Great Zhou World
Chen Ye suddenly fainted in front of a computer screen full of data, and was suddenly awakened by a basin of cold water, but in return he only received a cold task reminder from the system.
"Congratulations to the host for triggering the first system task - winning the top spot in the Oiran Contest and preventing the male protagonist Xiao Ziyi from falling in love with the female protagonist Nangong Xi at first sight. Additional task - punish the small group that bullied Ning Yangyang and complete the plot of the Ning Mansion's house fight." The familiar voice of the system sounded in Chen Ye's mind. Compared with before, its tone seemed to have become more easy-going, and even vaguely revealed a bit of the style of a domineering president.
After hearing the system's words, Chen Ye couldn't help but feel confused. She wiped the cold water off her face and struggled to get up from the ground. Looking around, she found herself in a dilapidated woodshed.
The woodshed was clearly quite old, its walls and floor appearing extremely dilapidated. However, Chen Ye was surprised to find a broken bed covered in filthy bedding. This made her even more confused about her current situation. She had originally thought that with the status of a princess and the buff of maxed martial arts skills, she should be able to enjoy some special treatment.
But the scene before her was completely unexpected. This treatment was truly appalling. The PDF didn't detail the original owner's upbringing, but after all, it wasn't her own home; Ning Yangyang lived under someone else's roof. But wasn't this too much? In the woodshed? Chen Ye couldn't even open his eyes.
Chen Ye began to admire the descriptive power of words again. It was amazing that living under someone else's roof could bring out such a strong vitality.
Chen Ye (Ning Yangyang) looked intently, only to see three people standing before him. The leader was Ning Bihuan, the manor's second daughter. This woman was notorious within PDF, a renowned villain. Her sarcastic expression, her domineering demeanor, practically spelled out the term "vicious supporting actress." Behind her followed a personal maid and a wet nurse.
This was undoubtedly a common scene from a domestic feud. However, Chen Ye was confident in the situation, having thoroughly studied the script. The characterization and plot development were effortless. It turned out that Princess Ning Yangyang was bullied, in part due to jealousy of her status and in part due to her brother's indifference, which made her weak and vulnerable.
"Hey, these small gangs are mostly bullies who only care about the weak and fear the strong. I'll just have to make a splash and see who dares to disrespect me!" Chen Ye thought to herself, her lips curling up slightly in a confident smile. Furthermore, she was quite satisfied with the character profiles provided by the system; otherwise, mistaking someone for someone else would be another kind of OOC. "Well, this system is quite reliable!"
However, Chen Ye didn't immediately fight back. Instead, he stood there, rubbing his hands, looking eager to fight. As for Ning Bihuan, she had come here on her mother's orders to find Ning Duoyu and get dressed. After all, today, her cousin, whom she had never met but whose reputation was already far-reaching, had unexpectedly sent a message, saying that he wanted to meet his sister, who had been abandoned since childhood, and take her back to his mansion to take care of her.
Ning Bihuan called this a prodigal son's return; her good cousin finally remembered her as his sister. However, she still wanted to remind Ning Duoyu not to be a gossip, whispering nonsense and trying to persuade her cousin.
However, this woman was like a dead pig. No matter how he screamed or kicked the door in the dirty woodshed, she didn't respond. After finally finding a bucket of cold water and splashing it on her to wake her up, she dared to stare at him so blatantly, as if she didn't take him seriously at all.
Ning Bihuan's jealousy soared to the heavens just by looking at her appearance. After all, it was precisely because of her face, which resembled the deceased eldest princess, that she always attracted so much attention no matter the occasion, often overshadowing her own brilliance. She really wanted to slash her face with a few knives and then apply some disfiguring poison.
The two of them remained deadlocked, glaring at each other, neither willing to back down. Finally, Ning Bihuan couldn't contain herself anymore. Gathering all her strength, she swung her hand and slapped Ning Yangyang fiercely.
But what she never expected was that Ning Yangyang, as if she had predicted her move, swiftly seized her wrist. Furthermore, Ning Yangyang yanked her wrist forward, then delivered a perfect over-the-shoulder throw, sending Ning Bihuan crashing to the ground.
This series of movements was as natural and smooth as flowing water, without any sense of drag. It was obvious that it took long-term training to reach such a level of proficiency.
"Ah...ah...someone come quickly! Ning Duoyu actually dared to throw me down! Ah!" Ning Bihuan struggled to get up from the ground with the help of her maid and wet nurse. Her face was filled with pain and anger. She pointed at Ning Yangyang and cursed, "You ungrateful and despicable villain!"
The screams echoed between the low, cobweb-covered beams, rustling the dry wood piled in the corner and stirring up the stench of stale mold and dust, filling the small space. Almost as soon as the words fell, chaotic footsteps and suppressed exclamations were heard outside the door.
The small woodshed, which was barely big enough for even one person, was now filled with all the women of the Ning family. Among them were the head of the household, Xia Weiya, and the eldest daughter-in-law of the main house, Hu Mi.
Chen Ye didn't even have time to carefully examine the character profiles before the system kept urging her to move the plot forward. "Host, this is the time for you to show your skills."
"A group fight? One vs. more?"
At this moment, I heard a clear cry: "Aunt is here! My cousin just told me that my brother is coming to see me and said he would take me to wash up."
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Ning Yangyang squeeze out from the gap in the crowd and escape out the door in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, Ning Bihuan inside the doorway was still chattering about everything she had just experienced, but this was clearly no longer important. The most important thing now was to deliver Ning Yangyang unharmed to the Regent. After all, aristocratic families excelled at superficiality.
Seeing this, Xia Weiya hurried forward and personally blocked her daughter's chattering mouth. Then she whispered in her ear, "If you have any hatred or grudges, talk about it later."
Hu Mi's belly was now bulging, indicating she was already six months pregnant. In reality, she was largely aware of Ning Yangyang's situation at the mansion. Before she became pregnant, she naturally offered extra care and assistance to this ill-fated child. However, as the eldest daughter-in-law, how could she truly create a rift with her mother-in-law?
So, ever since she became pregnant, Hu Mi felt that some things were inconvenient to interfere too much. Although she felt sympathy for Ning Yangyang, she also understood her own position and status. Now, seeing her mother-in-law and sister-in-law still standing in front of the woodshed, seemingly with no intention of leaving, Hu Mi couldn't help but feel a little anxious.
She hurried forward, carefully supported Ning Yangyang, and said softly, "Yangyang, let's go back to the yard first. It's windy here, don't catch a cold. You have to meet your cousin later." After that, she turned her head to look at her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, nodded slightly, and then supported Ning Yangyang and slowly walked towards her own yard.
The bronze mirror reflected the morning light filtering through the diamond-shaped window lattice. Chunying stood by her dressing table, clutching a mother-of-pearl lacquer tray. The girl in the mirror's skin was as white as freshly frozen snow, her almond-shaped eyes accentuated by a vermilion mole at the corner of her eye. Suddenly, her brow furrowed, her long eyelashes casting a butterfly-like shadow beneath her eyes—sawdust that had gotten stuck in her hair the night before had caught on her while she was combing it.
"Young lady, please raise your head." Chunying dipped her toothbrush in osmanthus oil and suddenly paused. The young lady's collar was slightly open, revealing a delicate clavicle, marked with purple finger marks. Ning Yangyang played with the mother-of-pearl incense in the bottom box between her fingertips. The gold-lacquered peony pattern reflected against her scallion-like nails, even more vibrant than the real thing.
Suddenly, the tinkling of rings and bracelets filled the hallway. Ning Yangyang caught a glimpse in the mirror as Ning Bihuan, supporting Xia Weiya, approached gracefully. Ning Bihuan had styled her hair in a stunning bun today, the pearls dangling from her golden hairpin lingering perfectly between her brows, adding a touch of sweetness to her otherwise harsh features. She deliberately kicked her gilded horse-faced skirt, making it rustle, but the restraints on her waist remained motionless.
"My cousin, this outfit..." Ning Bihuan hadn't finished her words when she suddenly saw Ning Yangyang turn around in the bronze mirror. The morning light slanted across a face that bore a striking resemblance to the eldest princess. A single red lip, pierced by her raven-feather hair, shone like blood. Startled, Xia Weiya took a step back, stepping on the hem of Ning Bihuan's skirt. The nightmares she'd been having, recurring, resurfaced before her eyes.
When Hu Mi entered, carrying a newly tailored dress, she saw the veins bulging on her mother-in-law's temples. Her belly was slightly swollen, but she maintained the grace of a matron of noble birth. The rice beads adorning the hem of her pomegranate-shaped skirt made a rustling sound as they rolled on the blue brick floor. "Yangyang, try this gold-woven satin..."
Ning Yangyang was still dressing when the door was pushed open at an inopportune moment. It was a servant in the mansion who urged, "The Regent is already at the door of the Ning Mansion." As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Yangyang was pushed through the corridor by the crowd, and the pearl hairpin in her hair was already tilted and about to fall off.
To put it bluntly, she was somewhat excited about meeting the hero of this world for the first time. However, unlike in the Wuhua world, this time she was the hero's younger sister. She no longer had any romantic feelings for the handsome man, but only an irresistible desire for the model.
The carriage was running through the streets, and the hearts of the two people in the carriage had already flown thousands of miles away.
Xiao Yuhuan gently stroked the warm jade folded fan in his hand, a playful smile on his lips, and he was the first to break the silence: "Cousin," he tilted his head, his eyes filled with undisguised curiosity and anticipation, "Do you think my cousin will be as beautiful as my aunt was back then, so stunning that I feel pity for her?" He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to search for a distant memory. "Now that I think about it, other than the wrinkled little ball she was when she was newborn, I don't seem to have much memory of her. She's been living in seclusion all these years, like a mystery."
"Mystery?" Xiao Ziyi's voice was low. He picked up the celadon teacup beside him, but didn't drink, simply feeling the warmth from the cup. "You're particularly concerned about your intended Crown Princess?" His tone was flat, and there was no hint of emotion, but a subtle complexity flashed in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuhuan folded his folding fan with a swish, tapping it lightly against his palm. With a mischievous smile, he looked at Xiao Ziyi's tense profile. "I care? What about you? So 'indifferent' that you'd climb over someone's wall in the middle of the night to peek?" He drew out the last word and teased, "That night under the moonlight, my cousin was truly agile."
"Cough! Cough cough cough..." Xiao Ziyi was choked suddenly, and the chilled tender grape he had just put in his mouth almost got stuck in his throat. The violent coughing made his face flush instantly. He put his hands to his lips in embarrassment, his chest shaking, and it took a while for him to calm down. He glared at Xiao Yuhuan fiercely, with a bit of anger and shame at being exposed: "What nonsense! That... that is my duty! Father... my father's will, all children of the Ning family must learn martial arts to protect themselves, and must not let down the spirit of a general! I just... went to confirm whether she was slacking off!" He spoke very quickly, as if he was trying to defend himself, but the flickering look in his eyes revealed his lack of confidence.
After an awkward silence, the blush on Xiao Ziyi's face faded, replaced by a deeper worry. He lowered his eyelids, watching the tea leaves bobbing in the cup. His voice was so low it was almost whispered to himself, with a hint of vulnerability that he himself was unaware of. "But... Yu Huan, I have no feelings for her... ." He paused, his Adam's apple rolling. "Save that blood bond, save the masked teachings, we're like strangers. Will she... like me as a brother?"
Those words were like a stone dropped into a deep pool. Xiao Ziyi had been navigating the ironclad laws of the military camp since childhood, accustomed to life and death, used to speaking with swords. His feelings for this sister were as complicated as a tangled mess. Was it resentment? Yes, he could not forget the almost simultaneous death of his mother and the cry of a new life, the warm embrace that had been forever cold. Yet, beneath that hatred, the bond of blood could not be severed. She was, after all, his sister. Yet, was the bond between brother and sister truly unbreakable? Xiao Ziyi's fingertips sank deeply into his palm.
There was only one carriage parked outside the mansion, but the gates were filled with people who came to curry favor. As the gilded carriage rolled through the shadows of the wisteria blossoms, the clamor of the entire Ning Mansion faded. When the carriage door opened, a ray of setting sun shone into the dark gold-woven brocade dress, revealing an old scar an inch below his Adam's apple. When he raised his eyes to the kneeling crowd, his yellow-brown pupils, floating beneath his dark blue lashes, silently examined each person.
Ning Yangyang didn't wait for anyone to comfort him, but took the initiative to flatter him, saying in a pinched voice, "Brother, you finally came to see Yangyang."
The moment he suddenly lunged, Xiao Yuhuan's pupils shrank. He instinctively leaned back to avoid him, a flicker of surprise in his tawny eyes before fading into a deep, calm hue. His slender fingers rested lightly on Ning Yangyang's elbow, neither approachable nor rude, just like the half-smile on his lips. He had originally thought he'd just accepted a simple mission to accompany someone on a family visit, but he never imagined he'd become the protagonist of that story. Upon seeing the princess who'd been mistaken for a princess, a wave of helplessness welled up in his heart.
"Princess, I should just be your cousin." Xiao Yuhuan said with a wry smile, trying to explain the misunderstanding.
"The princess's cousin? That's the prince? System, you're cheating again!" Ning Yangyang suddenly exclaimed, clearly surprised by this unexpected identity. The embrace she had been holding tightly in her arms now felt awkward due to this sudden change.
Just then, their conversation was interrupted by the cheers of the crowd. It turned out that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had arrived, and everyone knelt in gratitude. Ning Yangyang quickly released her hand and knelt with the others.
At this time, the male protagonist Xiao Ziyi, the brother who had always ignored Ning Yangyang, slowly walked over. However, when Ning Yangyang saw the male protagonist Xiao Ziyi from the Great Zhou world, she felt a little disappointed.
Compared to Qi Yiwen, Xiao Ziyi's appearance was clearly not her type. He had a somewhat greasy air, perhaps because she was viewing him from the perspective of a younger sister. Ning Yangyang was a little hesitant to look her brother in the face. After all, she seemed to actually have a brother who bore a passing resemblance to the man before her.
Sunlight streamed through the Ning Mansion courtyard, illuminating the ground with a golden glow. Xiao Ziyi, dressed in a gorgeous brocade robe, walked slowly forward, surrounded by a crowd of people, like the moon surrounded by stars. At his side was His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Xiao Yuhuan. The two walked side by side, chatting and laughing cheerfully.
Ning Yangyang stood aside, watching this scene, a trace of confusion welling up in her heart. She really didn't understand why Xiao Ziyi was surrounded by so many people, while the Crown Prince was just accompanying him. Could it be that the Regent's status was even higher than the Crown Prince's? It was all because of the male protagonist's halo.
However, at this moment, Ning Yangyang was nothing more than a bystander. She was clearly the center of this gathering, and everyone had come to the Ning Mansion under the pretext of seeing her. Yet, now, she was isolated and confined to the third floor. What was going on? Unlike Ning Yangyang's situation, Xiao Ziyi's was almost forced upon him. He had never been to the Ning Mansion before, yet he became the leader.
Ning Yangyang secretly groaned. She was already feeling top-heavy with the massive pearl flower on her head, and the unruly shoes on her feet made her even more unsteady as she walked. At this moment, she felt helpless and had no one to blame for her grievances.
Elsewhere, Ning Bihuan met her cousin Xiao Ziyi for the first time. She had originally thought the legendary regent would be cold and ruthless, but upon meeting him, she discovered otherwise. Xiao Ziyi appeared elegant and graceful, a stark contrast to the rumored image.
Ning Bihuan's heart couldn't help but move. She followed closely to Xiao Ziyi's right side, following closely with every step, as if she was afraid of losing him. Her steps seemed a little hurried, as if she was the outsider in the Ning Mansion.
Xiao Ziyi, swarmed by a swarm of swarming insects, felt a bit embarrassed, and he secretly grumbled, "It's true that being alone is the most comfortable." He waved his sleeves casually, as if to swat away all the annoying flies and mosquitoes around him. However, it was all in vain. The little insects seemed unfazed by his shooing and continued to buzz around him.
Xiao Ziyi had come to the Ning Mansion today, simply to go through the motions and pick up his younger sister. But when his eyes fell on the woman beside him, her eyes gleaming and her mind blank, a wave of helplessness welled up in his heart. This woman was actually his younger sister?
Xiao Ziyi sighed inwardly, thinking that the environment one grew up in truly had a profound impact on a person. He couldn't help but think of what he'd seen and heard every day: those pampered, wealthy children were often just as clueless and dull as the woman beside him. She must have neither studied hard nor practiced martial arts well.
"System, why do I feel like someone is secretly slandering me?" Ning Yangyang muttered as she struggled to squeeze forward. Her goal today was simple: to grab a front-row seat. However, the reality was far more difficult than she had imagined.
Ning Yangyang discovered that the real scene of grabbing a seat was completely different from the online hand speed competition. These people seemed to have infinite strength. No matter how hard she pushed, they were as steady as a rock, unmoved.
"What is going on? Are they all fanatical fans of Xiao Ziyi? So powerful?" Ning Yangyang followed the team breathlessly, her heart full of confusion and unwillingness.
As the crowd gradually receded, Ning Yangyang finally realized that at this rate, she would never be able to secure a front-row seat. So, she decisively decided to take a shortcut and become Xiao Ziyi's number one illegitimate fan.
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