4072

Chapter 4072: Peeling Back the Truth

"Shi Huixin, you actually allowed that impostor, Qiao Yingchun, to be brought back to the Mu family."

"That can only mean one thing," Qiao Mu stared expressionlessly at Mu Qingya opposite her, "You knew. You knew from the very beginning."

"No, that's not..."

"Whether it is or not, you should know perfectly well in your heart," Qiao Mu stared at her with a desolate expression, scrutinizing her deeply. "From the very beginning, Shi Huixin was just a small pawn in your hand. It was you who wanted to ruin this Crown Princess's reputation."

"It was you who manipulated that impostor, Qiao Yingchun, from behind the scenes, allowing her to successfully enter the residence, and even arranging for her to step into the social circles of the powerful."

Her dark eyes fell into the depths of Mu Qingya's wavering, watery gaze, swirling like two pools of clear, icy water, chilling to the bone.

For a moment, she felt as if she saw that person in the young girl.

Cold, elegant, unparalleled in pride.

She had humbly prostrated herself at that person's feet, listening to others tell her: This is the eldest daughter of the Long family, the future head matron of the Mu family.

That woman's gaze, like clear snow and cold frost, fell upon her. At that moment, it made her feel as if she was so lowly she was dust, so weak she was less than an ant.

To be honest, she truly hated that feeling, that constant need to prostrate and bow, to look up at others, she hated it very, very much.

Mu Qingya's memories drifted like waves, finally pausing at a certain point in time.

Granny Qiu bowed and came to her side, leaning in to whisper, "Madam, Auntie Shi has brought the person as per our arrangement."

Madam Mu curved her lips, a faint glimmer appearing in the corner of her eyes.

"Tomorrow, the banquet at General Zhongli's mansion..."

Mu Qingya smoothed a soft strand of hair near her temple. "Tomorrow, I will be unwell."

"Yes, Madam," Granny Qiu smiled faintly, bowing and stepping back two paces. "Then tomorrow, let that fool take that impostor to General Zhongli's mansion to meet the various dignitaries of the court."

Mu Qingya nodded faintly, speaking softly, "That would be excellent."

Mu Qingya looked at Qiao Mu before her with a shallow gaze, lost in thought for a long time, her eyes revealing a faint sigh and a touch of sorrow.

"All of this is just your speculation," Madam Mu said softly. "What do you have to prove that I did such a thing? Qiao Qiao, what good would doing this do for me? You, child, worry too much; it's not good for your health."

Qiao Mu ignored her voice and continued, "After that, I returned to the Mu family. On the surface, you were meticulously thorough, showing deference and respect to me and the Crown Prince."

"What you did behind our backs, do I need to remind you again?"

"What did I do?" Mu Qingya looked at Qiao Mu with an innocent expression, then let out a self-mocking sneer. "I didn't do anything, okay?"

"That Xiao Xing was your person," Qiao Mu said coldly. "As soon as I entered the Mu family, you wanted to cause me trouble."

"Crown Princess," Mu Qingya said with a helpless expression, "I truly didn't know you still remembered the matter of Xiao Xing even now."

"Of course, I remember. She even became a corpse-puppet. She turned into a corpse-puppet and almost attacked my people. Mu Jingfeng..." Qiao Mu pointed at the dumbfounded Mu Jingfeng beside her. "Mu Jingfeng even tried his best to defend you, saying it had nothing to do with you."