Their Enmity Runs Deep

Third Madam’s courtyard was called Elegant Bamboo Courtyard. As soon as Li Weiyang reached the entrance, a figure hurried toward her, clasping her hand in a cool, timid grip that nonetheless brimmed with eagerness. “Third Sister!”

Li Weiyang looked down. Those impossibly beautiful eyes were so clear that she could almost see her own reflection in them.

She paused, then broke into a smile. “Minde.”

Li Minde had worried that Li Weiyang would pull her hand away, but she simply let him hold it in silence. A faint sweetness stirred in his heart, and a smile appeared on his jade-white face as he gazed earnestly at her. “Third Sister, did you come to see me?” His voice held a hint of delight.

Finding him so adorable, Li Weiyang couldn’t help reaching out to pinch his cheek with her cool fingertips. Smiling, she said, “Yes, I came to see you, Minde.”

Li Minde immediately brightened. Taking her hand, he led her farther inside. “Third Sister, I wanted to go see you, but Mother said it might cause trouble for you...”

It truly would not do for too many people to know that she had saved Li Minde.

Li Weiyang smiled and let him lead her all the way into Third Madam’s courtyard.

Third Madam smiled and invited Li Weiyang to sit. A maid poured tea. Li Weiyang picked up the five-colored floral lidded tea bowl and gently brushed the tea leaves aside with its lid. A refreshing fragrance wafted up. She lowered her head for a small sip, then smiled. “I came to thank Third Madam.”

Third Madam smiled. Li Weiyang had saved Li Minde, so of course she ought to repay her. A smile slowly rose in her eyes, though her voice remained mild. “It was no trouble at all. Consider it a chance to help Third Miss get even.”...