Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot-Chapter 399 - 369 Bloodline Suppression

After one night, everyone in the main courtyard heard the juicy news about the son-in-law’s stitching obsession.

Lu Yuan went to fetch Princess Wanping and Ji Li overnight, hoping to "catch" them in the Capital City in time for the wedding ceremony.

Whether the two agreed or not, he didn’t care; if asked, he’d simply say he was acting under royal decree.

Meng Qianqian woke up early and practiced her spear techniques for half an hour.

Ever since she used the spear once outside the city gates, she felt it was more suited to her than the Brocade Spring Saber.

After practicing, she was sweating and felt an indescribable lightness throughout her body.

"Indeed, martial arts can strengthen and invigorate the body."

If it were her from a year ago, not to mention practicing with a spear for half an hour—she probably wouldn’t even be able to lift it.

"I should encourage Ban Xia to give it a try as well."

Ban Xia, who happened to be passing by carrying a food box: ... That’s completely unnecessary.

"Ban Xia."

Meng Qianqian noticed her.

Ban Xia walked forward with the food box in hand. "Miss, you’ve been tired these past few days; maybe it’s time to take a break from martial arts."

Meng Qianqian replied, "I feel refreshed after practicing."

Ban Xia asked doubtfully, "But why do I feel sore all over after practicing?"

Usually, Tan’er would drag Ban Xia along to spar in martial arts. Despite being extremely simple moves, every session left her half-dead and aching for days afterward.

The experience was one she never wanted to repeat.

Meng Qianqian curled her lips into a smile. "Practice long enough, and it won’t hurt anymore."

Ban Xia took a step back. "I’d rather not."

Meng Qianqian couldn’t help but chuckle at her avoidance and decided not to force her. "Have Wuyou and Changle woken up yet?"

Ban Xia replied, "Young Master is awake, but the Second Miss is still asleep. The Young Master said he’d wait for her to wake up so they could eat together. Meanwhile, this servant will bring some ginseng soup to him first."

Ban Xia had been by her side for years and was undoubtedly skilled in caretaking.

Meng Qianqian nodded and asked again, "Did Changle sleep well last night?"

Ban Xia answered, "She struggled to sleep in the first half of the night but later managed to rest deeply in the second half."

Meng Qianqian commented, "She’s been through a lot."

After being lied to for so many years, being abruptly told one day that her identity was false and that the father who raised her was her family’s mortal enemy—it would be hard for anyone to come to terms with such a revelation.

Yesterday, Meng Qianqian had been a little too hasty, but fortunately, her grandfather had stepped in and helped her see reason.

"Tell Wuyou that I’ll visit them shortly."

"Understood, Miss."

Ban Xia carried the food box and left.

Meng Qianqian bathed, changed clothes, and freshened up before heading to the next room to check on the siblings. Shang Changle was still asleep, while Shang Wuyou, though awake, couldn’t hide the exhaustion between his brows.

"Traveling must have been tiring, right?"

Meng Qianqian greeted Shang Wuyou.

Shang Wuyou’s eyes had a detached look.

Now that the Miao King wasn’t around to suppress him, his attitude toward Meng Qianqian was noticeably less accommodating.

Meng Qianqian didn’t take it to heart. Smiling, she handed him a robe she had in her arms. When he didn’t take it, she placed it on the table instead. "Try it on later and see if you like it. Changle’s fits perfectly, but yours is a bit too long."

Shang Wuyou asked, "What’s that supposed to mean?"

Meng Qianqian raised an eyebrow. "I didn’t expect you to be so short."

Shang Wuyou: "...!!"

Wasn’t she supposed to butter him up and win his favor?

What was with the sudden disdain?

Shang Wuyou and Zong Zhengxi were the same age. Meng Qianqian had tailored the robe based on Zong Zhengxi’s measurements. Last year, Zong Zhengxi still had the frame of a boy, but this spring, he’d grown considerably taller in a single spurt.

It wasn’t that Shang Wuyou was short—it was that Zong Zhengxi was tall.

Shang Wuyou replied coldly, "After treating me like this, you still expect me to acknowledge you?"

Meng Qianqian chuckled. "I was so kind to you yesterday, but you still didn’t acknowledge me."

Shang Wuyou was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he let out a cold snort and said, "You don’t even know how to act properly."

Meng Qianqian replied candidly, "You’re of no use to me, so I’m not bothered to act. The question now isn’t whether you’ll acknowledge me—it’s whether I’ll acknowledge you. A brother who recognizes an enemy as his father? I’m not interested!"

Shang Wuyou hesitated for a moment before snapping irritably, "I’ve never met a woman as unreasonable as you."

Meng Qianqian replied, "Now you have."

Shang Wuyou: "..."

Meng Qianqian nodded to herself approvingly. Restraint, avoidance of verbal sparring, and a refusal to compete for dominance—she displayed a measure of composure reminiscent of her second uncle in his youth.

"I’m heading out for a while. If there’s anything urgent, ask Ban Xia to find Steward Cen. And don’t make any noise before noon—my mother-in-law needs her rest."

After leaving her instructions, Meng Qianqian walked out of the room decisively without a second thought.

Shang Wuyou furrowed his brow deeply.

This wasn’t what he had envisioned...

A few days ago, Bai Yuwei had caught a chill while playing in the snow, so Meng Qianqian let her stay home to rest and only brought Tan’er along when she went out.

Tan’er hopped onto the carriage gleefully, bouncing as she shouted, "Off we go—candied hawthorn—!"

Meng Qianqian was heading out to buy clothes for Shang Wuyou. The previous ones were too small, and altering them would take a few days. With the Capital City getting colder, it was better to buy a few sets he could wear right away.