NOVEL WEB Chapter 332: Scheming
Chapter 332: Scheming
Ning Meixue picked up a morsel of food with her chopsticks and placed it on Xu Lian’s plate. “Junior brother, do you remember when you first came to apprentice under Master? Back then, you loved the dishes I cooked for you the most. You always clung to me like a little brother.”
Xu Lian took a bite, nodded in approval, and said, “It’s still the same taste, the same recipe.”
Ning Meixue paused for a moment and smiled. “If you like it, eat more.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Xu Lian wanted to slap himself in the face. A phrase like “same taste, same recipe” clearly didn’t fit Qin Feng’s personality – it was far too casual and out of character. Such slips were a cardinal sin for someone in disguise. Fortunately, it was just one sentence and she didn’t seem suspicious yet. If he made more remarks like that, the stark contrast with Qin Feng’s usual demeanor would surely raise her suspicions.
Xu Lian decided to be more careful in the future. From now on, every word he spoke had to align with Qin Feng’s perspective; he couldn’t afford such carelessness again.
With this in mind, Xu Lian decided to remain silent, drink wine, and eat quietly. Ning Meixue, acting like a devoted wife, would occasionally pour him more wine or serve him another dish.
This behavior puzzled Xu Lian. According to Qin Feng, wasn’t Zhao Ming, the eldest disciple, actively pursuing Ning Meixue? And hadn’t Qin Feng claimed that he wasn’t worthy of her? Yet, here she was, behaving so intimately toward him. Did this mean that there was still a chance between them?
Of course, Xu Lian wouldn’t voice this question aloud, lest it arouse suspicion.
After several rounds of drinks and several courses, Ning Meixue casually asked, “If the Fifth Prince successfully secures the position of Crown Prince, Master will recommend Eldest Brother Zhao Ming to oversee an exclusive cultivation resource zone. What do you think about that, junior brother?”
Xu Lian was confused by her inquiry. Based on what Qin Feng had told him, if Ning Meixue became a Dao companion with Zhao Ming, they could manage an exclusive cultivation resource zone together. Wouldn’t that be ideal for her?
But judging from her tone… it seemed like she wasn’t satisfied with this outcome?
Xu Lian thought about the situation carefully. When Qin Feng first joined the sect, he learned alchemy under Zhao Ming, who held a mentor-like status in Qin Feng’s heart – a figure deserving of both fraternal respect and filial piety. Therefore, speaking ill of Zhao Ming was absolutely out of the question.
Realizing this, Xu Lian knew exactly how to respond. He replied, “Eldest Brother has extraordinary talent in alchemy and has fully inherited Master’s teachings. It’s only natural that he should oversee an exclusive cultivation resource zone. What else can I possibly think about it? Why do you ask, Senior Sister?”
Ning Meixue gave him a teasing look. “Why do I ask? Isn’t it all for your sake? You’re too honest and simple-minded, Junior Brother. If you don’t strive for yourself, you’ll never have a chance to rise above. Even if you work tirelessly in the medical field until you’re very old, Master won’t give you a second glance. In Master’s eyes, Eldest Brother is the only favored disciple-you are nothing but an afterthought.”
Xu Lian was taken aback. Judging from Ning Meixue’s words, it seemed that she favored Qin Feng over Zhao Ming, encouraging him to seize the opportunity to oversee an exclusive cultivation resource zone?
This revelation was intriguing.
At the same time, an idea flashed through Xu Lian’s mind. If he could take control of one of the Qian Dynasty’s exclusive cultivation resource zones, wouldn’t that make him incredibly powerful?
In that case, obtaining a single dose of Metamorphosis Elixir wouldn’t be his ultimate goal anymore-he could aim much higher!
Thus, Xu Lian raised his bowl of wine, drained it in one gulp, and mimicked Qin Feng’s tone as he sighed wistfully, “Overseeing an exclusive cultivation resource zone means entering the upper echelons of our dynasty. Who wouldn’t want such an opportunity to rise above? However, Eldest Brother’s alchemical talents surpass mine, and he’s far more favored by Master. How can I compete with him? Besides, in my heart, Eldest Brother is like half a master to me-I deeply respect him. If he oversees an exclusive cultivation resource zone, all I can do is accept it,” she said.
Ning Meixue grabbed the empty wine bowl from Xu Lian’s hand and looked at him intently. “You see Eldest Brother as half a master, but he may not hold you in the same regard. In this world, there’s no such thing as brotherly humility or brotherly respect. Junior Brother, you don’t have to hide your feelings. We’ve been together for over two thousand years-I know what you really want. I know that you like me and want to be close to me.”
“Not only do I know it,” she continued, “but Eldest Brother knows it too. Yet for all these years, he’s pursued me relentlessly without ever considering your feelings. Tell me, Junior Brother, what do you think I mean?”
Xu Lian looked at her with a dazed expression on his face. “Senior Sister’s meaning is…?”
Ning Meixue playfully poked his forehead with her slender finger. “You fool, you wooden-headed man! Of course I prefer you. Why else would I have rejected Eldest Brother’s advances for so many years? You’re just too insecure, always assuming that I belong to him.”
“…”
Xu Lian understood now. Qin Feng had been blind to Ning Meixue’s true feelings. She didn’t yearn for the “dominant alpha male” type, but instead cherished the “adorable puppy” who used to cling to her in his youth.
Xu Lian feigned surprise and joy, his gaze burning with intensity as he stared at Ning Meixue. “Senior Sister favors… me?”
Ning Meixue slowly took his hand and placed it on herself, softly chiding, “I call you foolish because you really are. After all these years, haven’t you figured it out? Who else would I be cooking and pouring wine for late at night? As for family ties, my Ning Marquis House and your Qin Marquis House have been allies for generations. Our bond is naturally closer than that between me and Eldest Brother Zhao Ming, who is from the Zhao Marquis House. If we both oversee exclusive cultivation resource zones, our families’ positions in the Qian Dynasty will become even stronger. Whether it’s for the sake of mutual benefit or family closeness, I don’t want Eldest Brother Zhao Ming to oversee a zone.”
Xu Lian slowly withdrew his hand, feeling somewhat awkward about receiving treatment meant for Qin Feng. Then, pulling Ning Meixue into his arms, he said, “Only today have I come to understand that Senior Sister favors me. I am truly blessed, Senior Sister.”
Ning Meixue nestled against him, her eyes brimming with affection. “Junior Brother, there is no fraternal humility or brotherly respect in this world – only survival of the fittest. Strength determines everything. You must strive harder, be more ruthless. Do you understand? Only by joining forces can we secure the opportunity to oversee an exclusive cultivation resource zone and ascend to the upper echelons of the Qian Dynasty. Only then can we secure our place and ensure lasting happiness.”
Xu Lian asked, “What plan does Senior Sister have to help us achieve this?”
Ning Meixue rose from his embrace, her autumnal eyes glinting with murderous intent. “In Master’s eyes, Elder Brother Zhao Ming is the only favored disciple. If we eliminate him, Master will have no choice but to turn to you. Zhao Ming is the obstacle blocking our way up.”
What a ruthless woman… Xu Lian pretended to be shocked. “Senior Sister means… to kill Eldest Brother?”
Ning Meixue pleaded with him earnestly. “For the sake of our families, for us, Junior Brother, can you harden your heart just this once?”
Inwardly, Xu Lian was delighted. However, given Qin Feng’s deep respect for Zhao Ming, he couldn’t reveal his satisfaction. Instead, he allowed his expression to fluctuate, feigning hesitation and indecision.
Ning Meixue’s gaze turned melancholy. “Junior brother, don’t you want me? Don’t you want to spend your life with me? Does Elder Brother Zhao Ming really mean more to you than I do?”
Xu Lian deliberately remained silent for a while before taking a deep breath and gritting his teeth. “Fine. I’ll listen to you, Senior Sister. But Zhao Ming’s cultivation has reached the seventh stage of the Unity Realm, while we’re only at the fifth stage. How can we defeat him?”
Ning Meixue’s face lit up with joy. “Junior Brother has finally come to his senses! Zhao Ming’s cultivation is only two minor levels above ours. He relies on Master’s favor to look down on others, completely disregarding you. He’d never expect me to conspire against him. With careful planning and surprise on our side, we’ll find a way to deal with him.”