Liu Jiaojiao, her eyes glazed over, clutched a pot of wine in her hand as she slumped onto the painted boat.

A gentle breeze blew, and the water rippled, but she felt no comfort whatsoever.

As soon as Cui'er entered, she saw Liu Jiaojiao's condition and quickly put down what she was holding and went to help her up.

"Miss, the ground is cold! You're still recovering, you shouldn't be exposed to the wind!"

Upon hearing the word "body," Liu Jiaojiao's expression instantly turned displeased, and she shook off Cui'er's hand.

"Bring me some more wine!"

Cui'er remembered Liu Wangshi's instructions that Liu Jiaojiao should be careful during this period.

"Miss, drinking is bad for your health. You've already had enough tonight."

Are there many?

Liu Jiaojiao disagreed.

It was a close call today. She had barely managed to slip away and head towards the west wing, but she never expected to run into Shen Changji...

Fortunately, because of that embarrassing incident, Shen Changji didn't realize that her sudden appearance in the west wing was inappropriate.

He didn't see anything either...

He could only assume that she had heard something had happened and rushed over to deal with it!

But because of today's incident, her plan failed...

She had finally come up with a plan to use her birthday to get closer to this man, but now... it's all gone!

How could she feel at ease?

Liu Jiaojiao felt a surge of annoyance and pushed Cui'er away.

Cui'er quickly said, "Miss! You really can't drink anymore!"

"Smack!"

No sooner had Cui'er finished speaking than Liu Jiaojiao raised her hand without hesitation and slapped her across the face.

It was crisp and loud.

Cui'er's face turned red instantly.

She stared wide-eyed at Liu Jiaojiao, "Miss... Miss!"

When Cui'er saw the murderous intent flashing in Liu Jiaojiao's eyes, and thought of the maids who had disobeyed Liu Jiaojiao before, who all met with terrible ends, she couldn't help but tremble slightly.

"This servant...was wrong! This servant truly knows she was wrong!" She knelt on the ground, her face filled with fear.

Liu Jiaojiao bypassed her and opened two jugs of wine directly.

The strong liquor made her feel a little better.

Cui'er knelt not far away, head down, not daring to make a sound.

But under the moonlight, her arms looked exceptionally fair, and Liu Jiaojiao's lips curled up slightly.

"Cui'er, come here."

She took the wine in her hand, walked to the head of the table, smelled the faint fragrance, and thought of deep silence.

Knowing he would be there tonight, she specially lit incense with his favorite scent.

It's just... a pity!

Upon hearing Liu Jiaojiao's words, Cui'er lowered her head and walked over.

Before she even got close, Liu Jiaojiao grabbed her arm and pulled up her sleeve.

"ah!"

The scalding heat made Cui'er's eyes widen and her face turn deathly pale.

Hearing this scream, Liu Jiaojiao became even more excited and pressed the incense in her hand hard into Cui'er's arm.

"Miss... I was wrong!" Cui'er cried and begged for forgiveness.

But Liu Jiaojiao remained unmoved.

A young maid who had received kindness from Cui'er couldn't help but run in upon hearing the screams.

Liu Jiaojiao looked up and saw her.

Because she had just started serving Liu Jiaojiao, Liu Jiaojiao hadn't seen her much, but her face was quite pretty!

Liu Jiaojiao flung Cui'er aside and walked towards her.

“Miss…” She stared wide-eyed at Liu Jiaojiao.

She originally thought that being able to serve Liu Jiaojiao was already a good thing, but the scene in front of her completely overturned her expectations!

She wanted to escape, but she couldn't.

Perhaps due to the effects of the alcohol, in her hazy and confused state, Liu Jiaojiao seemed to see Su Miao standing in front of her.

She gripped the person's neck tightly, "With such a beautiful face, you shouldn't be staying in the capital! Don't think I don't know you're up to no good!"

"Miss...I didn't!"

"No? Ha! I see right through your filthy and disgusting inside. Don't worry, I'll send you to a place of pleasure! It will make you feel like you're dying and being reborn, it will be so wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, the maid's eyes widened in fear.

A place that can make you feel both alive and dead...

She dared not imagine; it was simply an endless abyss!

The person standing in the shadows saw Liu Jiaojiao's actions, couldn't help but chuckle, and walked closer to her step by step.

Liu Jiaojiao was already emotionally unstable, but when she saw the person who came, her face turned pale and her whole body trembled involuntarily.

...

Three days later, the weather cleared up and the sun shone brightly.

Su Miao had just finished paying her respects to Old Madam Shen and returned to her room, where Tao'er was already waiting for her.

"How is the situation at the Liu residence?"

"We did as Miss instructed, but... someone beat us to it," Tao'er said in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Su Miao couldn't help but narrow her eyes slightly.

Did someone strike Liu Taipu before they could?

"Is it him?" A name flashed through Su Miao's mind.

"It's probably the master. After all, he was very worried about you, Miss, and wished he could come to find you, but he didn't come because of you," Tao'er said.

Liu Taipu is quite old, yet he's incredibly audacious and wants to touch Su Miao. His master must not be able to tolerate Liu Taipu's despicable behavior, so he might as well act quickly to avoid any unforeseen complications!

"He's quite thoughtful."

"As expected of our master, even her methods are more ingenious than ours," Tao'er couldn't help but praise.

"Aunt Gu's situation is probably not good. After all, she came all the way here to marry into the family. Why don't you go and test her and see if she is a smart person?"

Su Miao said slowly and deliberately while tending to the potted plants.

Neither Liu Jiaojiao nor Liu Wangshi were good people. Even though Liu Wangshi was her cousin, Liu Wangshi was naturally unhappy about this matter!

Perhaps the only person she could rely on in the mansion was Liu Taipu.

But... there is still a chance to change your situation!

A dark glint flashed in Su Miao's eyes.

"This servant understands. We will have someone give Aunt Gu a warning!"

Upon hearing this, Su Miao nodded and said, "Recently, new medicine pouches have been prepared. Grandmother has given them to us, as have the second and third branches of the family and my sisters. He's the only one left."

"Should I deliver it to you, Miss?" Tao'er gestured for her to ask.

"Okay. No need to say too much, just give the things to Lone Eagle and leave," Su Miao instructed.

"good!"

Just as Tao'er brought the things over, Guying came out of the study after finishing his conversation with Shen Changji.

They were talking about the Liu family's affairs. He hadn't expected that his master would send him to give a warning to the newly arrived concubine, Gu!

"My servant! This is a medicine pouch that my young lady made recently. Please pass it on to the eldest young master."

Tao'er's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but it was loud enough for the deep silence in the study to hear.

He couldn't help but open the box next to him and take out the medicine pouch that Su Miao had made for him last time.

Sending a maidservant to deliver it—what kind of sincerity is that?

Is this what she keeps saying is "like"?

He let out a long, cold sneer, his lips pressed tightly together, and his face subtly revealed displeasure.