"Damn little thing, little thing!" Ling Yue pressed her lips tight, muttering the words as she walked. The attendant behind her bowed her head low, barely daring to breathe. "You're dead, aren't you?" Ling Yue turned sharply to the timid servant trailing behind her, her temper boiling over. What a nuisance—Cold Wanyan had sent Qi Tang off to the laundry room, leaving her with not a single trusted attendant. "Hurry up!" With a flush of anger on her cheeks, she glared sharply at the trembling maid. "Yes, madam." The attendant wore a light blue dress, with a delicate face. Her eyes, full of helplessness, gazed at Ling Yue, whose anger was visibly rising, and she nodded meekly. "Hmph!" Ling Yue waved her sleeve and firmly struck the shrub beside her. Leaves scattered, the ground now littered with fallen foliage. After her morning bath, Yi Chen changed into a long robe of moon-gray hue, the hem gently swaying with the breeze. Her dark hair, still slightly damp, flowed over her shoulders. As she walked through the lush garden, her tall, graceful figure seemed to overshadow even the most beautiful scenery. Cold Yue's initially angry expression froze upon seeing Ye Chen. Who was this young man? His black hair flowed like ink, his face as pure and bright as jade, and his deep purple eyes—like the depths of a tranquil lake—could captivate the soul. His shirt was slightly open, revealing the graceful curve of his collarbone. He was both alluring and enchanting; even the delicate heart of a ten-year-old girl stirred with excitement. Her fair cheeks flushed with warmth. He was actually more handsome than her brother, Ye Zhi. Yechen turned his cold gaze toward her, noticing her full of pride and disdain, which stirred a faint sense of irritation in him—such a naive, unworldly lady. "Do you know who I am?" Cold Yue felt a surge of joy when Yechen finally looked at her directly. She lifted her chin, her face beaming with pride. "I am the eldest daughter of the General's household. You didn't even offer your greetings when you saw me." "...” Yechen deeply disliked such proud, domineering young ladies. He gave a cold snort and turned to leave. "Wait!" Cold Yue couldn't believe it—after knowing he was the eldest daughter, he still treated her this way. She stomped her feet, her hair trembling with anger. Watching Yechen's retreating figure, she could only watch helplessly. "Who exactly is he?" Cold Yue murmured to herself, her eyes blazing with anger, yet her curiosity about him could not be suppressed. "Miss, I heard he came back with Lady Wanyuan." The maid thought Cold Yue was asking her and quickly answered. "What?" Cold Yue was furious. "He's actually the one brought back by "It's no wonder she's so stubborn. The young maid bowed her head, quietly enduring Lady Ling's anger. "Go!" Lady Ling pulled at the shrubbery with fierce strength, speaking sharply. The young girl followed silently, barely daring to breathe. The Zhiyan Pavilion was a mess—everything scattered and ruined. Mu Zhaoyun sat by the bed, her chest rising and falling with agitation. Her fury didn't subside with her actions; her elegant makeup had begun to fade. With delicate hands, she picked up a silk pillow only to toss it to the floor again. "That lowly girl deserves her reckoning one day," she muttered, her eyes blazing with resentment at the memory of Lady Ling's words. Her jade-like gaze was filled with deep scorn, her features growing stern. Everyone admired her—her noble status as a Lady of the County and her position as the wife of the Commander of the Northern Garrison. Her husband's influence spanned the realm, yet who knew the hardships she endured? Now, the proud mistress of the Commander's household was being completely outmaneuvered by a child no older than three! If this were to become known, what would remain of her dignity? The more she thought, the more As soon as Ling Yue entered the room, she was struck by the scattered remnants all over the floor, and her mother was seated there, still furiously agitated, adding to the scene of chaos. The anger Ling Yue had harbored toward Ye Chen for his neglect had now transformed into profound surprise—when had she ever seen her mother so visibly upset? Gently stepping over the scattered debris, she approached Mu Zhaoyun. "Yue, how did you come?" Mu Zhaoyun's expression softened slightly upon seeing his beloved daughter, though his brows remained furrowed and his displeased demeanor remained evident. Upon hearing Mu Zhaoyun's question, Ling Yue recalled her purpose. She immediately pouted, then cooed with a touch of petulance: "Mother, just now, I saw a very handsome young man in the courtyard. He had eyes the color of purple—like two precious purple gems." As she recalled Ye Chen's purple eyes, her heart fluttered once again. A warm blush rose to her cheeks, shy and hesitant. "Really?" Mu Zhaoyun observed her daughter's expression, and felt a growing concern. It seems the moon-faced lady has fallen for that young man with purple eyes, though she herself is born into noble lineage. How could an ordinary person possibly match her? "When did the young man with purple eyes arrive at the estate?" "He was brought by that lowly girl." Recalling Cold Bending, Cold Moon-faced grew even colder. Why is it that this girl always seems so fortunate? Not only is her father now favoring her, but even this handsome young man has come to her first. Unhappy—her own status seems to be being steadily eroded by this girl. "Her?" Mu Zhaoyun also felt resentful. After a moment's thought, she called out, "Nianzhu, Nianzhu." "Servant at your service." A maid of about seventeen years old hurried in, her eyes flashing with sudden comprehension upon seeing the disorder throughout the room—quick as a flash—only to return to calmness as if nothing had happened, even when others thought she had noticed it. "Madam, what may I do?" She bowed respectfully. "Go and find out exactly who this young man with purple eyes is." "By no means has it been that lowly girl who brought the assistant—otherwise, it would be even more troublesome." "Understood," Nianzhu nodded and departed. "Mother, why did you send Nianzhu to investigate that young man?" Cold Yue didn't understand. "Know both yourself and your opponent, and you will never be defeated." Mu Zhaoyun pulled Cold Yue to a seat beside her and gently stroked her hair. "Yue, you're still young. You haven't yet grasped many things." She hadn't yet learned the treachery of human nature; being overly sincere would only leave her vulnerable. "Mother, I do understand," Cold Yue lifted her delicate face, her dark, bright eyes blazing with fierce resentment and determination. "It's that lowly girl. That's why Father no longer likes me. Even the people in the household look down upon us mother and daughter. It's her—her—who has taken everything from us. I hate her!" The passion in Cold Yue's voice surged like wild grass caught in a wildfire, fierce and unrelenting, as if it would consume everything around her. Mu Zhaoyun was taken aback. How had it But Yue said quite rightly—the young girl had taken everything from them. For herself, and for her children, they must eliminate that girl. Once the cruel thoughts took root, Li Lu’s eyes gleamed with the eerie light of a serpent’s gaze. “Madam,” Nian Zhu called from outside. “Come in,” Mu Zhao Yun said, smoothing out her cold, venomous expression. Nian Zhu stepped forward as instructed, curtsied, and reported, “Madam, I have learned all the details. The young man was purchased by Lady Wanyan from the slave market.” It had become common knowledge throughout Yao City that the young lady had bought slaves from the slave market—everyone was talking about Lady Wanyan. “The slave market?” Mu Zhao Yun raised an eyebrow, thinking deeply. “He’s a slave?” Cold Yue exclaimed in disbelief, “How could he possibly be a slave? So noble, so composed—how could he possibly be anything less than a noble?” Mu Zhao Yun waved her hand. “Go on,” she said, and Nian Zhu withdrew. "Mother, that young man with the purple eyes seems quite remarkable—how could he possibly be a slave?" Cold Yue'er pulled at her mother's hand, expressing her disbelief. "Perhaps it's just a ruse," Mur Zhaoyun murmured, speculating that the young man might actually be a helper she had brought in to take everything from them. "Yue'er, do you truly desire that slave?" Mur Zhaoyun suddenly lowered his gaze to meet her eyes. "Yes," she nodded, her dark eyes blazing with determination. "He has so openly disregarded me—I must make him understand what happens when one offends me." The wind from the window swept in, causing the silk curtains to flutter. Mur Zhaoyun's gaze grew steadily colder, fixed on a distant point beyond the window. ——— Nine-Year-Old Fairy Princess ——— Sorry: Starting today, Moon's work schedule is very busy and she won't be able to guarantee two updates every day, though she will still make sure to deliver one update daily. Sorry for the inconvenience, everyone, please understand.