Free Web NovelChapter 2673: Qingqing Side Story – Chapter 4: Dead or Not
"Madam, please have mercy, I have only an old mother and a weak younger brother at home. Even if I take this money and leave, I still can’t hold onto it," said Xiaoyu, crying. "I also have an uncle and a third uncle. My father died early, and if my uncle’s family knows I took this money back, I fear we won’t even get ten taels."
Ming Lan responded, "Are you foolish? Can’t you keep it a secret?"
"Aunt, you make it sound easy, but leaving the Capital City requires travel documents and household registration. My family has always relied on my uncle and third uncle’s household. When my grandmother passed, she didn’t separate our family, and our household registration is still with them, held by my aunt. How can we leave the Capital City without them knowing?"
Yang Chuxia exhaled with relief at these words, "That’s simple. Once you leave, I’ll have someone help you re-register."
Xiaoyu thought, I knew you’d say that, and cried even louder, "But I am just a widow and orphan. Leaving the Capital City with no relatives or friends, how can I survive? In such an unfamiliar place, I wouldn’t even dare to spend the money."
"Madam, please have pity on me," Xiaoyu pleaded. "Let me stay; I know my place is lowly. I’m not asking for high status, only to be a concubine or companion in the residence, serving Young Master all my life. Please grant me this."
At these words, Ming Lan’s eyes immediately sharpened, "You little vixen, I knew you harbored ill intentions. Look at you; do you think you’re fit to serve Young Master? Tell me, when Young Master drinks too much, he naturally has his valet to serve him. Even if he needs grooming, there are maids in the guest courtyard. How does it fall to a cleaning maid like you?"
Xiaoyu cursed inwardly, an old hag, always meddling. When I become the mistress, the first one I’ll deal with is you.
Yang Chuxia was much calmer now and said, "You should know that in our residence, Young Master is not allowed to take concubines. So being a concubine or companion is out of the question."
Xiaoyu understood that becoming the principal wife was impossible; aiming for it was a dead end. She said, "Rules are set by people; what is set can be changed. Please, Madam, show some kindness and don’t force me out completely." After finishing, she banged her head on the ground repeatedly.
Yang Chuxia initially felt that regardless of right or wrong, Qingqing’s misconduct after drinking always put women at a disadvantage. As a fellow woman, she didn’t want to be too harsh. But now it was evidently unfeasible.
"I tried reasoning with you, but you don’t know what’s good for you," Yang Chuxia stared at her. "You should know how most households treat maids who make mistakes. Our residence may treat servants leniently, but it doesn’t mean we’ll remain silent when plotted against. Since you won’t leave with the silver, then leave it behind. Ming Lan, check if she has a death or live contract. With a death contract, call the slave traders to sell her off; with a live contract, settle the accounts and have her family take her away."
"Yes!"
Xiaoyu realized things were bad; she could only resort to her last option. She yelled, "I’m innocent, truly not scheming against Young Master. People say the Ye Residence treats servants kindly, but it couldn’t be colder, trying to drive me to death. With no way out, I’d rather die here!"
After speaking, she slammed her head against the wall, and blood blossomed from her forehead.
Yang Chuxia’s expression darkened further; how dare she threaten her.
"Is she dead? If so, throw her out," she said.
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyu, who was dazed, fainted directly.
