Watching Liu Shi stride forward with an imposing demeanor, Wanqing followed behind, her mind preoccupied with how Liu Shi would deal with Xiangmei and the others. This time, she could also confirm her suspicions.
“Ah, you all go in. It’s better for an unmarried young lady like me to stay outside. Sister Hongyan, why don’t you ask Madam to have them dress properly and come out first? What do you think?”
As soon as they reached the corridor outside the room where Xiangmei and the others were in Zhuxiang Garden, Wanqing covered her face shyly, adopting the demeanor of a bashful maiden, while suggesting this to Hongyan beside her.
“You… In such a situation, it’s better for fewer of us to go inside. Madam should have them dress properly and come out before dealing with them.”
Wanqing had boldly led the way to handle this sordid affair, only to suddenly feign modesty as an unmarried girl. Hongyan sighed helplessly and lightly tapped her head in reproach. Realizing what she had done, she withdrew her hand regretfully, stopping in her tracks and resuming her usual aloofness as she addressed Liu Shi.
“Very well, then you ladies wait outside.”
Liu Shi hesitated at Hongyan’s reaction but eventually nodded and led the others inside.
Soon, Liu Shi emerged, followed by Xiangmei, the four maids, and the disheveled man reeking of a strange odor. Though they frantically adjusted their clothing, their disheveled hair and disgraced postures were undeniably comical.
“Wow, a five-way! A five-way! This big brother is truly impressive, taking on four at once. Sister Hongyan, how do you think Madam will deal with them?”
Seeing Liu Shi’s livid expression and the group kneeling behind her in terrified silence, Wanqing clapped her hands in delight. Noticing Liu Shi’s warning glare, she feigned fright, shrinking back and whispering to Hongyan.
“You… Just watch how Madam handles them. I really wonder what’s going on in that little head of yours. Weren’t you just pretending to be an innocent maiden? And now this?”
Hongyan was exasperated by her scandalous words, but seeing her innocent, curious expression—especially those lively, sparkling eyes—she couldn’t help but sigh and chide her softly.
“I was just curious, Sister Hongyan. Don’t scold me. I…”
Though inwardly delighted by Hongyan’s scolding, Wanqing pouted like a wronged child, her eyes welling up with tears.
“Enough. Let’s see how Madam deals with them…”
Hongyan quickly soothed her, fearing she might burst into tears, and turned their attention back to Liu Shi and the others.
“Xiangmei, and the rest of you, have I ever mistreated you? How dare you commit such acts—and in the very courtyard I promised to Second Miss! You… Guards! Take these wretched maids away and beat them to death. As for this man, a mere dung-hauler who dares defile my household—execute him as well!”
As Wanqing, Hongyan, and Chunhong approached, Liu Shi’s cold, serpentine gaze fell upon Xiangmei and the others kneeling before her. Though unsure who had uncovered her scheme, she had no choice but to eliminate the threat. Suppressing her fury, she pointed a trembling finger at them and ordered their execution, including the man.
“Ugh, so he’s a dung-hauler! No wonder he stank so badly. Wait—Madam…”
As soon as Liu Shi gave the order, servants rushed to drag Xiangmei and the others away. The maids wailed and pleaded, while the man, already listless, trembled in fear without resistance.
Seeing Xiangmei also being dragged off, Wanqing couldn’t resist commenting. Noticing Hongyan’s frown, she quickly covered her mouth and flashed an apologetic smile before calling out to Liu Shi.
“Qing’er, what is it?”
Liu Shi had little attachment to the other maids, but Xiangmei had served her since childhood. Though furious at her carelessness, she had no choice but to eliminate her in front of the Shizi Manor’s maids. Wanqing’s intervention made her frown in suspicion.
“Madam, Xiangmei is your personal maid. Who’d have thought she’d have such… tastes, and such poor judgment, sharing such a man with others! You must have been very close. Executing her would surely pain you. Why not hand her over to me? Let me deal with her. What do you say?”
Though Liu Shi’s expression darkened at the suggestion, Wanqing smiled faintly, feigning concern.
“Fine. She’s yours. But Qing’er, deal with her as you see fit. Don’t spare her on my account. Such behavior cannot be tolerated. Xiangmei stays with Qing’er. The rest of you, come with me.”
Unable to refuse, Liu Shi left in frustration, her entourage in tow.
“Madam, save me! Madam…” Xiangmei, now at Wanqing’s mercy, panicked. The seemingly innocent girl before her was anything but harmless. She struggled, pleading to Liu Shi’s retreating figure.
“Stop shouting. Since Madam handed you to me, your fate rests on my mood. Tell me, who sent you to cause trouble in my courtyard?”
Xiangmei’s cries delighted Wanqing. Liu Shi losing her trusted maid must sting. But she impatiently silenced her and demanded answers once Liu Shi was out of earshot.
“Why should I tell you? Kill me if you dare.”
Xiangmei, resentful and betrayed, refused. She suspected Wanqing wanted evidence against Liu Shi. Resigned to her fate, she glared defiantly.
“Kill you? Sister Xiangmei, I’m not Madam, who’d execute you without hesitation. You served her since childhood, yet look where you are. Serve me instead, and I’ll treat you better. See how happy Chunhong is with me?”
Wanqing noticed Liu Shi slow her steps, listening. She smiled and pinched Chunhong’s cheek playfully.
“I’ll never serve you! Kill me if you dare—”
Convinced of Wanqing’s ulterior motives, Xiangmei, disgusted with herself, tried to bite her tongue. But Wanqing anticipated this and struck her chest, stopping her.
Hongyan’s expression darkened at Wanqing’s swift reaction, her cold eyes filled with suspicion.
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