Chapter 160

Chapter 160: Fatigue Lanxin nestled in the Marquis's arms, speaking softly, "Does the Marquis like me only because I resemble the County Mistress?" "That's part of it." Song Shulan always felt Lanxin possessed a cool, aloof quality—something County Princess Rongjia lacked. He wanted to see Lanxin laugh heartily, or like Zhuqing, charm him with coquettish delight in his embrace. But every time, no matter what he did, Lanxin remained indifferent—just like Cui Lingrong in that regard. A young woman who bore the traits of both County Princess Rongjia and Cui Lingrong—Song Shulan was particularly eager to conquer her. He was a marquis, still young, and he considered himself quite accomplished. Lately, however, Song Shulan had been feeling somewhat inadequate in the bedchamber. He didn't know why—even when he had the inclination, when it came down to the moment, he felt so exhausted that it ended after a few strokes, and he easily lost his vigor. Just now, for instance, he had held Lanxin and undressed her, thinking a change of setting might prove more stimulating and perhaps bring a new sensation—yet it had still ended in a hasty affair. Perhaps he had simply been too tired lately. Song Shulan held Lanxin in tender afterglow, completely unaware that someone had arrived at the door. It wasn't until he called for someone to enter that he learned from Qingshan that County Princess Rongjia had come by. "Why didn't you tell me?" Song Shulan asked with a frown. "When did the County Mistress arrive?" "Just... just when you said Lanxin resembled the County Mistress. Marquis, the County Mistress seemed very upset. What should we do?" Qingshan lowered his head immediately after speaking. Song Shulan flew into a rage. "You fool—just because the County Mistress told you not to announce her, you actually didn't?" Qingshan dared not speak. He couldn't afford to offend anyone. Song Shulan snorted. "Useless thing. Be more alert next time. Fortunately, the County Mistress still feels indebted to me right now, so she won't make a scene—otherwise, see how I deal with you!" In the past, Song Shulan wouldn't have dared imagine how great a tantrum County Princess Rongjia might throw. In truth, County Princess Rongjia had initially wanted to charge in, but Chen De's Wife had grabbed her arm and shaken her head. Because of the matter of her inability to bear children, County Princess Rongjia still hadn't fully reconciled with Song Shulan. If she were to make a huge scene with him over Lanxin, it would only worsen their relationship further. So County Princess Rongjia held back. But she took out all her anger on Lanxin. After returning to Wutong Courtyard, County Princess Rongjia sent Chen De's Wife to fetch Lanxin. The moment Lanxin entered, she smashed a teacup on the ground and said with a dark expression, "Kneel." Lanxin looked at the broken porcelain shards on the floor, her face showing hesitation. As she wavered, County Princess Rongjia came up behind her and kicked her. Her knees and shins struck the broken porcelain. Though her trousers and skirt provided some barrier, the shards still pierced her flesh. Blood immediately flowed, and the pain made Lanxin gasp sharply. "Aren't you pleased with yourself—the Marquis saying you resemble me in my youth?" County Princess Rongjia pinched Lanxin's chin, scrutinizing her face viciously. "Is there any resemblance? Tell me—how could someone as lowly and despicable as you resemble me in any way?" Lanxin felt wronged. It was the Marquis who had said it, not her. "Please calm down, County Mistress. It wasn't this servant who said such things." "Oh? So you're blaming the Marquis? Or are you saying the Marquis dotes on you so much that I should let you off?" County Princess Rongjia grew even angrier. She had arranged for Lanxin to come to Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion so that Lanxin could bear a child for her—not so that Lanxin could steal her man. Now that Zhuqing was pregnant, she had no use for Lanxin. Her long fingernails traced across Lanxin's cheek. Lanxin trembled, not even daring to cry. "Chen De's Wife, send Lanxin to the estate. Since she loves playing the vixen so much, marry her off to Chen Pockface. I recall his wife just died last month." County Princess Rongjia said. Lanxin didn't know who Chen Pockface was, but she understood he certainly wasn't a good man. She kowtowed and begged for mercy. "County Mistress, spare me! This servant truly did not seduce the Marquis. None of those words were spoken by me!" "It wasn't you who said them, but looking the way you do is your fault." County Princess Rongjia turned and left, unwilling to listen to Lanxin's tearful pleas any longer. If Song Shulan asked about it later, she could simply make up some excuse. After all, she was just a maidservant—Song Shulan wouldn't care. What mattered most to County Princess Rongjia now was winning back Song Shulan's heart.