Chapter 13: You Are a Phantom

Lu Lanxi spoke sharply, “A knife? Yueya, you really are amusing. I’m just a weak woman; what need do I have for a knife? Some things are better left unsaid...”

Yueya knelt on the ground, lifting her head with newfound courage, no longer timid or afraid.

“Third Miss, to be honest, I, like you, have died once before.”

From Lu Lanxi’s public breaking of the engagement—to her recent witnessing of Lu Lanxi harming Chunchan—Yueya had long suspected that Lu Lanxi, like herself, had been reborn.

But she wasn’t entirely sure, unwilling to bet her life on a mere guess. Now, if she didn’t take a chance, her life would be forfeit. She had yet to avenge herself; she could not die like this.

Lu Lanxi trembled slightly at her words, a cold light flashing in her eyes. Her expression remained composed, brows lowered silently as she fixed her gaze on Yueya.

Seeing Lu Lanxi’s silence, Yueya knew her gamble had paid off.

“Third Miss, I know this sounds unbelievable, but I’m certain in my heart. Your drastic change in temperament isn’t because you saw through Master Zhuang’s false affections, but because in your previous life, you were cruelly killed by him.”

“Third Miss, on the day Master Zhuang fell into the water, it was the eldest missy who commanded me to pour oil by the lake ahead of time, luring Master Zhuang there. He fell in by accident. You were only there to retrieve something on Lady’s orders and saved him. Then the eldest missy, taking advantage of the moment, brought the other young ladies to feed the fish, sullying both your and Master Zhuang’s reputations. This way, she not only freed herself from Master Zhuang’s entanglements but did so without offending him. Her ultimate goal was to marry Prince Yuan as his consort...”

“Third Miss, have you ever wondered why you were poisoned by such a strange toxin in your previous life without realizing it?”

“Could it have been only Master Zhuang and the eldest missy? They could never have obtained such a rare poison. There must be someone else behind it all.”

Lu Lanxi suddenly gripped Yueya’s neck coldly and said, “Be careful what you say. One wrong word could cost you your life.”

“Third Miss, that person behind this is connected to Prince Yuan. Before I died, I overheard a conversation between the eldest missy and Prince Yuan, something about your origins...”

Yueya struggled for breath under Lu Lanxi’s grip.

“You’re Lu Wanhe’s confidante, and she treats you well. Why should I trust you?”

Lu Lanxi noticed Yueya’s flushed face and released her, then gently stroked her head with a meaning smile before closing her eyes and leaning back in the rocking chair.

“Third Miss, the eldest missy is a beast in human form. She’s nothing but a beast. She only treats us kindly for show. I was loyal to her, but because Prince Yuan glanced my way, she ruined my face, slaughtered my entire family, sold me to a brothel, cursed me with disease, and still wasn’t satisfied. She ordered my hands and feet cut off and drowned me in wine jars to torture me to death.”

“Third Miss, having lived again, I only want to avenge myself. Since we share the same enemy, why can’t we help each other? After all, an extra ally means greater strength. Sometimes, you don’t even have to dirty your own hands. I can be your hand.”

Yueya gasped for air, then boldly laid her cards on the table.

“You want to use me as a pawn for your revenge? Too bad, I don’t need you or anyone else’s help.”

Lu Lanxi’s heart trembled upon hearing Yueya’s past. Lu Wanhe truly was detestable.

Yet fate was in her own hands. Though one may seek help, she dared not trust easily—those who betray are often the ones you trust most.

---

“Third Miss, I’m willing to be your pawn in this game. I know you’re powerful—killing the eldest missy would be effortless for you—but sometimes, destroying the heart is more poisonous than killing the body. I want to help you break the eldest missy’s spirit, make her desire what she cannot have, let her suffer scorn from all, living a fate worse than death.”

“Besides, Third Miss, your enemies are far more than just the eldest missy.”

“If I help you with her, you’ll have the energy to deal with the others—a win-win situation.”

“Third Miss, this deal won’t be a loss.”

“As long as I can have my revenge, afterward, you may do as you please with me.”

Lu Lanxi remained silent.

Yueya hesitated, unsure of Lu Lanxi’s thoughts, fearful she’d chosen the wrong ally.

“What if you don’t succeed?”

“I swear, I will spare no cost to leave Lu Wanhe without a grave! If I break this oath, may I be shattered to pieces and torn apart a thousand times.”

“Remember your words. I hate traitors. Otherwise, her fate today will be yours tomorrow.”

Lu Lanxi said softly, gesturing toward Chunchan. Yueya knew this meant acceptance. With Lu Lanxi’s protection, her revenge was within reach.

“As long as I can avenge myself, I will follow Third Miss through fire and water without hesitation.”

“Enough. Get up. The floor is cold. Stop kneeling. Fix your disheveled hair, and put away that hateful glare. You still have to serve the eldest missy later.”

Lu Lanxi ruffled Yueya’s hair affectionately, though such closeness was intimidating.

“Third Miss, rest assured—I know what to do.”

“Good girl. Go back now.”

Yueya nodded hurriedly and rose. She still had to report back at Haitang Garden.

The moonlight was hazy; fallen leaves drifted.

Lu Lanxi leaned back lazily in her chair.

Though her blood couldn’t save lives, having been used by her mother since childhood for poison testing, over time it developed a near-immunity to ordinary toxins.

Yet in her previous life, poisoned secretly by Zhuang Huaijin’s mother, she could not heal.

That was how they took advantage and ruined her martial skills.

---

It proved the poison was tailor-made for her.

Those who sought to harm her had spared no expense.

But she had never once considered it might be connected to her origins.

Was she unloved by father and mother because she wasn’t truly their child?

Then who was she?

In her past life, she had asked Ye Nanzhi if she was her real daughter—otherwise, why treat her so?

Ye Nanzhi had held her close, stroking her face and said she was the child she bore at the cost of half her life, loving her so deeply it turned to hatred...

In short, a tangled web of manipulation and brainwashing.

No matter how much she pondered, no clear answer came.

Lu Lanxi tapped the armrest impatiently.

If she couldn’t understand, she wouldn’t force it. Besides, she couldn’t fully trust Yueya’s words; one must always guard against others.

———

Half an hour later, beneath the plum tree, Chunchan’s face was pale and her expression agonized as she opened her eyes.

She had seen with her own eyes Lu Lanxi draw that worm from her body.

She trembled violently, limbs stiff, numb to pain.

Lu Lanxi reached out to touch Chunchan’s head.

Chunchan quickly turned her head aside, lips purple, staring fearfully at Lu Lanxi.

“Why dodge? I’m no man-eating tiger. Be good, don’t be afraid, or you might never see the sun rise again.”

“You’re scarier than a tiger—you’re a ghost.”