Chapter 30: Eye-Gouging

Tang Wen stormed into Tang Wu’s study in a fit of rage, only to emerge a short while later. He had walked in with a flushed face, but by the time he came out, his complexion was as dark as the bottom of a scorched pot. Tang Wen had rattled on at length, yet Tang Wu merely shifted the subject, telling him to change the plaque. How could he not see that his elder brother was implicitly favoring his own daughter? But if his daughter was a daughter, was his own not one as well? Furthermore, Tang Wen had heard from Lady Zhou that the Crown Prince had taken an interest in Tang Yuntao. If she could become the Crown Princess, his career as a civil official would surely be bright and promising. Just wait! One day, he would no longer have to live under his brother’s shadow and would sit firmly in the imperial court on his own merits. Tang Wen stomped away in fury, while the candles in Tang Wu’s study continued to flicker.

The next day, Jianxue brought several sets of finished garments to Tang Chaochao. Tang Chaochao took one look and her eyelids twitched. She could not help but look at Jianxue. "Why are the colors of these Taoist robes like this?" There were three sets in total: one red, one cyan, and one blue. The fabric looked ordinary, yet it felt remarkably comfortable to the touch, suggesting it was anything but common. From childhood, Tang Chaochao had always worn gray cotton Taoist robes just like the old Taoist priest, so she naturally had no idea what kind of material these were.

Jianxue stammered, "Miss, these were all prepared by the Madam; this servant does not know. That day, you ordered me to have the clothes made, but you didn't give me any silver. I assumed you had just returned and didn't have any on you, so I went to the Madam. As soon as she heard you wanted new robes, she..."

Tang Chaochao waved her hand. "Forget it, forget it." She couldn't keep rejecting the robes her mother had gone to such lengths to prepare. Besides, they did feel much more comfortable than the ones she was wearing. Tang Chaochao had never worn clothes of other colors before. She picked up the fiery red robe and went behind the screen. Jianxue did not offer to help, as her mistress disliked others assisting her with dressing. She put the other two sets away. When she turned back, Tang Chaochao had already emerged in the fiery red robe.

Jianxue was stunned. In the past, her mistress had always worn gray, and though she was naturally beautiful enough to look good in anything, the change in color made Tang Chaochao’s red-lipped, white-toothed face look even more exquisite and delicate. Her slender, graceful waist and pale, elegant neck were accentuated beautifully by the red robe, making her appear even more vibrant than the eldest young lady had ever been. Tang Mumu, when she was alive, had never worn such flamboyant colors. Jianxue thought that if the eldest young lady had worn red, she would have looked stunning as well.

Tang Chaochao patted her sleeves. The style was no different from what she usually wore. She grinned, feeling relieved—at least it wouldn't hinder her ability to fight.

When she stepped out of the courtyard, A-Bei, who was in the tree, was also struck by the sight. He couldn't help but wonder if the Prince would be similarly captivated were he to see the Second Miss Tang like this. He shook his head violently and cursed under his breath. What was he thinking? A man as distinguished and graceful as the Prince could simply look in a bronze mirror if he wanted to see a beauty. As Tang Chaochao walked out of the estate, A-Bei quickly followed. He did not know where she was going, but he trailed her until she left the manor and boarded a carriage. Finally, the carriage stopped in front of a grand residence.

Tang Chaochao lifted the curtain and hopped out. She looked up, confirmed the plaque read "Third Prince's Mansion," and waved to the coachman, who then drove away. Tang Chaochao strode toward the main gate, only to be blocked by two guards.

"Bold commoner! How dare you trespass into the Third Prince's residence? Do you value your life so little?" Although the young Taoist priestess was quite beautiful, what did that matter to mere servants like them?

Tang Chaochao raised an eyebrow. "Move aside!"

The two guards had never encountered such an arrogant woman. Even the noble ladies of the capital were polite when visiting the Third Prince's mansion. One of them said kindly, "Little Taoist, this is no place for you to cause trouble. Go back to your temple!"

Tang Chaochao ignored them and attempted to push through. Instantly, two spears crossed in front of her. With a mere glance, Tang Chaochao rendered both guards limp as they collapsed to the ground, shouting, "Assassins!" Tang Chaochao curled her lip, delivered a swift kick to each of their chests, and stepped into the Third Prince's mansion.

Murong Si was sleeping soundly in his concubine's room. Clothes were scattered on the floor, and the bed was in total disarray; it was evident that the "battle" the night before had been intense, and one could only guess how late they had carried on. When Murong Si was woken by the commotion, there were dark circles under his eyes. He had been thoroughly scolded by Emperor Kangjian at the palace the day before, and his "good" elder brother, the Crown Prince, had been there adding fuel to the fire. With a belly full of rage and nowhere to vent it, he had spent the night indulging himself to cool off.

The Third Prince, Murong Si, shoved the semi-nude woman off him and asked impatiently, "What is it?"

A servant’s voice came from outside. "Reporting to your Highness, a Taoist priestess who can fight very well has broken into the mansion. She ignored all reason and forced her way in. The guards are currently clashing with her and likely won't be able to hold her back much longer!"

The Third Prince cursed, "A bunch of trash!" He prepared to get up, but Tang Chaochao arrived faster than the servant had anticipated. Murong Si heard a scream of pain outside his door, and then the door was kicked open with a bang. A flash of red appeared before his eyes.

Tang Chaochao took one look and cursed, "Bad luck!" She turned to leave.

The Third Prince, Murong Si, had been furious, but a single glance at her face stopped him. It was a face remarkably similar to Tang Mumu’s. Three years ago, even though she was young, she had already been a peerless beauty. He had taken a fancy to her at first sight, but the Emperor had bestowed her upon the Crown Prince, Murong Bo. Murong Si had been angry at his father’s favoritism but was powerless to do anything. Not long ago, he heard that Tang Mumu had died. He felt some regret, but felt more schadenfreude. The Crown Prince wanted to win over the Tang family, but even if the Emperor paved a golden path for him, it was all for naught if he had no fortune to enjoy it.

So, this woman must be Tang Mumu’s twin sister, Tang Chaochao. With the same face as her sister, she was truly a rare beauty. This time, he would make sure to turn this woman into his Third Princess before the Crown Prince could make his move.

Outside, Tang Chaochao was growing impatient. She should have just wrapped that man in a blanket and dragged him out for questioning. Was it too late to go back in now? Sensing someone behind her, she turned instinctively. Murong Si had already thrown on an outer robe and appeared behind her. His handsome but gloomy face was staring at her with great interest.

Tang Chaochao’s eyes darkened. She raised her hand and struck directly at his eyes.

"Ugh!" Murong Si had never anticipated such a result. His eyes burned with intense pain; he didn't know whether to cover them with his hands or not.

Tang Chaochao scoffed, "If you stare at me with those lecherous eyes again, I will poke them out!"

Murong Si hopped about, unsure if it was from anger or pain. Was this woman a lunatic? Attacking his eyes the moment she arrived?