Chapter 673: Chapter 674: Extra – Rescue_1 Chapter 673: Chapter 674: Extra – Rescue_1 Once Zhao Jiangshui pulled her back, she would definitely fall right into her arms, and then, having been touched, Mu Xinlin could play the part of the “wronged” woman, willingly marrying into the family as a concubine. With Junior Minister Mu applying pressure, Zhao Jiangshui would have no choice but to marry her; after all, it was Zhao Jiangshui who touched the girl first, and if she was willing to lower her status to become a concubine, how could he refuse?

In the blink of an eye, Tian Niu shoved Zhao Jiangshui away. Mu Xinlin had never expected Tian Niu to pull such a move, and immediately lost her balance, plunging straight into the water.

It was still early spring, and the lake was laced with a chill. Mu Xinlin fell into the water, creating countless splashes.

Zhao Jiangshui’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at Tian Niu: “What are you doing?”

But Tian Niu had no time for worries; she dove straight into the lake after her.

Chun Xin called out anxiously, “Lady, you mustn’t! You’ve not yet recovered from the cold; how can you get wet?!”

When Zhao Jiangshui heard this, he rushed to help, but Tian Niu shouted, “Don’t come down!”

She quickly swam to Mu Xinlin’s side, attempting to drag her up. Mu Xinlin bit her teeth in anger and deliberately struggled with all her might, purposely sinking her body into the lake as if to force Zhao Jiangshui into the water.

Mu Xinlin’s cries for help were loud, but she kept struggling, not allowing Tian Niu to pull her up. Tian Niu cursed in her heart, Little wretch, do you really want to compete with me in strength?!

Without a second thought, Tian Niu chopped at Mu Xinlin’s neck, knocking her out cold before smoothly dragging her up from the water.

Chun Xin was already frantic on the shore. Even when Zhao Jiangshui tried to help, Tian Niu scolded him, “Don’t come over here!” her tone filled with anger.

Zhao Jiangshui pulled his hand back. He wasn’t foolish and had clearly understood Mu Xinlin’s intentions, as well as what was angering Tian Niu. It was only right for Tian Niu to feel enraged.

All he could do now was stand far away.

Once Tian Niu reached the shore, Chun Xin hurriedly draped a cloak over her: “Lady, you’re still suffering from a cold – the water’s so chilly. Better change your clothes first!”

But Tian Niu wrapped the cloak around Mu Xinlin instead. She didn’t want to give her opponent any leverage, for if Mu Xinlin later claimed her clothes were soaked through and seen by Zhao Jiangshui, that would be truly unlucky.

“Lady, what are you doing?!” exclaimed Chun Xin anxiously.

Tian Niu shouted loudly, “Someone come quick! Prepare a bath and clothes for Miss Mu.”

Several maids whisked Mu Xinlin away. Tian Niu’s steps wavered, and she nearly stumbled, but Zhao Jiangshui quickly supported her: “Why do you need to prove anything? Your health is already compromised; what if something happened?!”

But Tian Niu felt a severe dizziness, moved her lips, and ultimately fainted. She had already caught a cold, and now having gone into the water, her body must have taken in so much chill.

Zhao Jiangshui was anxious and quickly carried Tian Niu toward the house: “Hurry and fetch the doctor!”

When Tian Niu slowly came to, she saw Zhao Jiangshui’s anxious face: “Tian Niu, you’re awake? Do you feel better?”

“Yes, I feel much better. How is Miss Mu?”

Zhao Jiangshui grew irritated: “What time is it for you to still worry about her?”

Tian Niu slightly lowered her eyes: “I’m not that kind-hearted. If it weren’t for you, why would I bother with her?”

Zhao Jiangshui felt a wave of guilt: “You needn’t go to such lengths; her little tricks are ultimately insignificant…”

“Does it matter if the trick is small or if it fails to impress? It’s useful, that’s all that counts. If you really defiled her body today, I’m afraid you’d never be able to shake her off for the rest of your life.”

With helplessness, Zhao Jiangshui said, “Tianniu, I’m sorry.”

Tianniu responded indifferently, “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’m just protecting what’s mine, that’s all. It’s just that this time, by stopping you from grabbing Miss Mu and preventing her fall, she’ll likely make a big fuss about it. I’m afraid Mr. Mu will bear a grudge against you because of this. Sorry, I’ve dragged you down with me.”

“Don’t say that, Tianniu,” said Zhao Jiangshui.

As expected, Mu Xinlin held a grudge against Tianniu from there on. Upon returning, she wept to her father, claiming Tianniu had blocked her husband from catching her, making her out to be a jealous woman, narrow-minded and self-centered, and blaming Tianniu for her ordeal in the cold water.

She made no mention of how Tianniu had braved the wind and cold to jump into the water to save her afterward.

Mr. Mu immediately confronted Zhao Jiangshui, and as a result, any chance of Zhao Jiangshui’s further promotion was dashed.

Although Zhao Jiangshui didn’t express anything openly, Tianniu knew he felt dejected. She knew the extent of his ambition, and now, due to such an absurd incident, his excellent opportunity was wasted. How could he be happy?

Tianniu had not a word to say about this because what could she say?

Apologize? Then tell him to accept another man’s daughter next time?

Assert her rightness? What would Zhao Jiangshui’s aspirations amount to then?

These days, Tianniu seemed to be constantly troubled by such woes.

Seeing the couple uncomfortable with each other, Chun Xin was anxious and said to Tianniu, “Lady, please go and talk to your husband. He’s unsettled, and you’ve always been the best at cheering him up. It’s not right for the two of you to be at odds like this.”

“I’ve always been able to cheer him up, but in the current situation, how can I? By giving him special permission to take a concubine?” Tianniu said, her eyes reddening.

She had always been willful since childhood, and being brought up by Muniang, she couldn’t share what was hers with anyone else. She wasn’t that selfless, but life seemed always full of contradictions that couldn’t be reconciled seamlessly.

Faced with such contradictions, what was she to do?

Suddenly, a young maid came in: “Lady, a letter from Lady Yu of Qinghua City has arrived!”

A hint of joy appeared on Tianniu’s face: “Bring it here quick, let me see.”

Chun Xin was also happy, knowing that only the lady’s cousin could lift her spirits. She smiled and said, “Lady Yu must have heard that you’re returning to Qinghua City and has written to inquire about you!”

With a smile, Tianniu said, “Indeed, Mu wants me to bring back some nice things from the Capital City. I’m going out to the markets later to buy some for her.”

“Look how happy you are, did Lady Yu only say that much?” Chun Xin said with a smile.

The smile on Tianniu’s face froze a little: “She also asked if I am doing well.”

Chun Xin secretly slapped herself. Why did she have to say too much and ask that? The lady’s mood, which had just improved slightly, had suddenly dropped again!

Without waiting for Chun Xin to speak, Tianniu forced a smile: “What can I say about doing well or not? Of course, I’m doing well. If I said otherwise, Mu would worry unnecessarily. She can only fret from afar, so there’s no need to trouble her. After all, this is my own issue.”