Jiamin's expression changed, and her brows furrowed.

What are you trying to say?

Ayu mustered her courage; this was her last chance to test Jiamin.

She had been with Jiamin since she was eighteen, and it was hard for her to sever such a long-standing friendship.

However, she was extremely loyal to Jiamin, but Jiamin did not have such deep feelings for her.

“Your Majesty…” Ayu said in a low voice, “It’s about my son’s schooling.”

Jiamin looked somewhat impatient. "Didn't I already arrange this for you?"

"Your Highness!" Ayu looked up at her, "That school is no good! The students fight and brawl, the teachers are irresponsible, the whole school is a mess, you can't learn anything there!"

“But that's the only school that doesn't require a household registration.” Jia Min emphasized, “Ayu, your son is an illegitimate child. You can't even solve the household registration problem, so why should he go to a public school?”

Ayu was stunned. She quietly looked at Queen Jiamin's slightly disdainful expression and suddenly felt that her loyalty of more than ten years seemed to be a complete joke.

Household registration issue?

Ha, as a maidservant to the Queen, she can't even solve her own child's household registration problem. Who would believe that?

Jiamin could resolve this matter simply by speaking; the process wouldn't even take five minutes.

But Jiamin just wouldn't do it.

Perhaps she didn't hold enough weight in Jiamin's heart for her to stand up for her.

Ayu remembered asking Jiang Can the same question when they were in Manchester—

“My son is an illegitimate child, he doesn’t have a household registration, so he can’t attend a good public school, and private schools are too expensive for me to afford.”

Jiang Can replied, "Don't worry about that, I'll take care of it for you."

Ah Yu thought she was just saying it casually, but three days later, she received a call from the principal of the best public school in Southeast Asia.

...

"What are you daydreaming about?" Queen Jiamin's stern voice brought Ayu back to her senses.

She smiled, lowered her head, and hid her slightly reddened eyes.

“Ayu, I know you’re not satisfied with how I handled this,” Jiamin said, looking down at her. “But this is the best I can do.”

“You’re just a maid, how could I possibly beg a school principal for your sake? Besides, your child is an illegitimate child, which is a disgrace!”

"Your Majesty!" Ayu's voice trembled, "So what if he's an illegitimate child? Does an illegitimate child... not deserve to live in this world, not deserve a good education?"

"Illegitimate children only invite disgust and become stumbling blocks for others!" Jiamin couldn't help but lose control at the thought of Sang Qing's existence. "Alright, let's leave it at that! I also advise you not to do anything under my name. If I find out, I'll not only make you pay, but I'll make your son pay too!"

Ayu felt a chill in her heart and her hands and feet turned cold.

She used to do a lot of things for Jiamin.

She thought this was called unwavering loyalty, but in reality, it was utterly devoid of conscience...

Ayu curled her lips. Her last attempt had ended in failure, and she should make a choice that was true to her conscience.

"Yes, Your Majesty." She bowed respectfully. "I understand."

Jiamin glanced at her and sneered.

For over twenty years, the maid had been cautious, obedient, and humble towards her.

Wasn't that why her father chose Ayu to serve her?

No matter how much she bullies her, she won't fight back!

"Alright, you can go now." Jiamin closed her eyes. "Keep an eye on those two, don't let anything slip!"

"yes."

Ayu quietly withdrew.

The moonlight was as cold as frost, and even on this summer night, she couldn't help but shiver.

"Sister Ayu, why did you take so long to go in?"

Ah Shu's voice came from behind me.

Ayu forced a smile, a hint of loneliness showing in her eyes and brows.

Ashu had spent a long time with her and could tell what was on her mind at a glance.

Are you troubled by your son's situation again?

“No.” Ayu shook her head. “Everything has been taken care of. He will be transferring to the First Public Elementary School soon.”

"The First Public Elementary School?" Ah Shu exclaimed excitedly. "That's one of the top schools in Southeast Asia! Ha, has the Queen finally come to her senses and is willing to help you?"

“Not the Queen.” Ayu looked at her and hesitated before saying, “Yes, the daughter of the Yin family.”

A-Shu's eyes flickered.

The two looked into each other's eyes and lowered their heads in unspoken understanding.

"So, we both made the same choice?" Ashu chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Sigh, I never imagined that someone we've served so loyally for so many years would be inferior to an outsider..."

“Sister Ayu, I know that the young lady from the Yin family is actually just offering us benefits to bribe us. But I’m actually willing to be bribed by her, at least my brother’s illness can be cured! Besides, what the Queen and Prince Heya did… is truly heinous!”

"Shh, keep your voice down!" Ayu hurriedly reminded her.

Some things are better left unsaid.

Some things are best done quietly.

“I’ve decided to tell the truth during the trial.” Ashu looked into her eyes. “Sister Ayu, what about you?”

Do you think I would ever let my son go back to that environment where all he does is fight?

The two looked at each other and smiled, gazing together at the night sky and the moonlight.

The moonlight was bright, yet there were still shadows that it couldn't reach.

But a person can't live their whole life in a place where they can't see the light of day.

...

When He Jin appeared at the western palace again, the guards at the gate became curious about the tall and strong maidservant beside him.

The main problem was that the maid's attire was too alluring, while Prince Hejin was always low-key. The sudden appearance of such a person by his side was just too...

It wasn't until they entered the back garden that Nie Xin took off her pink wig and stared at He Jin with wide eyes.

Before he lashed out, He Jin pulled Sang Qing over to act as a shield.

"Well, Sang Qing, I've come here today because I have something to tell you!"

Sang Qing's face turned red from trying to suppress her laughter, and after a long while, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"Regarding the trial," He Jin said softly, "Chairman Yin will appear in court next month, and you will be summoned by the court as a witness."