The discord between the eldest and second wives of the Cheng family had a long history, which was already common knowledge in the household.
The two ladies were locked in a fierce rivalry, their rivalry so intense that even the servants in their respective courtyards grew distant, fearing they might inadvertently become embroiled in this endless conflict.
For this reason, the servants of both houses avoided taking on tasks such as delivering items between each other, fearing they would become victims in the power struggle between the two ladies.
That day, the First Madam planned to send someone from her household to the Second Madam's place to deliver the quarterly allowance.
She glanced around and saw that all the little girls had their heads down, not daring to look her in the eye.
They were terrified of being called upon to deliver money to the second wife's family.
Seeing this, the First Madam couldn't help but nod smugly to herself.
In her eyes, the maids in the courtyard should naturally stand on the same side as her and share the same hatred for those she despises.
With a slight shift in her eyes, a suitable candidate immediately came to mind—Wang Xiuxiu.
To be honest, Wang Xiuxiu was incredibly stupid!
Although I don't like her, it's undeniable that she is indeed useful.
For this reason, the First Madam was in a state of contradiction, unsure whether she should continue to employ her.
During this time, the First Madam would deliberately make things difficult for her whenever she had the chance, actually hoping to make her beg for mercy.
However, after waiting and waiting for so long, she still hadn't made any move. He couldn't help but curse inwardly: Is this girl some kind of turtle? How can she be so patient!
Previously, Wang Xiuxiu had refused to go to the second son's side, which offended the second son's family.
If we send her there, she'll definitely get what's coming to her!
Her strategist, upon receiving the order, immediately went to relay it.
When she received the notification, Wang Xiuxiu was unwilling, but she had no choice.
Fortunately, she was clever enough to count the money in front of Granny Lu.
"Granny Lu, the total is three hundred and seventy-five taels."
After she finished speaking, she stood quietly to the side like a well-behaved little rabbit, looking at Granny Lu with clear eyes.
Granny Lu's face was a little unpleasant. Reluctantly, she pulled out another fifteen taels of silver from her sleeve and said with a dry laugh, "This is an extra subsidy for the Second Madam. I was thinking of giving it to you separately, but I almost forgot."
Wang Xiuxiu took the silver, her face showing a straightforward expression: "Understood, Granny Lu, don't worry. When I get to the Second Madam's place, I will definitely mention our Madam's kindness to her."
However, Granny Lu quickly waved her hand, saying somewhat awkwardly, "No need, no need to say it specifically. If we say it specifically, it will seem like we are deliberately trying to take credit. Just put the silver together and send it over."
"Alright, I'll follow Granny Lu's arrangements."
Wang Xiuxiu nodded in agreement, but secretly sneered in her heart.
If it weren't for her quick thinking, I probably would have become the scapegoat.
---
Standing outside the second room, Wang Xiuxiu tried to calm her nervousness.
A young maidservant hurried into the house to announce their arrival, while Wang Xiuxiu waited outside the door.
According to past practice, once the maidservant by Madam Cheng's side counted the money and confirmed that everything was correct, the person could be allowed to leave.
Perhaps Wang Xiuxiu was just unlucky today, because the Second Madam happened to ask who had delivered the gift.
The maid who went to report was clearly not expecting the Second Madam to ask such a question, and for a moment she stammered, "Replying to the Second Madam, it is...it is a maid I don't know."
Upon hearing this, the second wife immediately became suspicious and ordered, "Let her in and give her an answer!"
And just like that, Wang Xiuxiu's anxiety completely died.
Upon entering the room, she lowered her head and respectfully bowed to the Second Madam.
A cold snort came from above, like a thunderclap in Wang Xiuxiu's ears.
I thought I had only met her once that day, but I never expected that after so much time, Madam Cheng would still recognize me.
"So it was you, you ignorant little hussy!"
That cold and disdainful voice rang out again. Wang Xiuxiu lowered her head in fear, her body trembling slightly, her lips tightly pressed together, not daring to utter a single word.
Seeing this, the second wife's anger grew even stronger.
Recalling the humiliation he had suffered in the courtyard of the main house a few days ago, he could no longer contain himself.
"This little maid dares to be so disrespectful to her master! She's utterly lawless! Guards, give her a good slap!"
No sooner had she finished speaking than the old maid beside the second madam rushed forward like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey.
Before Wang Xiuxiu could even react, she felt a sharp pain on both sides of her cheeks.
The old woman was ruthless, striking with both hands, making Wang Xiuxiu see stars and her head buzz.
After a long while, she finally came to her senses as if waking from a dream, but her vision was still blurry, as if the whole world was shaking.
"It's only because my sister-in-law has a good temper that she can tolerate your outrageous behavior! If I find out again that you're seducing men in the Cheng family, not only my sister-in-law, but I will make sure you regret it!"
The second wife's rebukes swept in like a storm, completely engulfing everyone.
At this moment, Wang Xiuxiu's mind was a complete mess, and she was in a daze.
Looking back, I realized how ridiculous I was, for even in that situation, I still made sure to bow properly before leaving.
The maids around them whispered among themselves, occasionally letting out bursts of giggles and pointing.
Wang Xiuxiu seemed not to hear, her whole being like a walking corpse, completely devoid of the ability to think, mechanically taking steps, staggering out of the second room.
As she passed by the garden full of flowers, Wang Xiuxiu's legs seemed to move on their own, and she involuntarily walked towards the lake.
Since arriving in this godforsaken place, I haven't had a single day of comfort...
Just then, I caught a glimpse of my swollen face reflected in the lake, and I instantly snapped back to reality.
What am I trying to do?!
Having barely escaped with his life, if he were to take his own life because of a momentary lapse in judgment, wouldn't that just give those filthy bad guys something to be happy about?
Thinking of this, Wang Xiuxiu fiercely wiped away the tears hanging on her cheeks.
He shakily pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, dipped it in some cool lake water, and gently wiped himself.
Every touch felt like a burn, a searing pain that pierced right to the core.
Looking at the pitiful reflection in the lake, Wang Xiuxiu felt extremely distressed.
She took a deep breath and tried to encourage herself: "It's okay, Wang Xiuxiu, this little injury is nothing. Just hang in there a little longer, it will pass soon."
However, as soon as she finished speaking, the pain struck again, causing her to mutter, "But, it really hurts!"
"Wang Xiuxiu, just think of this as being bitten by a mad dog! Throughout history, even the famous Han Xin suffered the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs. As long as you can endure this humiliation today, you will surely have a day when you can hold your head high and get rid of all your suffering!"
"But it really hurts! Waaaaaah..."
And so, Wang Xiuxiu alternated between comforting and making a fuss, and it took a long time for most of her frustration to dissipate.
She wiped the tears from her face, got up, straightened her clothes, and walked quickly toward the main house with her head down.
Little did she know, as soon as she left, someone emerged from behind the artificial hill.
The man was tall and slender with a fair and jade-like face. The only flaw was that his delicate features carried a hint of illness.
His eyes were clear and deep, as if they could see through everything, but at this moment, he was looking in the direction Wang Xiuxiu had left with a bit of confusion, as if he was thinking about something.
Even he himself didn't realize that his lips were slightly upturned at that moment.
"Master, the Cheng family's affairs have been settled. According to the plan, we should set off for Liangzhou," a servant behind him whispered.
Upon hearing this, the man's faint smile faded, and he turned and left.
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