Chapter 134: The Modern Zhenhuan Chronicles: Intrigues of the Deep Palace

When Dushima Yingxue appeared before the three women, though she showed no hint of hostility, all three felt a strong sense of threat.

Like predators meeting in the wild;

Merely from the dangerous aura radiating from her, they knew she was no easy opponent.

Dushima Yingxue undoubtedly had such capital.

Her face was perfect, possessing a divine, otherworldly beauty like a shrine maiden.

Her figure was stunning, with exaggerated proportions like a manga girl stepped out of the page.

Most importantly, her demeanor—the gentle, Yamato-nadeshiko grace all men adored—was precisely what made other women bristle with envy.

Is she Song Mo's disciple?

Upon learning this news, Xia Rou and Xia Yu felt no relief; instead, their unease deepened.

He who lives near the water gets the moon first.

Who knows what scheme she harbored to become Song Mo's disciple?

Dushima Yingxue smiled pleasantly.

She greeted the women with remarkable gentleness and humility.

"Hello everyone, I'm Dushima Yingxue, the second disciple of Master."

"In the time ahead, I will stay by Master's side to train—not only to study Martial Dao, but also to learn Master's spirit of Martial Dao and the principles of conduct."

"If I make any mistakes during this process, please kindly guide me!"

"With sincere gratitude!"

Her words brimmed with vitality.

She gave off a feeling as refreshing as spring breeze.

Dushima Yingxue was indeed skilled; if she wished, she could easily lower everyone's guard.

Right now, she seemed nothing more than a simple Japanese girl, traveling thousands of miles to Modu with nothing but a sincere desire to learn from her revered master.

Even so,

as Dushima Yingxue stood beside Song Mo, their auras unexpectedly complemented each other—this outstanding woman seemed willing to become Song Mo's appendage.

How could Xia Yu and Xia Rou afford to be careless?

Xia Rou had not yet spoken.

Xia Yu answered first:

"Hello, Miss Dushima Yingxue, I'm the elder sister, Xia Yu; this is my younger sister, Xia Rou."

"Xia Rou… she's your mistress, you know?"

Xia Yu deliberately spoke in a playful tone, revealing Xia Rou's romantic relationship with Song Mo, while closely observing Dushima Yingxue's facial expression.

Yet she detected no sign at all.

Dushima Yingxue smiled faintly.

Her smile was exquisitely sweet.

She looked astonished, then bowed deeply to Xia Rou.

"So Miss Xia Rou is Master's lover? Oh no, Master never told Yingxue—this is why I was so rude!"

"Mistress, please forgive Yingxue's transgression!"

Her apology seemed utterly sincere.

And her attitude toward Xia Rou shifted instantly.

She became profoundly respectful, revealing not the slightest hint of malice.

Xia Yu frowned slightly.

She couldn't fathom this Japanese woman at all.

Every one of the woman's actions was flawless.

Yet her woman's intuition told her it couldn't possibly be this simple.

In contrast, Xia Rou's thoughts were simpler.

Upon hearing Dushima Yingxue call her "Mistress," Xia Rou blushed, a faint pink clearly rising on her cheeks.

Dushima Yingxue caught this moment.

She quickly analyzed Xia Rou and praised her without hesitation:

"Mistress is embarrassed? Your blushing is so adorable—no wonder Master loves you so much!"

"Mistress is amazing!"

Hearing this, Xia Rou grew even more flustered.

She stammered:

"N-no, Yingxue, I'm… very glad to meet you…"

Among the three women—Xia Yu, Xia Rou, and Song Wanrou—if anyone saw most clearly, it was unquestionably Song Wanrou.

Song Wanrou was also a woman with ulterior motives.

Her thoughts were even more "dark."

Thus, she would never easily believe Dushima Yingxue's surface facade.

On the contrary,

the more Dushima Yingxue appeared flawless, the more certain Song Wanrou became that she had hidden intentions!

Dushima Yingxue's ambitions are substantial!

【It seems this cherry blossom woman is also a formidable player—if she were truly innocent, she wouldn't be able to remain calm and speak so naturally after learning Song Mo already has a girlfriend.】

Song Wanrou understood Song Mo's charm clearly.

Since Dushima Yingxue hadn't known before that Song Mo was in a relationship.

Then suddenly learning now that she had another master's wife.

Yet she behaved so ordinarily?

This was the biggest point of doubt!

Song Wanrou's thoughts stirred.

【Either this cherry-blossom woman had already known of Xia Rou's existence long ago, but based on the conversation just now she clearly didn't know, and besides it was only today that Song Mo confirmed the relationship with Xia Rou...】

【Or this cherry-blossom woman is extremely deep and calculating, even when suddenly learning of something unexpected, she can still mask her inner feelings without a change in expression, and at the same time rationally do what she ought to do】

【If it really is like this, I have to say, she truly is a very formidable opponent】

In the past, Song Wanrou would surely have been on her guard against Dushima Yingxue to the utmost.

And would never have given her a single chance to be alone with Song Mo.

But now.

Song Wanrou was instead looking forward to Dushima Yingxue being able to endure and scheme, silently doing something utterly terrifying.

【Although I'm unwilling to admit it, the fact is exactly this】

【Even compared to this cherry-blossom woman, I find it harder to enter my younger brother's heart, and harder to take things further with him】

【Now Yingxue and I should be on the same side】

【We are both "outsiders" eyeing the fat meat in the pot】

For Song Wanrou,

she now desperately needed someone who could stir up the waters, and undoubtedly the Dushima Yingxue before her was the best candidate.

【As long as Dushima Yingxue can break that bottom line】

【Once she muddies the waters, it'll be easier for me to fish in the murk】

【Letting her be the bird that sticks its neck out is also a good thing】

Song Wanrou suddenly felt she was very despicable.

Since when had she become such a woman skilled at scheming?

When she used to watch Legend of Zhen Huan, she couldn't understand why those women in the deep palace could scheme all day long, even resorting to every possible means!

She had sneered at it back then.

But now, she herself had become a player in the game!

Song Wanrou pressed her lips into a smile.

【Can't be helped, who can blame me for just liking my younger brother too much?】

After bowing and raising her head, Dushima Yingxue suddenly felt a sensation of being watched, like the feeling of a mantis stalking a cicada with a yellow bird behind.

It was a very dangerous, very chilling feeling.

She looked around in confusion.

But found nothing.

Her gaze lingered for a moment on the gentle, pressed curve of Song Wanrou's lips, then moved away.

(End of chapter)