily avoiding the blow.

Missing her target, the newcomer burst into tears, her eyes red. "Lu Ying, you wretch, you—you've made my life miserable!" The one sobbing and gasping for breath was none other than Ping Yin.

Seeing her, Lu Ying calmed. She tilted her head, observing. In just a few days, Ping Yin had grown noticeably thinner, her once cherubic face now gaunt, cheekbones prominent, making her eyes appear even larger and more shocking. Her eyelids were swollen and red, evidence that she had cried countless times.

Lu Ying's dark eyes stared at Ping Yin, her expression unreadable. This only deepened Ping Yin's sense of humiliation. She screamed, "Lu Ying, you are truly ruthless! You not only tore me from Zeng Lang, but you've made everyone laugh at me, despise me. My whole life has been ruined by you. Even if it costs me everything, I will not let you go! I will not!"

With these words, she lunged forward.

As Ping Yin charged and screamed, the driver who had brought her stood motionless, watching. The maid who had accompanied Ping Yin and had crossed paths with Lu Ying countless times rushed forward, blocking Ping Yin and glaring at Lu Ying with hatred.

Clearly, the consequences had arrived.

As mistress and servant rushed together, Lu Ying stood quietly, unmoved. Perhaps her calm demeanor, or perhaps her cold expression, provoked the maid to grit her teeth and cry, "Cousin, how could you do this? Not only did you trick my mistress out of all her savings, but you've ruined her reputation completely. You're too much!"

"I ruined her reputation?" Lu Ying stood tall, her voice icy. "Tell me, what words have I spoken, what deeds have I done, to ruin your mistress's name?"

The maid was momentarily stunned, unable to respond. As she faltered, the exhausted Ping Yin jumped up, hoarse and choking, "You—you… People accuse me of shamelessness, say I stole your fiancé, claim I was involved with Zeng Lang long ago, even that I carry his child… Weren't these rumors started by you?"

So that's it!

Hearing this, Lu Ying suddenly understood. Coldly, she thought: You reap what you sow—did you not expect such consequences? Had I not awakened after being wounded, had I remained the old Lu Ying, you and your lover would have destroyed me utterly! At that time, who would have pitied me?

Her heart was hardened; she felt neither strong hatred for Ping Yin nor any desire to strike her down. But now that events had unfolded, she had no sympathy to offer.

Did she never consider this outcome when she took someone else's fiancé? In this world, if you dare to act, you must dare to face the consequences.

But such thoughts were best kept within. Outwardly, Lu Ying would never admit them.

She feigned surprise, then pursed her lips and spoke coldly, "What nonsense are you saying? How could a weak, powerless woman like me spread such rumors?" She paused, then lifted her head and said earnestly, "The day I went to break the engagement with Uncle Wen, the servants of the Zeng house were all present. Perhaps it was they who spread these tales. Ah Yin, surely the Zengs wish to tarnish your name, to force you into marrying Zeng Lang!"

These words were meant not only for Ping Yin, but also for her maid and the driver. Lu Ying did not want Ping Yin's parents to suspect her, lest it bring trouble. Better to let Ping Yin burn with the fire of love, wrangling for her marriage with Zeng Lang, giving the Ping family a headache—lest their idle attention turn to her.

What? These rumors could force her to marry Zeng Lang?

Ping Yin, who had been in despair, suddenly stopped. She looked up at Lu Ying, and as she gazed, a joy slowly blossomed in her swollen eyes. That joy grew brighter, more radiant.

Her voice trembling, Ping Yin murmured, "You mean, these rumors will force me to marry Zeng Lang?"

"Of course," Lu Ying replied impatiently, stepping forward, her sleeves fluttering in the evening breeze, graceful and poised. She stood before Ping Yin, scrutinizing her, then sneered, "Such a heartless man—only you would treasure him."

Ping Yin ignored Lu Ying's sarcasm, lost in her boundless happiness, her eyes shining. She muttered, "I can marry Zeng Lang? These rumors are forcing me to marry him?"

After a moment of self-talk, Ping Yin, overjoyed, seemed ready to rush home immediately. At that moment, she looked up and caught sight of Lu Ying's figure gliding past her, leaving. Hatred stirred within her, and she chased after a few steps, calling, "You—you owe me my jewelry! Lu Ying, if you hadn't spread those rumors, Zeng Lang wouldn't be criticized, and I wouldn't… You—you owe me my gold!"

Lu Ying suddenly turned.

She stared at Ping Yin, her eyes black and cold beneath the night mist, chilling to the bone. As Ping Yin instinctively stepped back, Lu Ying said coldly, "Ping Yin, our accounts are settled. I broke off the engagement, you gained the chance to be with Zeng. Was that not our agreement? Did I remember wrong?"

Almost as soon as Lu Ying had spoken, a faint, melodious laugh echoed from nearby. The sound was pleasant, somehow familiar. Lu Ying quickly looked around, but saw only the deep alleys in the distance—no sign of anyone.

Disturbed by the laughter, Ping Yin grew flustered, biting her lip, stammering, "I—I…"

As she faltered, Lu Ying drew close. Passing right by Ping Yin, Lu Ying tilted her head and whispered, "When you gave me your gold, I thought to help you… but it seems useless. Ah Yin, may you and Zeng Lang love and hate each other, endlessly. To think, the two of you—one shameless, one cold and heartless—bound together for life. It should be quite lively, don't you think?"

At first, Ping Yin listened in confusion; as Lu Ying continued, Ping Yin's face flushed bright red. Just as she shrieked and lunged for Lu Ying's face, Lu Ying, anticipating the move, took several quick steps away. With a smile and a flick of her sleeve, she vanished into the night.