Chapter Eight: Fragrance and Powder

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This behavior was not abrupt after all; when a master is treated coldly, it is quite natural for a servant to find ways to preserve their master’s dignity. Marquis Chengwu could have ignored it, but today was his daughter’s first day back home, and some trouble had already arisen. He was somewhat willing to spare face.

Upon opening the box, Marquis Chengwu was somewhat surprised. Although the belt was made of neither fine fabric nor exquisite embroidery, the style, color, and pattern were harmonious, pleasing to the eye, clearly crafted with care.

He hadn’t expected his seemingly indifferent daughter to harbor such thoughtful intentions. He intended to take a closer look and praise it properly, so that his daughter’s affection would not be dismissed.

But as he examined it, he felt a difference in thickness at one spot, as if something had been hidden inside.

Looking closer, he saw a small tear revealing a corner of yellow paper.

Marquis Chengwu’s expression changed, and he was about to pry it open.

Zhao Xianzhi, sitting below Marquis Chengwu, caught this movement and eagerly anticipated what would happen next, discreetly glancing at Meng Zhenyue.

“Seize her!”

But Meng Zhenyue slammed the table and stood up, her tone cold and firm as she addressed Chun Zhu, who was waiting by the flower hall.

Zhao Xianzhi’s heart tightened.

Everyone was startled; even Marquis Chengwu stopped his actions, looking at Meng Zhenyue with displeasure.

Meng Zhenyue stepped forward, took the belt, flipped it left and right, and pulled out a slip of paper, her expression filled with anger. “Just as I thought!”

Then she produced another slip of paper from her pouch and said, “I have a copy of what’s written here as well!”

Zhao Xianzhi clenched his hand hard, biting back his emotions.

She hadn’t burned it?!

Meng Zhenyue’s scheming was even more meticulous than he had imagined!

Fortunately, he had been prepared.

Meng Zhenyue handed the two slips to the puzzled Marquis Chengwu, her expression full of hatred.

“Today, upon returning to the manor, I found extra items and decided to use their own trap to lure the snake out.”

“That maid urged Father to examine the belt thoroughly just now. Moreover, when Father looked at the belt, I caught the gleam of triumph on Chun Zhu’s face, which made me suspect her!”

After hearing Meng Zhenyue’s words, Marquis Chengwu finished reading the slips.

He clenched his fist tightly, pounding the table, “What a vicious scheme! This is an attempt to destroy my marquisate!”

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He quickly pointed at Chun Zhu and ordered, “Unclip her jaw and drag her away for a serious interrogation!”

Hearing the words “destroy the marquisate,” Lady Hou and the others inside turned pale.

The manor guards quickly seized Chun Zhu and were about to unclip her jaw when she struggled, shouting,

“Miss! Miss! I have no reason to harm you!”

“Second Miss told me to serve you well. I have only ever had your best interests at heart!”

Everyone looked at Chun Zhu with displeasure, resenting her for ruining a perfectly fine dinner.

Unexpectedly, Second Miss spoke up for Chun Zhu.

“Sister, isn’t this some kind of misunderstanding?” Zhao Zhizhi looked at Meng Zhenyue with a hint of grievance.

She earnestly defended, “Chun Zhu, whose original name was Yuyi, has been serving in my quarters for many years. She would never harm Sister.”

Zhao Zhizhi was filled with confusion.

She had been very accommodating to her sister, so why now... was it because she had shown too much concern for their eldest brother, causing Sister’s displeasure, and thus her maid was being framed?

“Yes, Zhenyue, your sister only wanted the best for you upon your return. Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding,” Lady Hou said softly, seeing Zhao Zhizhi almost in tears, trying to persuade Meng Zhenyue.

Nearby, Zhao Xianzhi feigned thoughtful contemplation as he studied Meng Zhenyue’s face.

He longed to see her falter.

When she was at a loss, he would strike—and then she would be tamed!

The manor guards holding Chun Zhu glanced toward Marquis Chengwu for instructions.

This involved the marquisate, so Marquis Chengwu wouldn’t act lightly, but he also wanted to hear what Meng Zhenyue had to say. He raised his hand to signal a halt.

At this moment, all eyes were on Meng Zhenyue.

“We’ll see if it’s a misunderstanding.”

Meng Zhenyue pressed her lips tightly, rose, and took a lamp. She walked over to Chun Zhu, who was being restrained.

“What is Miss doing?” Chun Zhu looked at the lamp in Meng Zhenyue’s hand with wide eyes, her anxious heart pounding.

Was Miss going to burn her to force a confession?!

“Ah—”

Just as this thought formed, the orange-yellow light suddenly flared, scorching her palm.

Miss burned her hand!

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Everyone inside was startled; Zhao Zhizhi was so terrified she began to cry.

“Miss, why did you burn me? I haven’t done anything!” Chun Zhu sobbed, her pitiful voice conveying how much her hand ached.

Meng Zhenyue merely sneered and turned away to the table, fetching tea to extinguish the flame.

“This lamp barely touched your hand before it caught fire. Do you know why?” Under everyone’s puzzled gazes, Meng Zhenyue raised an eyebrow at Chun Zhu’s swollen, blistered hand.

Chun Zhu’s eyes darted nervously. Meng Zhenyue’s tone grew firmer, “It’s because the scented powder I placed in the inner layer of the belt was mixed with an accelerant.”

“Only someone who opened the belt would have come into contact with that powder.” Meng Zhenyue grasped Chun Zhu’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. “So, do you still want to deny it?”

Meng Zhenyue knew well that Chun Zhu had originally belonged to Zhao Zhizhi’s quarters, and in their previous life, this maid had caused no small amount of trouble between the two sisters.

Zhao Xianzhi’s plan was clever; even if she found the real culprit, it would be connected to Zhao Zhizhi. This would deepen the sisters’ conflict, allowing him to play the peacemaker and win their favor!

However, every situation has two sides; pushing too far would be unwise.

Without waiting for anyone to speak, Meng Zhenyue released Chun Zhu’s chin and, her eyes cold, turned to Zhao Zhizhi.

“You fell this afternoon and immediately claimed I pushed you. Now your maid frames me, and your first reaction is to say I’m mistaken.”

“Yet clearly, we appeared close and harmonious all the way back to the manor.”

Zhao Zhizhi’s heart panicked as she saw the deep disappointment in her sister’s eyes.

Listening to her sister’s accusations, each word felt like a dagger to the heart. Could it be that she truly wronged her sister?

But it was indeed her maid. How could she explain that none of this was her intention...

Finally, Meng Zhenyue said, “Little sister, can I still trust you?”

“Sister!”

Zhao Zhizhi broke down in tears, recalling how her sister had said she trusted her earlier today. Now, it felt like a torment unbearable to bear.

Ignoring Zhao Zhizhi’s sobs, Meng Zhenyue suddenly knelt straight before Marquis Chengwu and Lady Hou.

“Father, Mother, today is my first day back home. Before I even set foot in the manor, troubles have erupted. Perhaps there are those who do not wish for my return, or perhaps I have clashed with the marquisate.”

“In any case, this is my farewell.”