Zhao Xing gave a slight nod, and sure enough, the man stiffly revealed what he had been hiding behind his back. He forced himself to stay composed. “Don’t come any closer…”
In the bowl he held was a thick, red liquid, filling more than half of it.
Hong Ning didn’t ask any questions. She simply stepped forward, dipped her fingertip into the liquid, and rubbed it lightly between her fingers before smiling.
“Dog’s blood.”
The group looked visibly embarrassed.
After that night’s incident in Yang Zhen’s room, they had received no explanation, which only made them more suspicious of Hong Ning. Moreover, Wang Hu had been seduced before his death, and now they feared she might enchant Yang Zhen as well.
After much deliberation, they had secretly sent someone to the village to slaughter a dog, hoping this folk remedy would restrain her.
Who would have thought she’d catch them red-handed?
Hong Ning acted as if she hadn’t noticed their awkwardness. Taking out a silk handkerchief, she wiped her fingers and said plainly, “This won’t work.”
The man holding the bowl looked flustered. “If Miss Hong says it’s useless, then… then we’ll just leave it at that.”
He turned away and poured the blood out.
Hong Ning added, “Make sure not to damage the talismans on the doors. If something happens, don’t blame me.”
The men mumbled vague acknowledgments before dispersing.
From the window, Yang Zhen had been watching from a distance.
He made no move to intervene, nor did he acknowledge her in any way.
His expression remained unreadable.
That night’s events were never brought up again, and none of his subordinates dared to ask.
Hong Ning thought for a moment before stepping up onto the veranda. Speaking through the window, she asked, “This residence has been abandoned for years, and with the recent gloomy weather, it’s hardly a lively place. Does Young Master Yang intend to stay here indefinitely?”
Yang Zhen replied indifferently, “Do you prefer talking while standing outside?”
Hong Ning chuckled and stepped inside, taking a seat across from him. “How could a mere commoner dare to overstep?”
Yang Zhen suddenly asked, “What is your name?”
For a fleeting moment, there was something in his cold eyes that resembled a smile—an expression that reminded her of someone.
She couldn’t help but study him more closely. Aside from his sharper facial contours, that nose, those eyebrows…
Yang Zhen’s gaze flickered, but he said nothing.
His face loomed closer.
Hong Ning was startled. Seeing him straighten and look directly at her, she quickly let out two dry laughs and lowered her gaze.
No, not the same. Still not the same…
When she looked up again, she met his gaze calmly. “My name is Hong Ning.”
Yang Zhen didn’t seem to mind her momentary lapse in composure and simply nodded.
Hong Ning changed the subject. “Shouldn’t Young Master Yang explain things to his men? I’d rather not be doused in dog’s blood again.”
Yang Zhen scoffed. “Idiots.”
Hong Ning tested the waters. “Perhaps it won’t return. Are you still going to wait?”
Yang Zhen ignored the question. “I have already sent men to the San Sheng Temple in Dingzhou City to consult Master Liu about that talisman. We should have an answer in two days.”
Hong Ning smiled. “So Young Master Yang does intend to settle accounts with me.”
Yang Zhen said, “And was it not Miss Hong Ning who framed me first, treating human lives as a mere game?”
Hong Ning replied calmly, “It was simply a way to lure the snake out of its hole. If I hadn’t done it, you wouldn’t have escaped in the end either.”
“You know quite a lot about ‘luring the snake out of its hole.’”
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