Chapter 1822: Caught in Her Own Trap

Chapter 1822: Caught in Her Own Trap

However, Tao Ling immediately sensed that something was amiss. She usually wore Tao Qin's old clothes. Occasionally, they might have new clothes for the New Year, but definitely not this year.

With their father having just passed away, wearing a new set of clothes for the New Year was already quite a luxury. They wouldn't have the mindset to buy new clothes.

Moreover, as the one who did the most chores at home, Tao Ling was well aware that their food had been decreasing steadily. Their family was already out of money, yet they were spending money on new clothes at this crucial juncture?

Tao Ling felt that both Zhang Shi and Tao Qin were acting strangely. She didn't say anything on the surface; whatever Zhang Shi asked her to do, she did it obediently. But secretly, she was trying to gather information from her younger brother.

Tao Ling had always known that her mother and sister had questionable characters, but she never anticipated that they would stoop so low as to sell her for money.

Years of suppressing her emotions meant nothing. She had thought that after she came of age, she could marry and leave this family behind. But who would have thought she would be manipulated like this just before that?

Tao Ling felt angry and upset, but she quickly calmed down.

She obediently went along to buy clothes, tidied herself up, applied the scented ointment her mother had bought for her to appear a bit more lively.

Then, she followed her mother to the neighboring county to meet Master Jin.

Pretending she knew nothing, she sat quietly on the side, letting her mother and Master Jin talk as though she were so naive that she wasn't aware of Zhang Shi's intentions.

Master Jin was somewhat satisfied with the neatly dressed Tao Ling. Though she wasn't stunningly beautiful and seemed somewhat frail, that wasn't an issue. Overall, she looked fine—she wasn't an unsuitable choice. With a little care and grooming, she could be quite charming.

Zhang Shi and Master Jin had a pleasant conversation, and the two families quickly agreed on the marriage arrangement.

Throughout the process, Tao Ling remained silent. Zhang Shi was pleased with her behavior; her second daughter was finally acting obediently and not causing any trouble.

Tao Ling hadn't said anything throughout, but Zhang Shi wasn't worried. Marital affairs were traditionally decided by the parents; her daughter couldn't refuse even if she wanted to.

Two days later, Master Jin invited Tao Ling to go outside the town to see plum blossoms.

Tao Ling felt nauseous inside but still accepted the invitation. However, she secretly added poison seeds to the food her mother prepared. This meant that Zhang Shi, who was supposed to accompany her, had to run to the outhouse instead.

Zhang Shi wanted Tao Ling to go alone, but Tao Ling pretended to be scared and unwilling to go out alone. In the end, Zhang Shi had to let Tao Qin accompany her.

No one noticed that Tao Ling was wearing the same dress she had on during their first meeting, with the hem stained from her chores. On the other hand, Tao Qin, who was naturally better dressed and more attractive, looked even better even if she wore simple clothes.

The two of them arrived at the estate together. As expected, Master Jin's attention was immediately drawn to Tao Qin.

Tao Ling followed behind Tao Qin like a little maidservant, appearing extremely timid. She was hesitant to speak up and even stuttered when she got nervous.

This behavior was completely different from their first meeting. Back then, Zhang Shi had mostly done the talking, and Tao Ling had merely responded when her name was mentioned.

At the time, Master Jin had assumed she was just shy and embarrassed, which was why she acted that way.

Now, it was obvious that something was wrong.

Master Jin wasn't very pleased, especially when he compared Tao Ling's awkwardness to Tao Qin's habitually feigned obedience. Tao Ling was truly unbearable to look at.

He lost interest in himself. But Tao Ling was satisfied. She then claimed to feel unwell and needed to use the outhouse.