The Tyrant’s Drama Queen Empress

CHAPTER 36: Mother and Daughter Join Forces

　　Not only was Madam Jiang embarrassed, even Nanny Zheng standing behind her felt so awkward she could practically dig two holes into the ground with her toes. When Madam Jiang had craftsmen make the longevity lock, it hadn’t been made entirely of pure silver. A little copper had indeed been mixed in. She had originally thought that once Shen Ling received the lock, she would throw herself into her arms and cry, completely moved by her overwhelming… no, not domineering aura, but loving maternal heart. Who would have guessed that Shen Ling would recognize at a glance that it was nothing more than a flashy yet useless fake?

　　Madam Jiang picked up the cup placed before her and took a sip of water, forcing herself to suppress the awkwardness. “This must be the servants cutting corners behind my back. Ling’er, this wasn’t my intention.”

　　Shen Ling replied calmly, “Oh.”

　　—¹When you need Zhong Wuyan, you call for her. When you don’t, she becomes Xia Yingchun.

　　—Something goes wrong and you immediately push the blame onto the people below. Do they even want to carry that blame for you?

　　—I understand your mindset perfectly. You came because you need something from me, but you still think too highly of yourself, so you tried to brush me off with something cheap. No, more accurately, you expected to just open your mouth and order me around to do whatever you want. Your words and your heart don’t match. The perfunctory attitude inside you shows clearly on the surface. You didn’t expect that I’ve seen plenty of fine things before, and my eyes are sharp enough to spot it. If you’re not embarrassed, then who is?

　　Once Madam Jiang managed to get her first sentence out, it became easier to keep talking.

　　Since the truth about the longevity lock had already been exposed by Shen Ling, it didn’t matter. Madam Jiang could simply change the topic. “As for these dowry estates, I’ve had people manage them carefully all this time. If you take them, you’ll have your own private assets. Your brother knows about it too and didn’t object.”

　　Shen Ling gave a polite smile.

　　—You’re being this generous?

　　—Could it be that these estates are all run-down and worthless?

　　—It’s not that I’m deliberately thinking badly of you. But even a simple prop like a longevity lock, you managed to turn into a fake. Honestly, I have zero expectations for your conscience.

　　—No, that’s not entirely true. I do have expectations… I’m just curious how low your bottom line can go.

　　Seeing Shen Ling smile, Madam Jiang pressed on, encouraged. “You’re all alone in the Palace. Those of us outside worry about you constantly. I neglected you in the past, that’s true, but I was misled by Xi’er. You have no idea how outrageous she’s become lately. I raised her with my own hands, so I can’t bear to be too harsh when disciplining her. But you’re different, Ling’er. You’re not only her older sister, you’re also a consort. If you were to properly discipline her, no outsider could say a word against it.”

　　Her tone softened further. “I’ll say something unpleasant. Xi’er is nothing but an ungrateful ²white-eyed wolf. I treated her so well, yet she actually dares to dream of marrying Jinxiu. If you weren’t my daughter, I truly wouldn’t want to speak of such a disgraceful matter.”

　　Shen Ling raised an eyebrow.

　　—Oi, wait a minute! Wasn’t she your precious, obedient daughter? How did she turn into an ungrateful white-eyed wolf?

　　—Wanting to marry Shen Jinxiu, is that such a big deal? If the hero and heroine’s love story had no twists, how would the ending ever feel satisfying?

　　It wasn’t just Xue Mi’er reminding Shen Ling to stay out of the Shen family drama. Shen Ling herself had no intention of meddling. Madam Jiang had raised her own daughter, she could deal with the consequences. Shen Ling had no plans to be the cannon fodder between Shen Xi and Shen Jinxiu—that role belonged entirely to Madam Jiang.

　　Shen Ling put on a mock look of surprise. “Oh? What did you say? She wants to marry Shen Jinxiu?”

　　Madam Jiang stammered, “Yes, yes, you…”

　　Shen Ling spoke slowly, deliberately, “If she wants to marry, let her marry. My brother would be happy too. If their feelings are mutual, that’s a beautiful love. Why are you so intent on stopping them? As the saying goes, better to tear down ten temples than to ruin a single marriage. Ruining someone’s love is truly a wicked thing.”

　　Madam Jiang went silent.

　　Her face darkened and paled in turns, completely flustered by Shen Ling’s words.

　　“They’re siblings. How could they really end up together? Jinxiu’s wife should be someone from a matching family, or even better, of higher status. Xi’er simply can’t be the one.”

　　Shen Ling shook her head. “That’s a pretty narrow way to look at it. Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘Lovers will eventually end up as siblings’? If they end up together, it’s fate. Try to mess with that, and who knows—you might get struck by lightning.”

　　—Hahaha, basically, their love? I fully, wholeheartedly approve!

　　Shen Ling lectured, “You want him to marry some high-born lady, and now you’re acting like you can control heaven itself? Being human means keeping your feet on the ground. Aiming for something way out of reach like you? Not gonna work. Do you really think those high-born girls are blind? They won’t come chasing after some mediocre, struggling guy like yours just because you’re here. Who’s the fool—you or them?”

　　She shot Madam Jiang a glance.

　　—Yikes! That face is pitch black.

　　—So black you could go compete with ghosts in a beauty contest. This contestant’s got potential.

　　Madam Jiang ground her teeth. “How can you say that? Jinxiu is so outstanding...”

　　—Outstanding my foot.

　　—Outstanding compared to maggots, maybe.    

　　Madam Jiang saw that Shen Ling wasn’t taking her seriously and narrowed her eyes, trying to threaten. “We’re your family. Your father and Jinxiu are the pillars of the Shen household. Think carefully—who among the women without family backing ever truly lives well? If they don’t, neither will you.”

　　Shen Ling smiled lightly. “Oh really? But even without you lot, I’m doing perfectly fine. With His Majesty around, every day feels like I’m soaking in a honey jar. Oh, maybe I shouldn’t tell you how well I’m living… but I just can’t help sharing.”

　　—If you’ve got a problem with that, go tell Xie Yuanxun. Though somehow, I don’t think you’d dare.

　　—Compared to someone as greedy and petty as you, I’m like a pure water lotus blooming out of the mud—clean, soft, and untouchable.

　　Madam Jiang’s visit ended up a total failure. Instead of making an impact, she got hit with a verbal knockout from Shen Ling and left dizzy and flustered. She and Nanny Zheng had arrived with high hopes, but they departed empty-handed, leaving the box they’d brought behind as if it had been forgotten.

　　Liu Zhu asked, “Your Grace, what should we do with these?”

　　Shen Ling replied, “Send them all back. Make sure they’re delivered openly and properly. Bring extra people along—if anyone ‘curious’ shows up on the way, just flash the longevity lock and let them see. As for the deeds to the estates, tell them I don’t take rewards for nothing, so I’ll pass. But if anyone wants to buy them, sell them, and when we return to the Capital, donate the silver to the orphanage. Let it go to the people. After all, Madam Shen is wise and kind-hearted. If her daughter didn’t honor her wishes, it would pain her deeply.”    

　　—Don’t ask. If you ask, the answer is that I, as her daughter, love her deeply.

　　“Wise and kind-hearted” words almost got ruined by Shen Ling’s hands.

　　Liu Zhu moved quickly. Almost as soon as Madam Jiang returned to the temporary residence, she came bustling in with a box holding only the longevity lock mixed with copper.

　　Liu Zhu said, “Madam Shen, you left too quickly and didn’t bring your things. Bao Fei instructed me to return them to you. She said she doesn’t accept rewards for something she didn’t earn, so it’s better for you to keep this longevity lock—it was made with your own ‘heartfelt intentions.’ As for the estate deeds, since you have a kind heart, I’ve already taken the liberty of selling them. Don’t worry, all the silver will go to the orphanage. It’s just that the silver earned was a little less than expected. Seems the estates you wanted to give Bao Fei aren’t as valuable as you thought, otherwise they wouldn’t have sold for so little. Don’t you agree?”

　　Madam Jiang nearly spat blood in anger. Liu Zhu nodded and left immediately after speaking, while the ladies and missies who had accompanied her kept their eyes fixed on Madam Jiang.

　　Some ‘well-meaning’ person came over to comment to Madam Jiang:

　　“Oh my, how could this longevity lock come out like this? I have a craftsman at my residence who’s excellent. Next time you want a longevity lock, come to me. I’d never give you a silver-and-copper mix like this.”

　　“I’ve never even given a stepdaughter a longevity lock like this. But I’m sure you didn’t do it on purpose. It must have been some servant cutting corners for you. After all, your reputation outside is so virtuous. A virtuous person could never do something like this, so it must be someone else’s fault, hehe.”        

　　“Don’t say that. If this were given to beggars, they’d treasure it, no doubt. But giving something like this to Bao Fei? That’s just… well, people might think you were trying to annoy her.”

　　“I know your heart is kind, so when I heard you were going to sell the estates, I immediately asked Head Maid Liu Zhu to buy one for me. Only, that place is so run-down, I don’t even know where to start fixing it. It’s a bit… ugly. Ah, don’t look at me like that, I’m not talking about you, I mean the estate itself.”

　　Madam Jiang didn’t say a word. These people were clearly here to mock her! She felt like fainting, but she couldn’t—she refused to let them see any sign of weakness.

　　Her face shifted into a composed, gentle smile. “Her Grace returned the longevity lock out of concern for me. She’s reminding me that the lock isn’t as important as accompanying His Majesty. As for money and wealth, those are just things of this world. It’s my honor if I can help orphans and the common people. I’ve taken the first step—how much silver do you all plan to give to the orphanage?”

　　The ladies of the court were silent.

　　Once the crowd dispersed, Madam Jiang stomped the longevity lock to the ground with a sharp, heavy thud.

　　Word of her outburst quickly spread outside the Imperial Hunting Palace. The visitors weren’t just noble ladies; many officials were there too. The women were watching for drama, while the men noticed one thing clearly—Shen Ling and Madam Jiang didn’t get along. Of course, if their relationship were good, Shen Ling wouldn’t have had Liu Zhu expose Madam Jiang like that.

　　“Looks like from now on, we should keep our distance from the Shen family. Before, I gave a bit of leeway to Minister Shen because Bao Fei was favored. To prevent trouble, I even instructed my wife to properly discipline the children and prevent them from clashing with the Shen family. Now, it seems we don’t need to bother with that anymore.”

　　“Exactly. I’ve watched Minister Shen grow from being obedient to showing off his sharpness and pride. That confidence all comes from having the favor of Bao Fei in the Palace. Otherwise, how could we have tolerated him?”

　　“Minister Shen is capable, no doubt. But we liked him better when he was moderate. Even Prime Minister Yang isn't as prominent as him; it's time for him to cool off.”

　　“I had actually heard rumors that the Bao Fei didn’t get along with the Shen family. At the time, I just thought it was gossip. Didn’t expect it to be true.”

　　“What kind of not getting along?”

　　“Same old story of favoritism. You’ve probably heard about how Minister Shen’s child was sent to the countryside by his concubine, right? If not, check with your ladies—they know more than I do. Bao Fei was that very girl. She was brought back but still treated coldly by the Shen family. Do you think she could have a good relationship with them? When she had no power, they looked down on her. Once she gained favor, they licked her boots to enjoy the benefits she brought. The Shen family is not someone worth getting close to.”

　　“No wonder I’ve never seen you talk to Minister Shen.”

　　“Today, we finally saw Bao Fei’s attitude toward the Shen family. From now on, we should hold back any enthusiasm toward Minister Shen and the others. Otherwise, if Bao Fei complains to His Majesty, she might say a few words against us.”

　　Shen Kangzheng was standing outside and heard every word clearly. His face darkened as he waved his sleeve and left. Once he was gone, the room fell silent for a few seconds, then the conversation gradually picked up again as if nothing had happened. No one wanted to come out and chase after him.

　　Shen Kangzheng returned to his residence in a sedan chair and strode straight to the courtyard where Madam Jiang was. Seeing her, he rarely lost his temper, but now he pointed a finger at her and scolded, “You’re Ling’er’s mother! Messing up your relationship with her—what good does that do for you? Are you trying to make everyone know about our family scandal?!”

　　Madam Jiang was already furious. If Shen Kangzheng had spoken calmly, she might have held herself together. But the moment he came in pointing fingers and shouting, how could she stay composed?

　　“Scandal? You call that a scandal? Do you know what a real scandal is? Your son Jinxiu wanting to marry Xi’er—that’s the real scandal in our Shen family!”

　　Shen Kangzheng froze, staring at her. “You said Jinxiu wants to marry who?”

　　“Xi’er. And if he can’t marry her, he won’t marry anyone else.”

　　Shen Kangzheng was stunned by the news, his mind reeling. “They… aren't they siblings?”

　　Madam Jiang relaxed slightly when she saw Shen Kangzheng stop chasing her with anger. Luckily, she had thrown Shen Xi out as a buffer—otherwise, she’d be the one bearing Shen Kangzheng’s wrath.

　　She sighed and paced over to his side, wearing a worried expression. “I think the same as you do, Master, but Jinxiu says there’s no Shen blood in Xi’er, that she’s not related to him by blood. I was so worried about this for a while, couldn’t even eat properly. Jinxiu thinks that way, but it doesn’t mean everyone else will agree. Still, he’s fiercely protective of Xi’er. If I tried to persuade him, he’d just take Xi’er out to the estate to live.”

　　Shen Kangzheng frowned. “I know they're going to live on the estate. I thought he was just taking Xi'er there to play…” He, like Madam Jiang, did not approve of Shen Jinxiu marrying Shen Xi.

　　Shen Jinxiu was Shen Kangzheng’s most capable son. He could achieve great things and marry a high-status noblewoman, not someone like Shen Xi who brought no benefits or connections. The only way Shen Xi’s upbringing wouldn’t be wasted was by marrying her off in a beneficial alliance. Shen Kangzheng only cared about the advantage this marriage could bring to the Shen family; he didn’t care whether Shen Xi was marrying a good man.

　　Madam Jiang handed him a cup of tea. “This time I went to see Ling’er because I wanted her to guide Xi’er a little. If there’s a good match from elsewhere, Xi’er can be married off. While she’s away, even if Jinxiu still thinks of her, in a few years he’ll follow your orders, marry, and have children.”

　　Shen Kangzheng patted her hand in approval. “What you’re thinking is right. This is exactly what needs to be done.” He thought back to the past, how Shen Jinxiu had always paid special attention to Shen Xi. Back then, he had just assumed it was sibling's care and affection. Now, looking back, the relationship between Shen Jinxiu and Shen Xi had long since gone beyond innocent sibling feelings, and it had all happened right under his nose. Yet he had stubbornly ignored every strange sign.

　　Frowning, he asked, “But why did you cause such a scene with Ling’er? Didn’t you know you were supposed to give her the gifts?”

　　Madam Jiang deflected slightly. “I did give them, but she refused, and she even picked apart the details. Her temper is just too much.”

　　Shen Kangzheng nodded. “She is Bao Fei, so a little temper is expected.”

　　Madam Jiang’s face fell— Shen Ling’s big temper was aimed right at her!

　　Rarely warning her, Shen Kangzheng continued, “No matter what, you have to keep Bao Fei happy. Before, I overlooked the way you spoiled Xi’er. But from now on, don’t do that anymore. Ling’er’s status is no longer that of a daughter you can ignore. She is someone who can bring you joy with a word, or pain with another.”

　　Madam Jiang fell silent. She knew Shen Kangzheng was right, but she just couldn’t accept it—not accepting that Shen Ling wouldn’t listen to her, not accepting that she couldn’t control her, not accepting…   

　　Shen Kangzheng tapped his fingers on the table, his stern tone softening. “Madam, I know you still care about Bao Fei deep down. It’s just that Xi’er has influenced you. Now that you’ve seen her true colors, the frozen distance between you and Bao Fei should finally thaw.” After so many years of marriage, Shen Kangzheng knew Madam Jiang well, and his words offered her a graceful way to step back.

　　Hearing him, Madam Jiang’s expression visibly softened.

　　“I understand, Master,” she said. “For you, for Jinxiu, I’ll make Ling’er see that we are the family who truly loves her, the ones she can rely on.”

　　Shen Kangzheng nodded.

　　Madam Jiang hesitated for a moment, then asked, “And what about Xi’er?”

　　Shen Kangzheng thought for a moment. “You decide. Find someone to marry her off. How does that sound?”

　　Madam Jiang paused. “But Jinxiu might intervene. If things escalate…”

　　She trailed off, then added, “Maybe you could see if any of your subordinates are still unmarried. Have one of them propose?”        

　　Shen Kangzheng waved his hand. “No need to say more, Madam. I’ve always left the backyard under your care. Handle whatever needs doing with Xi’er however you see fit.” He didn’t want to push Shen Jinxiu away—good deeds he could do himself, but anything unpleasant had to be left to others.

　　Madam Jiang fell silent.

　　She didn’t want to hurt Shen Jinxiu, and she definitely didn’t want him to end up at odds with her. After all, the capital wasn’t short on examples of people clashing with their parents over a woman.

　　Madam Jiang sighed. If Shen Ling hadn’t entered the Palace, she could have passed off this thankless task to her. But now, all she could do was continue appealing to Shen Ling, hoping she would soften her stance.

　　After parting ways with Madam Jiang, Shen Kangzheng sent someone to fetch Shen Xi. Honestly, he could have dealt with her directly, but just as Madam Jiang feared, if Shen Xi were harmed, Shen Jinxiu might hold a grudge against them. So he had to settle for the next best thing: letting Madam Jiang speak to Shen Ling. Still, he wanted to see Shen Xi personally and ask whether she had been wronged despite being so carefully raised. If she hadn’t, why was she so fixated on Shen Jinxiu? He wasn’t buying any stories about irresistible attraction.

　　The servant returned quickly, but Shen Kangzheng didn’t see Shen Xi. “Where is she?”

　　“Master, Second Miss wasn't there when I went over,” the servant replied.

　　“Didn’t you ask where she went?” he said.

　　The servant said, “I forgot to ask.”

　　Shen Kangzheng, “.....”

　　Where had Shen Xi gone? She’d gone to the Imperial Hunting Palace. After hearing that Madam Jiang had been embarrassed by Shen Ling and gossiped about by everyone, she brought Caixia and headed straight to the Imperial Hunting Palace. She never expected Shen Kangzheng to come back and lose his temper at Madam Jiang. She only thought Madam Jiang would vent her anger on her later, so she planned to return a bit later, once Madam Jiang had calmed down.

　　Shen Jinxiu and Marquis Xue were busy, and with him absent, Shen Xi could only take whatever scolding Madam Jiang threw at her without any defense.

　　She never imagined that Madam Jiang would go all out, telling Shen Kangzheng that it was Shen Xi who seduced Shen Jinxiu and even agreeing with him that Shen Ling should “teach her a lesson.”

　　But Shen Xi had her priorities clear. She couldn’t let go of Shen Jinxiu. Judging by what she’d faced after sabotaging the matchmaker who was trying to set her up with the Marquis of Nanling’s second son, she had no regrets. Everything had been worth it. Now that Madam Jiang was angry with her, once she became Shen Jinxiu’s wife and everything was settled, she’d make sure Madam Jiang’s affection returned. And if that didn’t work, as long as Shen Jinxiu stood with her, Madam Jiang would eventually change her attitude.

　　When Shen Ling heard from Liu Zhu that Shen Xi was waiting outside the Imperial Hunting Palace to see her, she couldn’t help but grin.

　　—Shen Xi and Madame Jiang weren’t just mother and daughter—they were practically inseparable. One arrived, and the other followed right after.

　　—Since I’ve seen Madam Jiang, I should probably see Shen Xi too. Gotta be fair, can’t favor one over the other.

　　“Older sister.” Shen Xi straightened her back and called out to Shen Ling. She had thought the wealthy merchant’s mansion she’d been staying in was already impressive, but seeing Shen Ling’s palace made her realize just how big the gap really was.

　　Shen Xi bowed gracefully, showing off the sparkling bracelet on her wrist. She made her movements deliberately exaggerated so Shen Ling could see it clearly.

　　Shen Ling, “......”

　　—If I pretended I didn’t see your bracelet, would you go ahead and show me your whole arm?

　　Shen Ling gave her some face. “That bracelet of yours......” She let the sentence trail off, knowing Shen Xi would tactfully continue it for her.    

　　Shen Xi’s expression was soft, her delicate face glowing with happiness as she said in a gentle voice, “Jinxiu specially bought this for me. He said it would look nice on me, so he spent a lot of money to get it. I couldn’t refuse even if I wanted to.”

　　Shen Ling said, “Then just smash it.”

　　Shen Xi, “......” Smash it? That was out of the question.

　　She continued softly, “After he gave it to me, I actually wanted him to get one for you too, but there was only this single bracelet left. You’ve never received anything from Jinxiu before, right? I didn’t want you to feel sad, so I brought this in for you to see. It’s not yours, but I thought you could admire it with me.”

　　—Seriously, is she brain-dead?

　　—Do you think you’re starring in some cheesy romance drama? Bringing my ‘share’ along too? Ugh, clearly you’re just here to show off. You think saying it’s from Shen Jinxiu will make me jealous of him being nice to you? Let me tell you, you’re overestimating things. Even if Shen Jinxiu chopped off his own head and gave it to you, I still wouldn’t be jealous.

　　—If you want the whole Shen family to be lovey-dovey, fine. I don’t.

　　Shen Xi said, “I know you still care about Father, Mother, and Jinxiu. Don’t worry, I’ll help ease your relationship with them and let them see how good you are.”        

　　Shen Ling, “......”

　　—Not going after an Oscar, really a waste.

　　—What do you mean I ‘care about them’? Don’t make me laugh. Which eye of mine saw me caring?

　　—And you want to ‘ease my relationship with them’? What relationship? Don’t flatter yourself. Even if there is one, it’s the kind where I sit back and enjoy the show.

　　Shen Ling brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and said sincerely, “Didn’t you just wake up or something? How can everything you say be nonsense? You look exactly like one of those red-dressed matchmakers with a huge wart on her lip, talking endlessly like no one else exists.”

　　Shen Xi pressed her lips together.

　　She had thought that talking about how good Shen Jinxiu treated her would make Shen Ling feel a little jealous or uneasy. But Shen Ling didn’t care at all. Shen Xi studied her expression carefully, instinctively clenching her hands. She could tell that Shen Ling truly didn’t care.

　　Shen Xi couldn’t help herself. “Jinxiu is your brother. Seeing how good he is to me, don’t you feel even a little bit unfair?”

　　Shen Ling, “Did I admit that?”

　　Shen Xi froze. “What do you mean?”    

　　Shen Ling, “Did I just admit he’s my brother?”

　　Shen Xi, “Do you even need to admit it? He is your brother!”

　　Shen Ling’s face stayed calm. “No, he’s yours. Some people are just born not to get along. Like you, you have nothing to do with the Shen family, yet you’re still their good daughter, their good little sister. I have blood ties with them, and it doesn’t even matter. I don’t need them.”

　　Shen Xi, “Y-You think like that? I get it. You’re saying that on purpose, aren’t you? You miss them, but your words are lies.” How could anyone give up their own family like that?

　　Shen Ling, “......”

　　“I’m speaking the truth so clearly, why can’t you understand?”

　　—I said it that plainly, and she still acts like ‘I know you’re faking it,’ making me wonder if my words were pixelated or something.

　　—This must be what they mean by trying to wake someone who’s pretending to sleep.

　　Shen Xi tried again, “When Mother came to see you, I didn’t follow. What did you talk about? She didn’t seem very happy. You have to think about her feelings, you can’t always make her angry.”    

　　Shen Ling didn’t want to talk any further. She cut straight to the point, “She wants me to find you a match, to get you married off.”

　　Shen Xi’s eyes widened. “She actually said that?”

　　“Was she upset? I know I disappointed her, but Jinxiu and I really like each other. I don’t want to be apart from him.”

　　Shen Ling, “......” She was left speechless.

　　Shen Xi asked, “So… did you agree?”

　　Shen Ling, “Why would I agree? I’m an outsider. How could I interfere in your matters? You two should handle this yourselves.”

　　Shen Xi frowned, her expression clouded with worry.

　　—Pfft!

　　—Not that I wanted to laugh, but I just couldn’t help it.

　　Shen Xi stayed gloomy for a while, but Shen Ling didn’t comfort her. She felt a little uneasy, like Shen Ling was ignoring her.        

　　Shen Xi’s thoughts were written all over her face, and Shen Ling rolled her eyes at her.

　　—Seriously, is it so weird that I ignore you?

　　—We’ve never had a good relationship anyway.

　　Shen Ling sipped her tea, signaling it was time to leave. Shen Xi sat there stiffly for a little while before taking her leave. She was afraid that if she lingered any longer, Shen Ling would kick her out.

　　The kind of “spotlight” Madam Jiang got after leaving Shen Ling’s place was the last thing Shen Xi wanted.

    

    

    

________________

Glossary:

¹When you need Zhong Wuyan, you call for her. When you don’t, she becomes Xia Yingchun.

This line is referencing two women from Chinese legend and opera:

☘️ Zhong Wuyan

☘️ Xia Yingchun

What it means:

Zhong Wuyan was known for being intelligent and capable but famously unattractive. Xia Yingchun, on the other hand, was known for her beauty.

So the sentence means:

> When you need someone’s ability or usefulness, you call on them.

When you don’t need them anymore, you ignore or discard them for someone prettier or more pleasing.

In modern terms, it’s basically calling someone out for being fake or opportunistic. Like:

“You only remember me when you need help. The rest of the time, I don’t exist.”

It’s sarcastic and a little bitter. Usually used to describe someone who treats people based on convenience.

²“White-eyed wolf” is a direct translation of a Chinese insult, usually written as 白眼狼.

It means an ungrateful, heartless person.

Specifically, someone who:

☘️ Was helped, raised, or supported by you

☘️ Then turns around and bites you back

☘️ Shows zero gratitude

☘️ Betrays the person who treated them well

In English, the closest vibes would be:

☘️ “Ungrateful brat”

☘️ “Backstabber”

☘️ “Snake”

☘️ “Bite the hand that feeds you” type person

It’s stronger than just “rude.” It implies betrayal after kindness.

Basically, if someone calls a character a “white-eyed wolf,” they’re saying:

“You fed them, raised them, trusted them… and they turned around and stabbed you.” 😑    

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