She felt that she had been with Ling Mohan for too long now, and her actions were becoming more and more like his.
Zhenzhu was also awed by the terrifying aura emanating from Feng Jin, her whole body trembling slightly. She had initially thought that Granny Sun's anger was frightening enough, but after seeing Feng Jin today, she realized what true terror was.
The aura surrounding her was natural and unforced; even a single glance could instill fear in others.
"Madam, is that truly the case? What level of certainty do you have?"
"Since I've decided to do it, then I have absolute certainty."
If there were no certainty, doing it would be in vain, a waste of time. She would never do something that yielded no results.
"You only need to inform the others among you, and strive to get them to agree like you. That way, I can ensure you all survive."
If even one of them was not fully committed, this matter could not be accomplished. Ultimately, it depended on whether Zhenzhu could succeed.
"A thousand people, a thousand faces. It will be difficult for this servant to guarantee that I can persuade them to agree. I fear that if someone has second thoughts and informs Granny Sun of this matter, what then?"
Zhenzhu's only worry was that someone would tell Granny Sun, and given Granny Sun's nature, she would surely choose to cut all ties and kill them.
"If the lives of a hundred people are endangered because of one, it is a grave sin. If saving a hundred lives by sacrificing one is supreme merit, then whether to protect one or save a hundred is something you must weigh for yourself."
"This servant understands!"
Zhenzhu's eyes were no longer as confused as before. She had made up her mind, and when she looked up again, her eyes were filled with determination.
"Madam, this servant still has something to ask the young madam?"
"You want to ask about your sister?" Feng Jin saw through her thoughts at a glance.
"This servant's heart aches for her sister. Please, madam, could you inform this servant of her situation?"
Upon learning that Cui'er was still alive, her heart was filled with excitement, and she was eager to know Cui'er's current condition.
"She is well. I have found a safe place for her. She is looking after herself with Liuli and Yan'er, and their days are quite fulfilling."
"However, Granny Sun's continued existence is their greatest threat. For their safety, I cannot tell you their current location. But there will be plenty of time in the future; why worry about not meeting them?"
The reason she didn't tell her Cui'er's whereabouts now was twofold: first, she worried about the disclosure of their movements, which would alert Granny Sun and render all her efforts in vain. Second, she wanted to use Cui'er to keep Zhenzhu in check, as the human heart is unpredictable, and she needed to make more plans.
"This servant understands."
Zhenzhu could also roughly guess Feng Jin's intentions. However, knowing that Cui'er was safe was enough for her now.
She wanted to ensure Cui'er's safety forever, and she would root out any factor that could harm Cui'er.
After Zhenzhu left, she returned directly to her residence. As soon as she entered the room, the people who had been gathered together scattered. They avoided her as if she were a plague, a tacit understanding among them.
She was being ostracized. Zhenzhu immediately understood what was happening and walked towards the instigator.
"What do you mean by looking at me like that? Do you think you can kill me!"
Lan Cui was so unnerved by Zhenzhu's gaze that her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Put away your base tactics. Your tricks are simply not enough!"
Inciting others to scold her—such idiotic tactics, and she actually dared to use them. She felt embarrassed for Lan Cui; how old was she, to still be playing such games?
"What did you say? Do you really think I dare not lay a hand on you!"
Lan Cui was instantly enraged. Without a second thought, she raised her hand to slap Zhenzhu across the face.
Before her hand could reach Zhenzhu, her wrist was firmly gripped, rendering her immobile.
"What are you doing? Let go of me!" Lan Cui shouted furiously, looking at her tightly clasped wrist. She struggled with all her might but to no avail.
"It is I who should be asking you, what do you intend to do!"
Zhenzhu questioned her angrily in a low voice, unconsciously tightening her grip.
"Let go... release me..." The pain in her wrist spread throughout her body, making her limbs feel numb. Lan Cui's face contorted in pain.
"Zhenzhu, let go quickly! If this continues, Lan Cui's hand will be ruined!"
Yu Rong, who had rushed over, saw this scene and her face turned deathly pale. She quickly stepped forward to separate them.
Seeing this, Zhenzhu didn't bother to argue with Lan Cui any longer and released her grip. Her intention was to teach Lan Cui a lesson, and having achieved her goal, she naturally stopped.
Clutching her bruised wrist, Lan Cui lost her earlier arrogance. Instead, when she looked at Zhenzhu, a hint of fear appeared in her eyes.
"Today's incident ends here. No one is to speak of it. If anyone is found to be gossiping, then don't blame me for disregarding our sisterly bond!"
Zhenzhu's gaze swept over everyone, and the warning words left her lips.
They all nodded fearfully and silently dispersed.
Lan Cui's heart was filled with anger, but she dared not vent it. She glared at Zhenzhu through gritted teeth, her fear and inability to speak her mind evident.
Yu Rong pulled Lan Cui away and applied medicine to her swollen wrist. "I've told you before, don't provoke Zhenzhu. You insisted on it, and now you're suffering."
"What's the use of you saying that now? I was careless this time. If there's a next time, I won't be like this!"
It was her momentary lapse that allowed Zhenzhu to exploit the situation. Next time, it would not be like this.
"We are all sisters, and some minor squabbles are inevitable. If you are all so petty, then sisterhood cannot continue!"
Yu Rong truly didn't understand what kind of deep-seated animosity existed between these two. They would get into conflict the moment they met, and after all these years, they hadn't had a moment's peace.
If this continued, it would eventually lead to a major incident, and everyone would suffer the consequences with them.
"It's clearly Zhenzhu who is deliberately making things difficult for me, yet you are clinging to me. Why don't you go trouble Zhenzhu!"
"I only see that you are the one who always goes to Zhenzhu's trouble. I have never seen Zhenzhu trouble you. In the end, it's your petty nature that cannot tolerate her. Don't find other excuses!"
Lan Cui pouted in dissatisfaction, secretly marking Zhenzhu down in her heart and plotting how to cause trouble for Zhenzhu again.
"Put away your petty thoughts. If I see you inciting others to cause trouble again, don't blame me for being impolite."