The midsummer drone of cicadas tore through the stifling air beneath the scorching sun. Outside the vermilion gates of the Jingyuan General's Mansion, Liu Shiyao's carriage rolled across the cobblestones, its wheels grinding against the ground with a harsh screech. She lifted the carriage curtain, which was embroidered with gold-thread peonies, and stared up at the plaque bearing the name "Jingyuan." Her fingernails dug deep into her palms. She had been away for only a few months, yet rumors were already flying about her cousin and that woman from the Marquis's Mansion.
"Miss, the Heir is currently entertaining guests in the front hall," her maid, Chuntao, whispered, treading carefully.
A cold smile curled the corners of Liu Shiyao's lips. She adjusted the newly donned pearl hairpin at her temple and swept into the mansion with graceful, deliberate steps. As she walked along the winding corridor, Lu Jingyuan's clear, resonant laughter drifted to her from afar, mingled with a woman's soft, gentle voice. The sound stabbed into her heart like a thorn.
Chapter 92