Chapter 3: Fend for Yourself

For more than ten years, every time she saw Xianyu Qing tormented by her cold affliction, Ning Wenyen felt anxious for her. It wasn’t that she hadn’t taken her to the hospital for treatment, but whenever the illness struck, hallucinations accompanied it, confounding the doctors who could not determine the cause. They even insisted she be sent to the psychiatric ward for further evaluation.

From then on, Xianyu Feng refused to let his sister seek medical help, instead relying solely on ancestral remedies to treat her himself. For years, the illness was kept in check, but this past year, for reasons unknown, it suddenly worsened.

With Xianyu Feng studying abroad and never returning, Xianyu Qing, unwilling to distract her brother and hinder his education, always asked Ning Wenyen to conceal her condition. Yet Ning Wenyen could hardly bear to see her daughter suffer so.

When Lady Nangong claimed she could cure her daughter’s cold illness, Ning Wenyen harbored some doubts but also hope. After much deliberation, she finally fed the pill to Xianyu Qing.

Miraculously, within a minute, Xianyu Qing’s shivering stopped and her temperature began to rise.

“Now you must believe that I speak the truth,” Lady Nangong said, seated gracefully on the opulent sofa in the hall, a faint smile on her lips, though her eyes remained cool.

Ning Wenyen gazed down at her still-slumbering daughter. “I’ll persuade Qing to stay, but this must be her own decision.”

Lady Nangong seemed pleased with the answer. “It is for the best that you care for Qing. Rest assured, the Nangong family will not let you suffer any indignity!”

“We consider Qing as one of our own. As long as she is well, we care not for any hardship.”

Lady Nangong laughed softly. “You know well that the Nangong family is a renowned lineage in Imperial City. Qing will certainly thrive here. Simply regarding her studies, we can enroll her in Liyang Academy, something you cannot provide.”

Ning Wenyen hugged Xianyu Qing closer and raised her eyes. “Qing is a simple child, raised by my side in the countryside. She knows nothing of your ways and customs among the wealthy. I hope Lady Nangong will be patient with her.”

“There’s no need for concern. The children of Nangong are far more mature than most; she will quickly adapt to her new life.” As she spoke, Lady Nangong’s gaze at Xianyu Qing was especially fervent. “Moreover, I was entrusted by her birth mother to care for her well, and I shall not break my promise.”

Ning Wenyen was about to speak again when Xianyu Qing softly groaned and woke.

“Mother…”

“Qing, you’re awake? How do you feel, is it still painful?” Ning Wenyen asked with concern.

Xianyu Qing sat up, confusion on her face. “I’m not uncomfortable anymore.”

Now, when the illness struck, even with her brother’s medicine, she would suffer for at least an hour before relief. How was it that this time, she recovered in mere minutes?

Having witnessed the miraculous effect of the Nangong family’s calming pill, Ning Wenyen explained to Xianyu Qing, “You recovered so quickly thanks to Lady Nangong’s medicine.”

Xianyu Qing turned to Lady Nangong and nodded gratefully. “Thank you.”

“We’re family; there’s no need for thanks!” Lady Nangong smiled warmly. “It’s getting late; you should both stay at the manor tonight.”

With that, she instructed Steward Xue to arrange accommodations for Xianyu Qing and Ning Wenyen.

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The next morning, before leaving, Ning Wenyen cautioned Xianyu Qing, “Qing, the Nangong family is a prominent household, where rules must be observed at every turn. Be careful, don’t… don’t cause any trouble.”

“Yes, I understand,” Xianyu Qing replied obediently.

Of course, she knew what Ning Wenyen feared most: that she would be bullied. After all, the wealthy are always rife with intrigue.

Ning Wenyen patted her daughter, who was now as tall as herself, feeling reluctant to part. Though she had persuaded her daughter to stay at the Nangong family last night, decades of motherly affection could hardly be set aside in a moment.

But for the sake of her daughter’s illness, and to allow her to study and live as a normal person, she must bear the pain of separation.

Xianyu Qing understood her mother’s intentions, which is why she agreed to stay. Of course, she had another reason: she wanted to uncover the truth behind her past.

After bidding her mother farewell, Xianyu Qing remained at the Nangong manor, recuperating and undergoing a series of etiquette lessons befitting a family of distinction.

During this time, she sent a message to her brother, who was studying abroad, informing him of recent events. Xianyu Feng, who seldom had any free time, replied with a brief international call, expressing his respect for her decision, urging her to take care of herself, and promising to return soon.

When her best friend Dou Dou heard that she had survived a car accident and suddenly become a member of the Nangong household, her first reaction was, “So I’ve gained a nouveau riche friend?!”

Then came her concern, “Idle Fish, you’re now a kitten thrown into a pride of lions. You’ll have to fend for yourself!”

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Ten days later, Lady Nangong hosted a grand birthday banquet at the manor.

The spacious, luxurious ballroom was carpeted in red, dazzling with lights, filled with handsome men and beautiful women, glasses clinking amid lively conversation.

It was Xianyu Qing’s first time attending such an event!

She stood quietly in a secluded corner; even though she now wore a splendid gown, she felt utterly out of place among these young nobles and socialites.

But tonight’s protagonist was not her, but the third daughter of the Nangong family, Nangong Xin!

Xianyu Qing watched as the crowd gathered around Nangong Xin, reminded of scenes from television where a royal princess was adored by all.

So this was how the scions of great families celebrated birthdays—not merely eating cake and receiving gifts like ordinary folk.

They used their magnificent attire to flaunt their family background, mingling among a variety of people, praising or disparaging one another.

Fortunately, she was so discreet as to be nearly invisible, and few paid her any mind.

Xianyu Qing quietly stayed in her corner, savoring delicious pastries and sipping sweet juice.

Meanwhile, in a lounge on the second floor of the banquet hall, a man dressed in an elegant black evening suit sat on a leather sofa, his striking brows furrowed. His slender fingers flipped through several documents, examining them closely as he questioned the person behind him.

“Are these all the files grandmother brought back about that girl?”

“Yes!” The person behind him bowed slightly, replying respectfully. “Everything sister Bai discovered is here; there’s also a blood sample analysis from Angel Hospital.”

The man glanced at the blood report and, after a moment’s thought, instructed, “Tonight’s banquet—grandmother will surely have her attend. Keep an eye out; don’t let her appear before Yun’er.”

The person hesitated. “Sir, isn’t that… inappropriate? I wouldn’t dare obstruct anyone from Lady Nangong’s circle. Besides, why shouldn’t Miss Xiao meet her?”

The man tossed the files onto the coffee table. “If you can’t manage it, hand in your resignation.”

“I’ll make arrangements immediately and guarantee Miss Xiao won’t see her!” With that, he hurried out.

The man stroked the black-silver ring with a diamond motif on his left finger, his gaze shifting from the scattered documents on the table to a pale pink gift box.

His once-cold eyes suddenly softened remarkably.