From cannon fodder villain to beloved heroine

Yan Rugo looked around and saw the servants of the mansion gathered in small groups, pointing and whispering at her with disdain, as if watching a farce.

Their whispers slithered into her ears like venomous snakes. "Look at her, she really thinks she's a phoenix!" "Flying up to become a phoenix? I think it's a pheasant turning into a wild chicken!" Their sarcastic words stabbed into her heart like knives.

Yan Rugo clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white, her face flushed, as if a raging fire was burning in her chest.

She gritted her teeth, struggling to suppress her impending rage; the oppressive and stifling atmosphere in the mansion made her feel almost suffocated.

She walked straight toward Liu, a servant who usually loved to gossip and was now chatting and laughing with other servants with a smug look on her face.

"Liu, did you spread these rumors?" Yan Rugo's tone was icy, her gaze piercing, as if she could see right through Liu.

Liu glanced at her disdainfully, a mocking smile curving her lips.

"Madam, what do you mean by that? I don't understand. Rumors are always baseless; there's no smoke without fire, and flies don't land on eggs without cracks." She deliberately raised her voice so that everyone around could hear, as if she was deliberately provoking Yan Rugo's bottom line.

Yan Rugo bit her lip, her eyes blazing with anger, but she tried her best to control herself, taking a deep breath and forcing herself to calm down.

"Mrs. Liu, you'd better think carefully before you speak. Some words, once spoken, cannot be taken back." She said each word as if they were squeezed out from between her teeth.

The servants gathered around, watching them like they were watching a play. A tense atmosphere filled the air, like a taut string that could snap at any moment.

Liu sneered and met Yan Rugo's gaze without fear.

"Madam, are you threatening me? I'm timid and can't withstand your intimidation."

Yan Rugo ignored Liu's provocation. She coldly glanced at the servants watching the commotion around her, then turned and left.

She knew that arguing with Liu here would only make her more embarrassed.

"Ha, getting angry out of embarrassment?" Madam Liu looked at Yan Rugo's retreating figure and laughed contemptuously.

Yan Rugo stopped in her tracks, without turning around, and simply said, "Liu Shi, you'd better pray you get a good night's sleep tonight."

Yan Rugo was not defeated by Liu's ridicule; instead, it fueled her fighting spirit.

She knew that to completely resolve the issue of rumors, she had to find the mastermind behind them.

She did not immediately question Liu, but chose to observe silently.

Over the next few days, she acted like a keen cheetah, quietly observing Liu's every move from the shadows.

One evening, as moonlight shone on the bluestone slabs of the mansion, Yan Rugo hid behind a rockery and carefully observed Liu Shi's every move through the gaps.

Liu seemed to be on guard, glancing around every now and then. Her furtive manner made Yan Rugo even more certain of her guess.

Finally, Liu stopped in a secluded corner, secretly took out a letter from her bosom, and handed it to a man dressed in a magnificent young man's outfit—Young Master Zheng.

Young Master Zheng took the letter, and the two exchanged a quick glance, as if conveying some kind of secret message.

Yan Rugo's heart raced, and her palms sweated slightly, but she suppressed her impulse and continued to observe.

Young Master Zheng hid the letter in his sleeve, whispered a few words to Madam Liu, and Madam Liu nodded in agreement. The two then parted ways.

Yan Rugo cautiously emerged from behind the artificial hill, her heart pounding even harder, but a smile played on her lips, her heart filled with the joy of victory.

Instead of confronting Young Master Zheng immediately, she decided to gather more evidence first.

The next day, Yan Rugo arrived at the largest gathering place for nobles in the city.

The place was brightly lit, with the sounds of string and wind instruments filling the air. Noblemen and their ladies from all walks of life gathered together, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Yan Rugo wore an elegant long dress, with a faint smile on her face, but her sharp eyes scanned her surroundings.

She weaved through the crowd, secretly inquiring about Young Master Zheng.

Her behavior attracted the attention of the surrounding nobles, and many people cast puzzled and curious glances at her.

They whispered among themselves, wondering why this lady would inquire about Young Master Zheng in such a setting.

Yan Rugo remained calm, but her eyes revealed a hint of determination and resolve.

She secretly plotted and gathered every possible clue.

The lively atmosphere of the party contrasted sharply with her composure, adding to the air of mystery.

Just as she was about to leave, a deep and gentle voice sounded in her ear: "Ru Ge, what are you investigating? Do you need help?" Xu, the male protagonist, appeared behind Yan Ru Ge at some point. His eyes were deep, with a hint of worry that was not easily detected, and his tone was as gentle as the spring breeze in March.

"Ru Ge, don't take these rumors to heart." He reached out to gently pat her shoulder, but Yan Ru Ge subtly dodged him.

Yan Rugo turned to look at him, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

The male lead's eyes were sincere, and his concern was evident, which made her feel a sense of warmth.

But she knew that this matter was far-reaching and she couldn't drag Xu, the male protagonist, into this vortex.

"I'm fine. It's just some rumors. I can handle it." Her tone was firm, with a hint of detachment.

The surrounding guests were clinking glasses and chatting happily, which contrasted sharply with the somewhat deserted atmosphere among them.

Yan Rugo declined Xu's help and continued her investigation.

Through extensive inquiries, she finally obtained conclusive evidence—Young Master Zheng's spreading of rumors was not simply malicious slander, but rather an attempt to suppress the power of her family and thus gain more benefits within the aristocratic circle.

Beneath Zheng Gongzi's hypocritical mask lies a treacherous and cunning heart. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, which is disgusting.

Upon learning the truth, Yan Rugo was furious. She gripped the evidence tightly in her hand as if it were a sword to punish Young Master Zheng.

Just as Yan Rugo was about to reveal the evidence, she unexpectedly discovered that Young Master Zheng was having a private conversation with Madam Lan in a corner of the banquet hall.

In the dim light, the expressions of the two men were hidden in the shadows and could not be clearly seen, but their tone of voice was low and mysterious, as if they were plotting some unspeakable plan.

Alarm bells rang in Yan Rugo's mind. She stopped and stared intently at the two of them. Holding her breath, she quietly moved closer, wanting to hear them more clearly...

"He...he found out!" Madam Lan said urgently, with a hint of panic.

Young Master Zheng's expression changed, and he turned around abruptly...