Chapter 36 - 36 36 Step by Step Planning

Words : 1417 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Step by Step Planning Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Step by Step Planning Qin Shuang sighed and said, “Chunhua’s cousin has a feud with Miss Zhan Lan, but what grudge is there really between Lan and Chunhua?” Zhan Xuerou leaned against the bed, her voice gentle, cautiously explaining, “Mother, I remember that day Miss Lan hit Chunhua at Yunyin Academy. That must have sparked jealousy in her!” Qin Shuang frowned, “Now the servants in the mansion are becoming outrageous. Miss Zhan Lan is a young lady of the mansion, yet they dare to openly defy her and seek revenge after being taught a lesson.” Zhan Xuerou’s voice lowered, “Mother, I don’t want to see these things happen anymore. Please take Chunhua away soon!” Qin Shuang comforted, “Alright, alright.” Qiuyue listened from the side, breaking into a cold sweat. Thankfully, she didn’t get involved in such matters. Otherwise, she would have been the scapegoat today. Soon, the authorities closed the case. Chunhua and her cousin, the leader of the Black Shark Gang, Liu Chi, were both sentenced to death by flogging. Recently, so much has happened in the General Mansion, and Zhan Beicang received news from home. Since there was no war at the border, he sought Emperor Xuanwu’s permission to return home for a family visit. He was expected to return to the General Mansion in two days. ... In truth, Zhan Lan could have gotten out of bed already, but she needed to play the ruse of suffering to make the Zhan Family feel indebted. If only Zhan Xuerou was injured and she was unharmed, Zhan Xuerou might take advantage of the situation. If the blame shifted towards her, causing others to suspect, it would do her no good. Dugu Yan was feeding Little Black some steamed buns, saying, “Miss Liu Xi said that she has already persuaded Miss Zhan Qingqing to go to Zhan Xuerou’s place.” Zhan Lan nodded. Let Zhan Qingqing and Zhan Xuerou fight it out like dogs. She did not take action, but that did not mean she would not. Let the adversary wait in fear; it was even more painful than killing her. ... Zhan Xuerou rested in bed, no longer having the heart to deal with Zhan Lan. Instead, she felt increasingly uneasy about Zhan Lan. She had treated Zhan Lan so harshly this time; the latter would definitely seek an opportunity for revenge. But when exactly would that be? Her mind was in chaos, and anxiety consumed her. Zhan Lan was not easy to kill; she must be more cautious in the future. Qiuyue covered Zhan Xuerou with a blanket, saying, “Miss, Miss Zhan Qingqing is here to see you!” Zhan Xuerou closed her eyes, coldly saying, “Don’t let her in. Just say I’ve gone to sleep.” Before she finished speaking, Zhan Qingqing’s voice was already audible. “Sister, I have something to say to you, it’s very important.” “Let her in!” Zhan Xuerou opened her eyes. What could Zhan Qingqing possibly say? Zhan Qingqing walked up to Zhan Xuerou’s bedside with small, quick steps. Seeing Zhan Xuerou’s bruised and swollen face, her mouth opened wide, exaggeratedly as if it could fit an entire egg. “Sister, how did you get injured so badly, oh my God!” Zhan Xuerou’s brows twitched, “Just say what you need to say.” “I have some private words for sister,” Zhan Qingqing whispered. Zhan Xuerou dismissed everyone around, not even glancing at Zhan Qingqing. The maids closed the door, and Zhan Qingqing wiped away a couple of nonexistent tears, saying, “Sister, I heard your health has been severely impacted this time, and it might be difficult for you to conceive in the future...” “What did you say?” Zhan Xuerou struggled to sit up a bit on the bed. Zhan Qingqing looked at Zhan Xuerou in shock, “Sister, didn’t you know?” She quickly covered her mouth, “No, I didn’t say anything.” Zhan Xuerou’s face was grim, “What do you mean I can’t have children? During the attack, those bandits kept kicking my abdomen. But, how did it become to the extent of infertility? “You’d better clarify what you said, or don’t think about leaving this room!” Zhan Xuerou’s gaze turned cold, thinking to herself, it must be Zhan Qingqing spreading rumors. With a mournful expression, Zhan Qingqing said, “Sister, I also just heard about it, maybe it’s not accurate.” Zhan Xuerou closed her eyes, thinking why her mother’s expression was so unnatural. Could it be true! “You may leave now, and stop spreading rumors, otherwise, I cannot guarantee I won’t speak carelessly about your affairs,” Zhan Xuerou warned. Zhan Qingqing paused, then said with a smile, “Don’t worry, sister, I know my limits!” After leaving Zhan Xuerou’s room, Zhan Qingqing’s face showed a sinister smile. She almost burst into laughter, unable to believe that the legitimate daughter of the General Mansion could actually be infertile. Suddenly, Zhan Qingqing no longer loathed the child inside her belly. At least she still had the right to be a mother, while Zhan Xuerou didn’t even have that chance. In Nanjin, if a woman is infertile, it could mean she might not get married. Even if she did, she would be looked down upon by her husband’s family. Zhan Qingqing returned to her room, excitedly grabbed Liu Xi’s hand, and said, “It’s so relieving, I saw Zhan Xuerou’s pale face as if a dye shop exploded on it, I’m so happy!” Liu Xi smiled and handed Zhan Qingqing a cup of water. After drinking, Zhan Qingqing exclaimed, “Oh, Liu Xi, you’re really my right-hand man.” Liu Xi then handed her a box of fruits. Zhan Qingqing took a candy and bit into it, feeling as sweet inside as the sugar. “Miss, you should still take good care of the child in your belly, and make sure Miss Zhan Xuerou doesn’t find out, otherwise, she would be terribly upset,” Liu Xi casually mentioned. Zhan Qingqing laughed heartily, “Yes, if sister learned about this situation at this point, she would probably be devastated!” Zhan Qingqing thought of a plan, why not strike while the iron is hot and make Zhan Xuerou feel miserable. ... After Zhan Qingqing left, Zhan Xuerou had Qiuyue come alone, her face cold, she asked, “Tell me the truth, what exactly is wrong with my body?” Qiuyue bowed deeply and said, “Why do you ask, Miss? Aren’t you recovering slowly? Madam had Doctor Li prepare the best medicine, you will gradually get better.” Zhan Xuerou lay in her bed, her hands pounding on it, “You dare deceive me too!” Qiuyue fell to her knees with a thud, “Miss, I was wrong, it was Madam who said not to tell you, and recently, Doctor Li mentioned that your condition is recovering well, if you keep recuperating like this, there is still a possibility of conceiving.” Zhan Xuerou lay in bed, tears streaming down her cheeks, she hadn’t expected that what Zhan Qingqing said was actually true! This incident had inflicted such significant damage on her body! Her hands clutched the bed tightly, her voice trembling and urgent, she said, “Qiuyue, quickly, warm up the medicine and bring it here, I need to take it!” She used to complain about the medicine’s bitterness, always drinking only half; but now, no matter how bitter, she needed to drink it. Only then could she recover quickly. “Yes,” Qiuyue’s voice crisply answered, as she hurried to fetch the medicine. ... Two days later, at the General Mansion’s backyard. Zhan Lan got out of bed and moved her arms, still feeling pain, unable to make large movements as it might aggravate her wounds. She sat in front of the dressing mirror, looking at her own face. Fourteen years old, an age so young and beautiful, yet her eyes revealed a steadiness and scheming beyond her years. Every day, carefully planning, calculating every step, she dared not forget about revenge! She could not forget to protect the General Mansion and her family! Zhan Lan shook her head and smiled helplessly. Fortunately, the definite news was that Emperor Xuanwu had granted Zhan Beicang, Zhan Hui, and Zhan Peng permission to visit their hometown, and they had already set off. Moreover, there would be quite the drama to watch in the General Mansion before they returned!

Chapter 36 - 36 36 Step by Step Planning

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