A Fantasy Love Story Across the Warring States Period

Chapter 5: Initial Conflicts and Undercurrents

Huanmo frowned, looking at the tense scene before him, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected such a dispute to occur so soon after he'd only been gone for a short while.

When Wanru saw Huanmo appear, she felt both wronged and expectant. She felt wronged because Xueying had slandered her for no reason, and she hoped that Huanmo could handle the matter fairly and give her justice.

When Xueying saw Huanmo, her arrogant expression softened slightly, but she still retained a hint of stubbornness, as if she were the one who had been wronged.

"Brother Huanmo, you've come at the perfect time! This Wanru was eavesdropping on our conversation, how rude of her!" Xueying spoke first, accusing the villain first.

Upon hearing this, Wanru's face turned red with anger. She couldn't help but retort, "I wasn't eavesdropping at all. I was just passing by. It was your argument that came over first. I hadn't even had a chance to leave before you discovered me. How can you twist the truth like this?"

Huanmo looked at the excited Wanru and the aggrieved Xueying, and sighed inwardly. He knew Xueying's personality; she had been spoiled since childhood and was somewhat willful and domineering, but he also knew that Wanru was not the kind of person who would deliberately cause trouble.

"Alright, stop arguing." Huanmo said in a deep voice, his voice carrying an unquestionable authority. "Xueying, Wanru is new here and not familiar with anything. Even if she overheard something, it wasn't intentional. You shouldn't be so aggressive."

Upon hearing this, Xueying's eyes widened as she looked at Huanmo in disbelief, seemingly not expecting Huanmo to speak up for Wanru.

"Brother Huanmo, how can you help her? I am the daughter of your uncle's family. We grew up together. How can you say such things about me for the sake of an outsider?" Xueying's voice was tinged with tears, and her eyes were already brimming with tears.

Huanmo frowned slightly. He walked to Xueying's side, gently patted her shoulder, and comforted her, "Xueying, I know you may be feeling a little uncomfortable, but Wanru is indeed a pitiful person. I brought her back out of good intentions. You are a lady from a respectable family and should be tolerant. Don't let this little thing cause unpleasantness."

Although Xueying was still unconvinced by Huanmo's words, she knew she couldn't be too presumptuous in front of him. She glared at Wanru fiercely, then flicked her sleeves and ran away.

Watching Xueying's departing figure, Wanru felt no relief despite Huanmo's favoritism. On the contrary, she became even more worried. She knew she had completely offended Xueying, and her days in this mansion would likely be difficult from now on.

"Young master, thank you for speaking up for me, but... have I caused you any trouble?" Wanru looked at Huanmo with a worried expression, her voice somewhat downcast.

Huanmo looked at Wanru, gently shook his head, and said, "You don't need to blame yourself. Xueying is just being childish. She'll be fine in a few days. Just stay here in the manor. With me here, I won't let you suffer any grievances."

Hearing Huanmo's words, Wanru felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She looked at Huanmo gratefully and said, "Thank you, young master. It is truly Wanru's blessing to have met such a kind person as you."

Huanmo smiled slightly and said, "Alright, you must be tired too. Go back and rest early."

After saying that, Huanmo turned and left. Wanru watched his departing figure, her mind filled with countless thoughts. She knew that Huanmo was indeed good to her, but she also understood that there was a huge gap between her and Huanmo, and Xueying's existence was like a time bomb, which could trigger conflict again at any time.

Back in the courtyard, Wanru sat on the edge of the bed, her heart unable to find peace. She knew she couldn't always rely on Huanmo's protection; she had to learn how to survive in this mansion, in this Warring States period.

"I can't be this weak anymore. Now that I'm here, I have to try my best to adapt. I can't back down because of a little setback." Wanru silently encouraged herself.

From then on, Wanru began to observe the living habits and ways of doing things of the people in the mansion. She learned some basic etiquette and needlework from Xiaozhu, hoping to integrate into this environment as soon as possible.

As the days went by, Wanru gradually changed in the manor. Her words and actions became more proper, and her needlework became quite skillful. Although she would occasionally slip up due to some modern habits, overall, she had adapted to life here quite well.

However, Xueying did not "get better after a while" as Huanmo had said. Her hostility towards Wanru not only did not decrease, but deepened. She always looked for opportunities to make things difficult for Wanru in the mansion, either deliberately instructing servants to deliver the wrong things to Wanru, or saying sarcastic things to mock Wanru on certain occasions.

Although Wanru felt wronged, she always chose to endure it silently. She didn't want to cause any more trouble for Huanmo, nor did she want to cause a bigger conflict because of herself.

That day, a small banquet was held at the manor, inviting some noble sons and relatives and friends. Wanru was also asked to attend. She was a little nervous, but she still dressed up carefully, hoping not to stand out too much.

At the banquet, everyone laughed and chatted, clinking glasses. Wanru sat in a corner, silently watching the lively scene, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She felt like an observer, present yet unable to truly connect with the atmosphere.

Just then, Xueying, dressed in a gorgeous purple gown, swayed gracefully as she walked over. She approached Wanru, a mocking smile playing on her lips, and said in a low voice, "Oh, isn't this Wanru? Why are you sitting in this corner? Are you not used to our noble banquets?"

Wanru looked up at Xueying. Although she was displeased, she still politely replied, "Miss Xueying, I just thought it was lively here, so I'll just sit here and watch."

Xueying sneered and said, "Hmph, I think you're just unsophisticated. I don't know what Huanmo saw in you that made him bring you back."

Wanru felt a sharp pain in her heart upon hearing this. Just as she was about to retort, a familiar voice rang out: "Xueying, what are you saying now?"

Everyone turned around and saw that it was Huanmo. Huanmo's face was somewhat gloomy; he had obviously heard Xueying's words.