Unexpectedly, Yun Wan remained remarkably composed.
The Old Madam’s accusations were like a small, insignificant pebble tossed into the tranquil lake of her heart—ripples formed briefly before the surface smoothed over once more.
Yun Wan lifted her delicate eyelids, her clear, luminous eyes glinting as she met the Old Madam’s gaze directly. "Was it Concubine Zhong who said this?"
The Old Madam’s face darkened as she pushed herself up from the divan, her piercing stare boring into Yun Wan. "Who said it doesn’t matter. All you need to do is answer me—is it true or not?"
Her gaze was sharp as a blade, scrutinizing Yun Wan for any flicker of guilt.
She knew Concubine Zhong well—the woman was not one to make baseless accusations.
Yun Wan allowed her to stare, her porcelain face expressionless. Her lips, red as cinnabar, parted slightly as she uttered, "What does Mother think?"
The Old Madam’s expression twisted. "So you admit it?" she snapped, her voice rising in fury. "How dare you, Yun Wan! I always knew you were shameless, but to betray Feng Lan so soon after his passing? You disgraceful, wanton woman!"
Her chest heaved with rage as she pointed a trembling finger at Yun Wan.
Yun Wan abruptly stood, meeting the Old Madam’s wrath without flinching. Instead, a mocking smile touched her lips. "Betrayal? Wantonness? If Feng Lan knew how you slander his wife, would he rest peacefully in his grave?"
Her voice turned icy. "And let me remind you—today is the anniversary of his death."
Once, Yun Wan had wondered why the Old Madam had always despised her. She had married Lu Fenglan with devotion, fulfilling her duties as a wife—tending to her husband, serving her mother-in-law—never once overstepping.
But later, she understood.
The Old Madam carried guilt for her youngest son’s frail health since birth, yet she refused to acknowledge her own role in it. When Yun Wan married Lu Fenglan, the Old Madam had foolishly hoped the union would bring him fortune. But the truth was, his body had already been at its limit.
With no hope left, the Old Madam shifted the blame onto Yun Wan, convincing herself that Yun Wan was the reason her son had died. That way, she could sleep at night.
Yun Wan saw through her self-deception.
Her clear, mirror-like eyes reflected the Old Madam’s ugly heart, and the old woman clutched her chest, glaring at her with venom.
Seeing this, Yun Wan felt nothing but indifference and weariness. Gone was the filial devotion she had once shown.
She knew the Old Madam was a master of theatrics—turning minor ailments into grand performances. So now, she merely stood there, cold and unmoved.
The Old Madam spat, "If you hadn’t done something improper, why would Madam Zhong accuse you?"
Yun Wan’s gaze flickered. "If it was Concubine Zhong who spoke, then summon her here to confront me directly. Don’t condemn me based on vague words alone."
She paused, then added with a faint, humorless smile, "Besides, you seem so certain. Could it be that you actually wish to see me entangled with another man?"
The Old Madam’s face darkened. "How dare you spout such nonsense!"
Yun Wan’s lips curled slightly as she stared back, unflinching.
Though she was the same person, something in her gaze made the Old Madam shudder.
"Good. If there’s no truth to it, then fine. But if I find out otherwise, don’t expect mercy!" The Old Madam sneered. "Don’t think that just because you’ve spent some time in the palace, you can look down on everyone! You are a daughter of the Lu family in life and in death. My Feng Lan cherished you—he never even took a concubine for your sake. You owe him loyalty. Otherwise—"
"Otherwise what?" Yun Wan cut in with a cold laugh. "Will you repeat what you did before?"
The Old Madam’s expression faltered. So, Yun Wan still remembered. The realization unsettled her—it felt like control was slipping from her grasp.
Yun Wan took her silence as guilt and lazily averted her eyes. "Instead of suspecting me, you should discipline Concubine Zhong. Before her loose tongue tarnishes the Lu family’s reputation."
Her tone was slow, almost mocking. "I don’t particularly care—I’m just a widow. But if this affects the children… you’ll regret it."
The Old Madam’s chest tightened with fury. "I’ll deal with Concubine Zhong. You just focus on behaving yourself—"
Before she could finish, a maid hurried in. "Old Madam, the palace carriage has arrived to fetch the Third Madam."
Of all times. The Old Madam scowled.
Yun Wan bowed slightly. "I take my leave."
Without hesitation, she turned and walked away.
Behind her, the Old Madam hurled a teacup to the ground, her face twisted with rage. "That Yun Wan! She’s defying heaven itself!"
——
Yun Wan made her escape, only to run into Lu Yuanduo on the way.
He paused, eyeing the luggage in the servants’ hands before frowning. "Where are you going?"
Yun Wan replied calmly, "The palace carriage has arrived. It’s time for me to return."
Lu Yuanduo was taken aback. "So soon? Can’t you leave tomorrow?"
He knew Yun Wan held a position in the Imperial Perfumery Bureau, but it wasn’t urgent enough to require her immediate departure.
And why would the palace send a carriage for a mere perfumer?
Suspicion flickered in his eyes.
Yun Wan shook her head. "I don’t know. Perhaps it’s palace protocol."
Lu Yuanduo pressed, "If it’s nothing critical, I’ll have them dismissed. You can return tomorrow."
She refused without hesitation. If she didn’t return as promised, who knew what that person might do?
Or worse—what if Lu Yuanduo noticed something amiss?
Her swift rejection weighed heavily on him, his expression darkening.
In just a month, she had grown even more distant.
As he brooded, Yun Wan called out, "Duke Lu."
Her solemn tone snapped him out of his thoughts. "What is it?"
Her lashes, dark as a raven’s wing, fluttered slightly. "I don’t know how I offended Concubine Zhong, but she’s been spreading rumors to the Old Madam—claiming I’ve been involved with another man."
Lu Yuanduo stiffened.
Yun Wan pressed her lips together, her displeasure evident. "Earlier, the Old Madam summoned me and berated me harshly. It was… disheartening. Could you please ask Concubine Zhong what grievance she holds against me?"
She left it at that, stepping past him without another word.
Lu Yuanduo’s expression darkened instantly. "To Concubine Zhong’s quarters!" he ordered.
Yun Wan felt no guilt over causing trouble for Concubine Zhong.
At the eastern gate, a carriage waited silently in the alley, its cabin marked with the insignia of the Imperial Household.
The driver was an unfamiliar eunuch, who greeted her with a polite smile. "Perfumer Yun, safe travels."
Yun Wan nodded slightly, stepping onto the carriage stool. But the moment she lifted her skirt and entered the cabin, she froze.
