With that said, and seeing the Sixth Prince had nothing else to say, Nie Xiao turned and entered the house. His movements were clean and silent—not a single sound gave him away, even though the Nie residence had guards stationed all night.
The Sixth Prince closed the carriage door, and the vehicle rolled away. Inside, he let out a chuckle and shook his head. This little brother-in-law was unlike anyone else.
Back when the Nie family arranged for his older sister to marry him, Nie Xiao had been just thirteen years old. The moment he found out she was to be his secondary consort, he stormed the Sixth Prince’s estate with a sword in hand.
Even after being dragged back home, he didn’t give up. He wanted to keep fighting.
In the end, it was his sister who came personally to calm him down. Though he eventually quieted, from that day on, Nie Xiao was no longer the carefree second young master of the Nie family.
Even later, when the Sixth Prince and his wife had a harmonious relationship, Nie Xiao still chose a path completely unlike that of other noble sons. He disappeared from the public eye of the capital and became the emperor’s hidden blade—killing on command, feared far and wide.
All for one reason: to gain enough power and say in his own life so that his marriage would never again be controlled by the Nie family.
After yet another night of Xie Rongyun being lured away by one of his concubines, Mu Lan’er had finally had enough. That night, while everyone else was asleep, she quietly made her way to Mu Qingli’s courtyard and knocked on the door.
Originally, she had hoped Qingli would discover the truth on her own. But that woman barely left her residence!
Left with no choice, Mu Lan’er had to take the initiative.
The short walk from Laurel Court to Qingli’s residence had her palms sweating with anxiety. She wiped them dry again and again with her handkerchief, which was already damp. When she finally knocked, her breath was caught in her throat.
The door opened shortly after. Qiyue, who hadn’t fully gone to bed yet, asked, “Fifth Miss, is something the matter? My lady is already asleep.”
Mu Lan’er pushed her way in, her face tight with nerves. “It’s important. I must speak with my sister now!”
“She’s already sleeping,” Qiyue said firmly.
“Please, I’m begging you!” Mu Lan’er was visibly distressed. Her voice trembled, and she tugged at Qiyue’s sleeve.
Qiyue took a step back to avoid her touch, still hesitating—until a maid came from within and said, “The lady says to let Fifth Miss in.”
Mu Lan’er’s face lit up, and she rushed inside without another word.
Qiyue followed behind her, watching her storm toward the inner chamber. She frowned slightly.
Qingli came out from behind a screen, draped in a robe. She glanced at Qiyue and shook her head subtly, signaling her not to say anything. Mu Lan’er had come to stir up drama, and Qingli intended to sit back and enjoy the show.
“Third Sister…” Mu Lan’er called softly.
Qingli gave a faint smile. “What’s wrong?”
Mu Lan’er blushed under her gaze. Embarrassment and guilt filled her. She glanced at the maids nearby and whispered, “Third Sister, could you have the servants step out for a moment?”
Qingli sat down lazily, resting her chin on one hand. “No. If you have something to say, say it.”
Mu Lan’er’s face turned even redder. She glanced around at the maids lining both sides, and at Qiyue, who had silently moved to stand behind Qingli. Her whole body felt like it was on fire.
Sure, everyone would probably know by tomorrow anyway…
But saying it out loud herself was humiliating. And painful.
Qingli wasn’t rushing her—just watched quietly, like none of it concerned her.
Just like how she had said nothing while Mu Lan’er spent these past few weeks cozying up to Xie Rongyun, hoping someone would catch them. A few maids had seen and been silenced, but the main courtyard? Not a single reaction.
Mu Lan’er was sure Qingli knew. She had been waiting for her confession.
And Mu Lan’er couldn’t wait any longer.
Taking a deep breath, she dropped to her knees. “Third Sister, I…”
“Oh? Why are you suddenly kneeling? Don’t tell me you did something shameful to me?” Qingli said with mock surprise, not even lifting her hand from her chin.
Mu Lan’er gave a bitter smile, bowed her head, and said earnestly, “Please show me mercy. I know I’ve wronged you. I… fell in love with your husband. And… I’ve already given myself to him.”
Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might leap from her chest.
Would Qingli hit her?
If she did, she’d deserve it. But surely, as sisters, Qingli would spare her, right?
She had apologized, after all.
But Qingli’s eyes slowly widened in feigned shock. She stood up, hand over her mouth in disbelief. “What did you say? You gave your body… to your brother-in-law?!”
Mu Lan’er froze, stunned by the reaction. Hadn’t she already known?!
Why else would she, as the man’s sister-in-law, still be living under the same roof? Sharing the same courtyard?
“Third Sister…” Mu Lan’er was panicking. She tried to explain, “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t control myself—”
“Are you an animal?” Qingli interrupted.
Mu Lan’er’s face flushed even deeper. She shook her head.
Qingli stared at her with disdain. Her words were sharp and cruel: “If you’re not an animal, why couldn’t you control your body? That man is your sister’s husband! Have I ever treated you badly? Yet you still had to steal my man? Don’t you feel filthy?”
Mu Lan’er was overcome with shame. Tears streamed down her face as she covered it, unable to meet anyone’s eyes. “I know I was wrong… please, Third Sister, I’m begging you…”
Qingli’s voice turned ice-cold. “And because you admit you were wrong, I’m supposed to forgive you? Go confess to the ancestors of the Mu family instead.”
“!!!” Mu Lan’er’s breath stopped. She stared at her in horror.
The Mu family?!
They were a family of scholars and honor. They would never accept something so disgraceful!
And to protect the reputation of the other girls in the family… they would absolutely not let this slide.
This wasn’t just punishment. It was a death sentence.
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152