Chapter 4: The Truth Hidden Behind Rumors (Part 1)

The morning sun climbed higher above the capital, its warm golden rays spilling across the tiled roofs of Wang Manor.

Dewdrops clung to blooming peonies in the garden, sparkling like tiny crystals before slowly disappearing beneath the gentle embrace of the spring sunlight.

A flock of white birds circled lazily above the estate before disappearing beyond the distant city walls.

The peaceful morning looked no different from countless mornings before it.

Yet only Wangmo knew...

Every passing second was bringing the kingdom one step closer to destruction.

She quietly followed her mother into the dining hall.

The aroma of freshly steamed buns, fragrant rice porridge, roasted duck, and stir-fried vegetables filled the spacious room, making even her empty stomach rumble softly.

"...Sit, Little Sister."

Her eldest brother, Wang Jun, gently pulled out a chair for her.

"Breakfast is getting cold."

"Thank you, Eldest Brother."

The words slipped naturally from Wangmo's lips. The entire dining hall suddenly became silent.

Even the servants stopped moving.

"..."

"..."

Second Brother, Wang Rui, blinked twice. Then he looked toward Wang Chen.

"...Did she just thank someone?"

Wang Chen scratched his head.

"...I think she did."

Madam Li smiled helplessly.

"Our daughter has become much more polite today."

Father Wang calmly picked up his teacup, though the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his surprise.

The original Lady Wangmo had never been rude to her family... But she rarely thanked them.

After all, they spoiled her so much that she simply accepted everything as natural.

Wangmo immediately realized what had happened.

Oops...

She hurriedly lowered her head and pretended to focus on her breakfast.

Almost exposed myself on the second day...

Fortunately... No one suspected anything. Instead, Madam Li smiled even more gently.

"It seems my daughter has finally grown up."

The family laughed warmly. The atmosphere immediately became lively once again.

As breakfast continued, Wangmo quietly observed everyone around the table.

The servants moved with practiced ease, replacing empty dishes and pouring fresh tea.

What surprised her wasn't their efficiency.

It was... Their smiles.

One elderly servant accidentally dropped a pair of chopsticks onto the floor.

Before he could kneel in apology.... The housekeeper quickly picked them up.

"It's alright."

"I'll bring another pair."

No one shouted.

No one slapped him.

No one even frowned.

The old servant repeatedly thanked the housekeeper before returning to work.

Wangmo blinked. That's... strange.

According to the novel...

Lady Wangmo supposedly abused servants whenever she was in a bad mood.

She secretly watched the servants. Not a single one looked afraid of entering the dining hall.

Instead...

They chatted quietly whenever work allowed.

Some even smiled at her. One young maid carrying a tray almost bumped into a chair.

She looked toward Wangmo in panic.

"My Lady..."

"I'm sorry."

Before she could finish apologizing...

Wangmo instinctively replied, "It's alright. Be careful next time."

The maid froze.

"...Yes, My Lady."

She hurried away. Several nearby servants exchanged puzzled glances.

"My Lady didn't scold her..."

"...She even smiled."

Wangmo lowered her gaze.

Something isn't right.

After breakfast, Father Wang rose from his seat.

"I'll be leaving for the eastern grain warehouses."

"Jun."

"Come with me."

"Yes, Father."

The eldest brother immediately stood.

Second Brother lazily stretched.

"I'll inspect the western shops."

Wang Chen grinned.

"I'll accompany Second Brother."

Father Wang nodded before looking toward Wangmo.

"And you?"

"Will you be visiting the First Prince again today?"

The room became quiet. Every servant secretly pricked up their ears.

In the past... No matter what the family said...

Lady Wangmo would always find an excuse to "accidentally" meet Prince Wangdi.

Sometimes at poetry gatherings.

Sometimes during temple festivals.

Sometimes while riding through the city.

Everyone knew...

She was deeply in love with him.

Wangmo almost choked on her tea.

"Cough!"

"Cough!"

After finally catching her breath, she waved both hands.

"No!"

The answer came far too quickly.

Father Wang raised an eyebrow.

"...No?"

"I mean..."

Wangmo smiled awkwardly.

"I suddenly realized..."

"The First Prince is very busy."

"I shouldn't disturb him."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Silence.....

Even the birds outside seemed to stop chirping.

Second Brother slowly stood and placed the back of his hand against Wangmo's forehead.

"...You're not sick."

He looked genuinely confused.

"So why are you talking nonsense?"

The youngest brother gasped dramatically.

"Sister..."

"...Did you finally give up?"

Madam Li nearly dropped her teacup. Father Wang stared at his daughter for a long moment.

Then...

For the first time in years... A faint smile appeared on his usually stern face.

"...Good."

Only one word.

But Wangmo noticed the relief hidden behind it. At that moment...

A memory suddenly surfaced.

In the original owner's memories...

Father Wang had once quietly said to Madam Li late at night...

"Our daughter deserves someone who loves her wholeheartedly."

"Not someone she has to chase."

Tears almost welled up in Wangmo's eyes. He had never opposed her because he hated Prince Wangdi.

He had simply hated seeing his beloved daughter hurt over and over again.

She lowered her head, pretending to drink tea.

Father... Don't worry. I won't chase him anymore.

Not in this life.

As the family prepared to leave, Wangmo suddenly stood.

"Father."

Everyone turned. She took a deep breath.

"I have a request."

Father Wang looked at her patiently.

"What is it?"

Wangmo smiled brightly.

"Starting tomorrow..."

"I want everyone in the family..."

"...to wake up before sunrise and run around the training grounds every morning."

"..."

"..."

"..."

The smiles on everyone's faces slowly disappeared.

Second Brother blinked.

"Run?"

The youngest brother scratched his ear.

"...Did I hear that correctly?"

Madam Li looked at her daughter in bewilderment.

Father Wang folded his arms.

"For what reason?"

Wangmo opened her mouth.

Then froze.

She couldn't exactly say...

"Because in twenty-nine days flesh-eating zombies will invade the kingdom."

Instead...

She smiled innocently.

"...Exercise is good for your health?"

The room fell into another long silence.

Outside the hall... A servant accidentally dropped an entire basket of cabbages.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***