Chapter 137: Vying for Favor and Showing Jealousy

Upon hearing this, Gao Li's face immediately darkened with displeasure, but out of deference to Zisu, he held his tongue.

Meng Di could not help but feel a bitter ache in his heart. These idle people had nothing better to do than fight for affection; why did they have to drag him into it? He was about to refuse when he suddenly noticed Zisu blinking at him, clearly harboring a hidden intent.

Thus, a thought stirred in his mind, and without further hesitation, he agreed.

"Since I have nothing better to do, I wouldn't mind taking a look at Young Master Gao's night-shining pearl to see what it looks like."

Gao Li regretted it deeply. Had he known, he wouldn't have come to make things difficult for Meng Di. Originally, he had wanted to take the opportunity to dampen Meng Di's spirit and show off in front of Zisu, especially since Meng Di's life or death currently hung on a single word from his father.

Reluctant as he was, Zisu had already spoken, leaving Gao Li with nothing more to say. Leading them to a chamber, Gao Li produced a box, instructed his servants to close all the surrounding windows, and opened it.

There, resting inside, was a luminous pearl the size of a pigeon's egg, casting a soft, gentle glow. It looked quite exquisite, yet unexpectedly, Zisu spoke up with a hint of displeasure in her voice.

"This luminous pearl is actually so small, not even half the size of the one in Qian'er's chamber. You might as well keep it for yourself; I have no desire for it. I thought it was some great treasure—what a disappointment."

Hearing this, Gao Li gave a wry smile and said helplessly, "Junior Sister Zisu, as you well know, the one in Junior Sister Qian'er's chamber was bestowed upon my father by the Marquis of Qi. Where am I supposed to find another like it? Although this pearl is a bit small, look at it—naturally rounded and flawless, it is truly a rare treasure."

At that moment, Qian'er's voice sounded slightly breathless and weak.

"After tossing and turning with you two all morning, I'm feeling rather tired. Shall we find a place to sit and rest a while?"

At these words, Gao Li immediately ordered the servants to open the windows, while Zisu walked to her side with a concerned expression, asking,

"Junior Sister Qian'er, what is the matter? Your complexion has been growing worse these past few days. Have you consulted a physician?"

As Zisu helped Qian'er to a seat nearby, the young woman sighed softly and began, "I do not know why, but for the past two years, I have been plagued by dreams every single night, and even during the day it is the same. As time has gone on, my health has steadily deteriorated. I know not what the cause could be. Master Bian Que once came to examine me.

"He said that my body is depleted of essence and my vital energy is weak, and that this condition is caused by the place where I dwell. Father merely dismissed his words as nonsense, wondering why, out of so many people in this estate, only I should suffer such an affliction. Thus, to this day, the root cause remains unknown."

While the speaker had no ulterior motive, the listener pondered deeply. Upon hearing this and connecting it to their previous conversation, Meng Di wondered: could it be because of this luminous pearl?

Although the bead looked exceptionally lovely, having such an object glowing in one's room throughout the night would surely keep him awake if he were in her place. Therefore, he probed cautiously,

"Lady Qian'er, is your luminous pearl kept in your bedchamber for illumination?"

Hearing this, Qian'er nodded, a trace of delight crossing her face.

"Indeed. That pearl was a gift from my father, and I am very fond of it. Ever since I received it, I have played with it every night before falling asleep. Why does Master Meng ask?"

When Gao Li heard this, displeasure marred his features once more. He had never wanted Meng Di here in the first place, and now the man was running his mouth and meddling, which only worsened his mood. He immediately retorted,

"Could it be that Master Meng is also versed in the medical arts? Do you actually possess the ability to cure my sister's ailment?"

Hearing this, Meng Di felt a flicker of annoyance. However, seeing that Qian'er was delicate and lovely, and having found her gentle-natured during their brief interaction, a sense of pity stirred within him. Ignoring Gao Li, he addressed Qian'er directly.

"This is merely a conjecture of mine, and I know not whether it is true. Judging by what your brother just presented, the pearl is undeniably beautiful. However, if one were to keep such an object in a bedchamber and have it glow all through the night, I for one would find it impossible to sleep.

"Moreover, Bian Que is renowned as a divine physician. Since he stated that your illness stems from your dwelling place, why not put it to the test? Have your frequently used items removed one by one. In doing so, you might discover what is causing your chronic sleeplessness."

Gao Li, who was eagerly awaiting a chance to make trouble, let out a scoff upon hearing this.

"And what kind of method is that? Do you expect us to believe a simple trial can reveal the cause? Or are you, Master Meng, more skilled in medicine than the divine physician Bian Que? How absurd! If word of this gets out, won't it become a laughingstock?"

Yet Qian'er frowned upon hearing these words, falling into deep contemplation. Zisu, on the other hand, said with considerable irritation,

"What kind of brother are you? So what if people mock you a little? If Junior Sister Qian'er can truly find the cause of her illness this time and recover her health henceforth, I say it is worth a try. Who knows, it might actually work."

At these words, Gao Li's expression shifted drastically. Yet, powerless against Zisu, he could only turn his glare back to Meng Di.

"This was your bright idea. If it yields no results in the end, we shall see what you have to say for yourself."

With that, he flicked his sleeves and stormed off. Zisu watched him go, let out a cold snort, and said to Qian'er,

"I say your brother is nothing more than a fool. He's like a firecracker, ignited at the slightest touch, completely devoid of brains."

Hearing her elder sister figure speak thus of her brother, Qian'er did not get angry; instead, she smiled faintly.

"From where I stand, Sister, the way you and my brother bicker day in and day out makes the two of you look rather like an old married couple."

At this, Zisu's face flushed crimson, and she protested indignantly, "What nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever looked like a family with him?"

The two maidens spoke as if no one else was present, completely leaving Meng Di out in the cold. Seizing a quiet moment, he took his leave.

"My two ladies, I have matters to attend to elsewhere, so I will not linger."

Once outside the room, Meng Di gently shook his head. What kind of mess was this? He had only meant to offer a well-intentioned suggestion, yet Gao Li had turned it around to attack him. It seemed his next few days here would be far from peaceful.

Just at that moment, Zisu chased after him and called out loudly,

"Master Meng! What about what I said earlier about learning swordsmanship from you? Do you agree or not?"

Hearing this, Meng Di shook his head like a rattling drum. How could he fail to see that Gao Li clearly harbored affections for Zisu and was thus targeting him out of jealousy? There was no way he would agree. But before he could speak,

Zisu hurried forward a few steps and lowered her voice to say,

"My brother asked me to find out if there is any way we can help you."