Leng Yecheng's "confinement order" didn't panic Su Wan; instead, it felt like a test question, provoking the competitive spirit in her bones.
This spacious, luxurious master bedroom, akin to a gilded canary cage, became her temporary battlefield. And he was both the target she needed to overcome and the "proctor" she needed to guard against.
Su Wan quickly adjusted her strategy. She no longer急于 (eagerly) sought to explore outside but devoted all her energy to two things: first, stabilizing and improving Leng Yecheng's condition as quickly as possible—this was her bargaining chip and the key to her departure; second, turning this bedroom into a temporary base that was relatively safe and conducive to her actions.
Using the excuse of "needing absolute quiet and an environment conducive to treatment," she politely declined the various "caring" soups sent by her stepmother Lin Yarong, accepting only ingredients and medicinal herbs that passed her strict inspection, which she personally decocted in the small kitchen. Butler Zhong raised no objections, as if Leng Yecheng had secretly issued certain orders after waking up.
Her care for Leng Yecheng became even more meticulous. Acupuncture, medicinal baths, massages, medicinal meals... Her techniques were impeccably professional, even possessing an art-like precision and elegance. Leng Yecheng's periods of清醒 (wakefulness) gradually increased. Though each was still brief, his精神 (spirit) visibly improved, and the sharpness and clarity in his eyes lasted longer.
He was mostly silent, observing. Observing her focused profile as she prepared medicine, observing her steady fingers as she twirled needles, observing her dignified attitude when dealing with servants. He was like a lurking leopard, patiently gathering every piece of information about this mysterious woman.
Su Wan坦然 (calmly) accepted his scrutiny, even occasionally "unintentionally" revealing some unimportant information—like a rare herb from her "hometown" or a plausible-sounding theory from the "old doctor"—mixing truth and falsehood to obfuscate.
She needed him to get used to her presence, to her medical skills, thereby lowering his guard and paving the way for potentially exposing more of her secret identities later.
Simultaneously, she was utilizing all available resources.
The small suitcase she brought had a hidden layer containing a set of miniature precision tools and several special medicinal materials. Every night while Leng Yecheng slept soundly, she would极小心地 (extremely carefully) extract the essence of the herbs to prepare more potent antidotes, secretly adding them to his drinking water.
She even modified an inconspicuous aromatherapy diffuser in the room so that the faint, sleep-inducing scent it emitted was mixed with an almost undetectable medicinal mist that could neutralize潜在有害物质 (potentially harmful substances) in the air. It was "Wraith's" habit—no matter where she was, the first thing was to control her immediate environment.
One day, after Leng Yecheng finished his medicine, he didn't rest immediately as usual. Instead, he leaned against the headboard, his gaze falling on the gray sky outside the window.
"I heard," he began suddenly, his voice still low but with more strength than before, "you disciplined two ignorant servants yesterday?"
Su Wan was organizing her silver needles. She paused at his words, then continued as if nothing happened. "Yes, they were careless with their words. I just gave them a minor punishment and had Zhong Shu handle it according to the rules."
She turned around, wearing a恰到好处的 (perfectly measured) hint of unease. "Husband, did I... go too far? Did I cause trouble for the family?"
Leng Yecheng turned his head back, his deep eyes on her, unreadable. "The Leng family's rules are the rules. You weren't wrong."
He paused, then asked as if casually, "Were you also this... assertive back in the Su family?"
Here it comes. He's started investigating her background.
Su Wan sneered inwardly, but on her face, she revealed bitterness and helplessness. She lowered her head, playing with the hem of her clothes, her voice also dropping. "In the Su family... I had no status to speak of. Mom passed away early. Dad... doted on my younger sister more. I got used to speaking less and doing more. It's just... it's different now. I'm your wife. When someone speaks about you like that, I... I can't stand it..."
She恰到好处地哽咽 (choked up perfectly), crafting the image of a pitiful daughter long oppressed but mustering courage to resist for her husband's sake.
Leng Yecheng watched her performance silently, his fingertips unconsciously tapping lightly on the silk quilt.
Just then, the bedroom door was knocked on.
Butler Zhong's voice came through: "Young Master, Young Madam, Young Master Xuan is here. He heard about the Young Master's improvement and came specifically to visit."
Leng Yexuan? Leng Yecheng's half-brother?
Su Wan immediately looked up and exchanged a glance with Leng Yecheng. A flash of cold sharpness passed through Leng Yecheng's eyes before being covered by heavy fatigue. He gave Su an almost imperceptible nod.
Understanding, Su Wan immediately raised her voice. "Please ask Young Master Xuan to wait a moment. Yecheng just took his medicine and needs to freshen up."
She quickly helped Leng Yecheng lie down, tucked him in, made his complexion appear paler and weaker, and placed the medicine bowl and a cloth with medicine stains in conspicuous places.
The whole process was fast but orderly, done with默契 (tac understanding), as if rehearsed countless times.
After finishing, Su Wan took a deep breath, put on a gentle and appropriate smile, and walked over to open the door.
Outside stood a young man wearing a flamboyant pink shirt, his hair slicked with oil, an exaggerated look of concern on his face. He held a fruit basket. It was indeed Leng Yexuan.
His gaze swept past Su Wan, eagerly landing on the large bed in the room. Seeing Leng Yecheng's "barely alive" appearance, a look of satisfaction and disdain flashed quickly in his eyes.
"Big Brother! I heard you're awake! That's great news! I was so worried!" Leng Yexuan's words were concerned, but his tone was frivolous. He tried to push past her without ceremony.
Su Wan shifted her stance slightly,恰到好处地挡住 (blocking his way perfectly). Her smile remained unchanged, her voice gentle yet carrying undeniable insistence.
"Young Master Xuan, Yecheng just woke up. He's still very weak. The doctor insisted on absolute rest, no disturbances. We appreciate your concern. Perhaps you could visit again when he's better?"
Leng Yexuan halted, seeming to真正地看 (actually look) at this "sister-in-law" blocking his way for the first time. He looked her up and down, his gaze flirtatious, filled with undisguised appraisal.
"Well, well, so this is the little sister-in-law who came through a substitute marriage for luck! Quite pretty indeed," he said flippantly, deliberately raising his voice as if afraid those inside wouldn't hear. "What? Big Brother just woke up, and sister-in-law can't wait to take charge, won't even let me in the door?"
The words were extremely rude, full of provocation and insult.
The smile on Su Wan's face faded, but her eyes remained calm. She didn't get angry, merely raised her chin slightly, her voice clear and firm:
"I am Yecheng's wife. His health naturally comes first. I must阻止 (prevent) anything that might affect his recovery. This is a wife's duty, and it's also the Leng family's rules. Don't you agree, Young Master Xuan?"
She skillfully threw the帽子 (hat) of "the Leng family's rules" back at him, leaving Leng Yexuan momentarily speechless.
Lying on the bed, Leng Yecheng kept his eyes closed, but under the cover of the quilt, the corner of his mouth lifted into a faint, almost invisible curve.
His "little wife" not only had sharp claws but also a sharper tongue.
And she seemed to be getting... more and more interesting.