【What? Host, what nonsense are you spouting again! The Jiang brothers are Xiaoya's strongest supporters, her number one backers, her devoted followers. They love her too much to even think about stabbing her, how could they possibly bear to do that to her?】The system immediately denied it, and even in its electronic voice, its shock was palpable.
It was obvious that it didn't remember what it had said before, and started muttering to itself, telling Xu Wanying not to be blinded by jealousy and to stop uttering these cursing words.
Xu Wanying ignored its nonsense, her thoughts still immersed in the scene from before.
The system clearly stated that Jiang Chengxiao grabbed Jiang Chengli's wrist and stabbed the dagger into the bed, and excitedly told Xing Xiaoya to dodge. After that, there was a busy signal, and the system seemed to have gone offline.
The sizzling sound was almost maddening. It took a few seconds for it to come back online, but it had no recollection of the scene. When it described the scene over there, it had nothing to do with Xing Xiaoya anymore; instead, it described the Jiang brothers throwing away the dagger.
It was as if an invisible hand had cut out the scene where Xing Xiaoya was killed with a dagger, rewound to the previous scene, and readjusted the plot to continue.
This is the second time the system has crashed for this reason. It happened before, and both times Xing Xiaoya was in extreme danger and about to die, the system crashed. When it came back online, Xing Xiaoya was still alive and well, and the plot had even regressed a bit.
[Host, after all I've said, have you even listened? We need to have a broader perspective in life, not just focus on one person. Xing Xiaoya is a natural-born beauty, showered with love and affection—that's just her good fortune. You can be jealous and envious, but you can't keep maliciously cursing her to death, or you'll easily suffer retribution…]
The system was still chattering on, but this time it wasn't so indignant; instead, it was more like a mother hen, offering mostly concern and advice.
Xu Wanying sighed softly and interrupted it coldly: "System, I didn't expect you to actually be such an idiot."
[Huh? Host, what are you saying! I've been so worried about you. Xing Xiaoya is the chosen heroine; most of the world's fortune rests on her. Going against her will do you no good. Anyone who makes her unhappy will not have a good ending. I'm just worried about you!]
Although you've been very stingy with me lately, even haggling over the energy I use, we've been through thick and thin together. I'm not a heartless system; I'm only thinking of you now. I don't want you to become like those supporting characters, a sycophant to Xing Xiaoya, but at least you can't make her unhappy!
The system was so angry that it screamed and yelled, and even felt extremely wronged.
Xu Wanying sighed again: "Yes, yes, I did feel your feelings, but you really are such a clueless idiot! You don't understand anything at all, and I can't reason with you! Going to sleep."
Her words were not sarcastic at all, but came from the bottom of her heart.
The system had no idea it had gone offline, let alone that the plot had been altered. While it was buzzing around, Xing Xiaoya was probably already dead. When it came back online, it continued to diligently broadcast its reports, but when questioned, it knew nothing.
The word "idiot" is written all over its head.
[Wow, host, you're really going too far! I haven't offended you! You attacked me for no reason...] The system was clearly broken after being called stupid twice, and a series of questions came out.
Xu Wanying didn't respond at all and simply closed her eyes to rest. The system initially kept chattering, but when no one responded, it had no choice but to shut up in frustration.
***
"Third sister-in-law, I heard you like reading storybooks. These are some I found interesting before, so I picked some over. There are tragic love stories, chivalrous tales, and supernatural tales. You can take a look and see which type you like. I'll send you more next time."
Lu Ling walked in carrying a round fan. She was tall and slender, with graceful steps. Every smile and frown exuded the elegance of a well-bred lady, and just looking at her made people feel comfortable.
Several servants followed behind her, including two rough old women who carried a wooden box containing neatly stacked books.
Even before getting close, it seemed as if one could smell the fragrance of ink.
Xu Wanying immediately stood up to greet her. She glanced at the top layer of books and saw that the covers were all exquisitely painted portraits, and they were not explicit.
Despite being a feudal and conservative ancient society, many of the storybooks circulating in the streets were adult novels, making readers blush with their faces and using rather daring language.
However, the books that Lu Ling picked out naturally wouldn't have this problem.
"Second sister-in-law, you've gone to a lot of trouble. I've heard about this book, 'The Travelogue,' before. It's been all the rage in Wangjing lately and is a favorite among many ladies. I even had someone buy it for me, but unfortunately, it's sold out in every bookstore. Even the copies that were bought were handwritten and not as exquisite as this one."
Xu Wanying immediately flipped through the pages, picked up a book, shook it, and a genuine smile appeared on her face.
Ancient life was really boring. There was no television or computer, and the entertainment options were limited to a few things: watching operas, playing cards, and not being able to go shopping freely. It was almost driving her crazy.
Although the system occasionally led her to gossip, ever since Xing Xiaoya appeared, many plots revolved around her, almost giving Xu Wanying a psychological aversion to it. So she simply read storybooks to pass the time.
However, ancient books were printed using movable type, and best-selling novels often couldn't keep up with the market and were frequently out of stock, which was a great pity.
Handwritten copies are essentially pirated copies, so their quality is naturally inferior to the genuine articles.
Lu Ling chuckled, fanning herself with her fan: "I own a bookstore, and this book was published by the bookstore I run."
"Ah, really?" Xu Wanying was slightly taken aback, then immediately realized, "I remember now, that bookstore was called Linglong Bookstore, it was opened by my second sister-in-law. No wonder the storybooks are so popular with young ladies, unlike other storybooks which are written for men."
“Next time, you can tell me what you want to see, and I can have someone write it specially for you,” Lu Ling said generously.
Xu Wanying immediately became excited and couldn't help but applaud.
"Second sister-in-law, you are such a generous and thoughtful person!" she praised sincerely.
[System, I remember you said before that Lu Ling was petty and that was pure nonsense. I've only met her a few times, and she's already so concerned about me. It must be that in that book, they're just making a minor character look bad to highlight Xing Xiaoya.] Xu Wanying didn't forget to drag the system out and scold it a couple of times.
[Host, you really like to scold me lately! Who was it that jumped into the lake on her first day back at the Marquis's mansion?] the system said indignantly.
Listening to this standoff between the two leaders, Lu Ling's smile remained unchanged. After these days of experience, she had long since gotten used to it.
“With my third brother away from home, you’re spending all your time in the courtyard, which must be quite boring. It was the same when I accompanied Chengxiao to his new post. He was on duty, and I was the only mistress of the house, so I couldn’t talk to anyone. Unlike my sister-in-law, I’m not generous, so I can only send her some books to pass the time. If it makes my sister-in-law smile, then my efforts won’t be in vain.”
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