"Second brother, it must be Qing Mei, that maid, who is not performing her duties well. We just need to get rid of her. However, her background is also dubious, and we don't know who she has connections with. We can't let her cause any trouble. When I go back, I'll beat her until she's half-dead, so she won't be able to reveal anything even if she wants to, or we can just kill her directly."
Qu Qiuyan and Qu Mingcheng walked together, discussing as they went.
In front of them, Qing Ju held the lantern, desperately trying to control her trembling hands, afraid of attracting the attention of her masters.
She had witnessed the third lady get rid of a few maids before, but she had always been distant from such matters. Only the incident with Qing He had made her realize that even as a trusted private maid, she could be disposable, just like Qing He.
Qing Ju was now even more aware of the danger she faced.
The second
"Eunuch Ji Hai, this is the osmanthus cake I made for His Lordship. Please deliver it to him," Liu Lanxin said softly, accompanied by two maids.Passersby who recognized Lady Liu showed great respect, especially upon hearing that she had been injured while fighting against the enemy. This only increased their admiration for her. Not every lady had the privilege to accompany her father stationed at the border, let alone participate in battles."Lady Liu, I'm always grateful for your effort in bringing these pastries every time," Ji Hai said, his smile widening, as he hurriedly approached her."It's no trouble at all. I simply worry that His Lordship may not be accustomed to other flavors. Although my baking skills are not exceptional, I have prepared them in the style of the capital." Liu Lanxin replied gently.Her veil was narrow and short, serving merely to shield her eyes from the sun, revealing her strikingly beautiful fa
The news of Qing Mei being driven away was brought back by Granny Miao."My lady, as per your instructions, I informed an old Granny about the incident where Third Lady mysteriously injured her foot. Afterwards, the eunuch who overheard our conversation went to report it to Lord Jing. After finishing his lunch, Lord Jing found an excuse to visit Third Lady. Later, at her place, he threw Qing Mei out. I heard that Qing Mei was still lying there, unable to move. Eventually, Second Young Master's men took her to the East Mansion."Granny Miao reported, with a smile on her face.The people would be delighted when something went wrong around Third Lady.They were pleased by anything that caused a rift between Third Lady and Second Young Master. Granny Miao especially enjoyed such situations.After being beaten yesterday, Qing Mei ended up staying with Qu Qiuyan, representing the desires of Qu Mingcheng. It was obviou
The lad servant stepped forward and opened the door, seeing Yu Dong in front and a woman with a drapery hat standing behind, her figure delicate.Yu Dong also noticed the servant and approached him. "This is our Lady." she said."Our master is already waiting inside," the servant smiled and took a step back, making way.In his heart, he couldn't help but think, "Lucky." The young master had no plans to go out originally, knowing that no one from Earl Ling'an's Mansion would come. But coincidentally, the young master had something to attend to, so he decided to stop by here first and then go about his business.Unexpectedly, someone from Earl Ling'an's Mansion actually arrived.Qu Moying followed Yu Dong inside and glanced up at the young master sitting by the window. He was in his twenties, with handsome features and a strong, firm appearance that didn't quite match the delicate aura of a refined scholar, even t
Qu Moying didn't go directly back to the Qu Mansion. When she left, she had already informed Old Lady Qu that she might return later. Since she was already outside, she naturally wanted to take a walk.Granny Miao asked her to go to the herb store to find some herbs. She needed to prepare a few medicines to regulate her body. In previous years, Granny Miao would always prepare them for Qu Moying at this time. Although others like Yu Dong could also go, their ability to pick herbs couldn't compare to Qu Moying's. Granny Miao didn't really trust their skills in selecting herbs.Qu Moying seemed to have an innate sensitivity towards herbs. She had also learned about identifying and distinguishing medicinal herbs from Granny Miao.The carriage stopped in front of a large herb store, and Yu Dong helped Qu Moying down from the carriage. She still wore a veiled hat, which was more convenient than wearing a veil when going out.The
"Dowager Consort Qu is seriously ill?" Qu Moying's eyes, like water, lifted as she looked through the veil at Pei Qingmin and asked."Not extremely severe, but it's Father Emperor's wish, so we must be cautious and prepared. These specific herbs mentioned, of course, the longer the vintage, the better. I have collected those with long vintages found in the capital and brought them to the palace." Pei Qingmin replied without hiding anything."But Dowager Consort Qu can't possibly use such a large quantity alone, right?" Qu Moying was genuinely surprised. The emperor seemed to be highly concerned about Dowager Consort Qu, who was low-key and almost nonexistent.It was said that Dowager Consort Qu had no children and only stayed in the palace due to the Empress Dowager's favor. Otherwise, these childless consorts would usually retire to the Xinning Monastery for spiritual cultivation. She was allowed to remain in the palace instead.
"Grandmother, I understand!" Qu Moying said obediently.It was important to explain this matter clearly to the Old Lady, to prevent any unnecessary trouble caused by others.If the Old Lady knew, it would be equivalent to Qu Zhizhen knowing as well.If someone wanted to interfere in this matter, it would become inconvenient. The shop falling into Qu Moying's hands was beneficial for the Qu Mansion, and Qu Zhizhen would not let go easily.Regardless of how it appeared, the transfer of the shop was willingly accepted by Madam Duan, and even if someone had objections, they couldn't say much. Qu Moying's identity destined her to be a reasonable candidate for the transfer, even if it meant Earl Ling'an's Mansion suffered a loss.After finishing the discussion about this matter, Qu Moying brought up the topic of Dowager Consort Qu's condition to the Old Lady, explaining the incident of her chance encounter with the Lo
"Why are you acting so recklessly?" Upon seeing his eldest daughter approaching, Qu Zhizhen stopped in displeasure and reprimanded, "Where are your manners? What happened to the rules you've learned before?""Father, brother… how could he…" Qu Qiuyan, with tears in her eyes, felt wronged as she spoke. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief, but they continued to fall. She choked up and couldn't speak for a moment. Frustrated, she stomped her foot in anger."Why call him 'brother'? He should be called 'second brother.' What happened to your second brother?" Qu Zhizhen was dissatisfied with his daughter referring to Qu Mingcheng as her brother, as if Qu Moying was an outsider.In the past, Qu Zhizhen didn't pay much attention to it. He had almost forgotten about the daughter who was raised on the farm. She had a weak presence, and he disregarded the fact that Qu Qiuyan called Qu Mingcheng her brother.But recently, he had sta
"What?" The steward was taken aback for a moment and couldn't react immediately."The maid you sent last time, the one you said was very useful." Qu Mingcheng's tone became even more unpleasant as he hadn't seen the master and this whole situation had become a mess."Oh, okay, I understand now!" The steward immediately grasped the situation.Qu Mingcheng mounted his horse again, turned around with the servant, and left. Since the young lady wasn't present, he felt he was unnecessary here. He didn't want to waste any more words with a steward.He had met this young lady by chance. At first sight, Qu Mingcheng was captivated by her charm. They had a pleasant conversation, and he found her eloquent and refined. Her every word and action were graceful and delightful. Despite being a woman, she possessed remarkable insight.After investigating her background, he found that she was the legitimate daughter of a fallen