A Fantasy Love Story Across the Warring States Period

Chapter 6 Banquet Turmoil and Emotional Entanglement

Huanmo's expression darkened; he had clearly heard Xueying's words. All eyes instantly turned to the three of them, and the lively atmosphere of the banquet seemed to be paused, becoming quiet for a moment.

When Wanru saw Huanmo appear, she felt both relieved and helpless. She was relieved that Huanmo might be able to stop Xueying's difficult behavior again, but she was helpless because she had once again fallen into such an awkward situation because of Xueying, and she didn't want to trouble Huanmo with these trivial matters.

When Xueying saw Huanmo's gloomy face, she felt a slight panic, but she quickly regained her haughty demeanor, seemingly not intending to give in easily.

"Brother Huanmo, I didn't say anything. I was just chatting with Sister Wanru. Please don't misunderstand," Xueying said in a sweet voice, feigning innocence.

Huanmo frowned; how could he not hear the sarcasm in Xueying's words? He walked up to the two of them, his gaze lingering on Wanru for a moment. Seeing the grievance and forbearance in her eyes, he couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

"Xueying, I've already told you before that Wanru is a guest of the manor, and you should treat her with courtesy. Don't be so rude again." Huanmo's voice wasn't loud, but his tone carried an undeniable seriousness.

Upon hearing this, Xueying's eyes immediately reddened. She looked at Huanmo with a wronged expression and said, "Brother Huanmo, I really just wanted to chat with her, but she always ignores me. I thought she didn't like me."

Wanru listened from the side, secretly furious. She always tried to respond to Xueying politely, but Xueying always deliberately picked fights and now she was even turning the tables on her.

“Miss Xueying, you’re wrong about that. I’ve always responded to you properly. When have I ever ignored you?” Wanru couldn’t help but retort.

Huanmo glanced at Wanru, then at Xueying, and sighed inwardly. He knew Xueying was deliberately making excuses, but he didn't want to embarrass her too much at the banquet.

"Alright, that's enough. Today is a banquet, everyone should be happy, let's not let these trivial matters spoil the atmosphere." Huanmo tried to make her voice sound calm, but there was still a hint of warning in her eyes, especially when she looked at Xueying.

Seeing this, Xueying was indignant, but dared not continue the argument. She glared at Wanru, then turned and walked towards the other noble children, quickly blending back into the lively crowd as if nothing had happened.

Wanru watched Xueying's departing figure, but the grievance in her heart wouldn't dissipate. She lowered her head, gently biting her lip, trying hard not to let her tears fall.

Huanmo noticed Wanru's unusual behavior. He gently patted Wanru's shoulder and said, "Wanru, don't take it to heart. Xueying is just spoiled. You don't have to take her words seriously."

Wanru looked up at Huanmo, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes, but mostly sadness. She said softly, "Young Master, I know you mean well, but I really don't want to keep causing you trouble. Perhaps I shouldn't stay in this manor..."

Upon hearing this, Huanmo was startled and quickly said, "Wanru, what are you saying? Now that I've brought you back, I won't let you leave. This is your home. Don't worry, I'll handle everything."

Hearing Huanmo's words, Wanru felt a warm current surge in her heart, and she was also somewhat moved. She knew that Huanmo was sincere towards her, but she was still worried that she would become the fuse for conflict between Huanmo and Xueying.

"Young master, thank you. I just feel like I always feel out of place here, and I always make Miss Xueying unhappy. I'm afraid..." Wanru hesitated.

Huanmo gently held Wanru's hand and said, "Don't be afraid, I will protect you and won't let anyone hurt you. As for Xueying, she will understand things sooner or later."

Wanru blushed slightly. She hadn't expected Huanmo to suddenly take her hand, and a ripple of emotion stirred within her. Looking into Huanmo's resolute eyes, her worries seemed to lessen somewhat.

The banquet continued, and with Huanmo by her side, Wanru's mood gradually improved. She began to try to engage in conversation with other guests. Although her modern ideas and knowledge still aroused curiosity in others, overall, the banquet gave her a better understanding of social interactions in this era.

However, Xueying didn't give up. Watching Huanmo and Wanru's intimate display, her jealousy burned even brighter. She secretly vowed to find a way to drive Wanru out of the manor and not let her steal Huanmo away.

After the banquet ended, everyone dispersed. Wanru returned to her courtyard, and just as she was about to rest, she heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Wanru asked.

"Miss Wanru, it's me, Xiaozhu." Xiaozhu's voice came from outside the door.

Wanru got up and opened the door. Seeing Xiaozhu's anxious expression, her heart tightened.

"Xiaozhu, what's wrong? What happened?" Wanru asked hurriedly.

Xiao Zhu entered the room and closed the door before whispering, "Miss, I just overheard Xueying's maid saying that Xueying plans to find an excuse tomorrow to have Madam kick you out of the mansion."

Upon hearing this, Wanru was shocked. She hadn't expected Xueying to be so ruthless, determined to kill her. She had gradually adapted to life in this manor, and with Huanmo's protection, she truly didn't want to leave like this.

"What should we do? Xiaozhu, do you have any ideas?" Wanru asked anxiously.

Xiao Zhu shook her head and said, "Miss, I don't know what to do either. Miss Xueying has always been willful in the manor. If she is determined to drive you away, it will be difficult to stop her."

Wanru paced back and forth in the room, her mind filled with countless thoughts. She knew she couldn't just sit and wait to die, but what could she do? If she were truly driven out of the manor, where would she go in this unfamiliar Warring States period?

Just as Wanru was extremely anxious, she suddenly thought of Huanmo. Huanmo had previously promised to protect her and not let anyone hurt her. Perhaps, only Huanmo could help her solve this problem.

However, she hesitated. She didn't want to trouble Huanmo with her own affairs all the time, and she didn't know if Huanmo could really stop Xueying's conspiracy.