Mu Xi also spoke up coldly from the side: "Our lives were saved by Madam, and the life we have now is also given to us by Madam."
Anyone who dares to disrespect the lady will be met with ruthless treatment.
I don't care if you're the eldest daughter in the family or not.
Mu Xi's words made Li Xinniang feel ashamed. Yan Qingqing had only given Mu Xi and the others a chance and a place to stay, and they were so grateful.
Her mother gave birth to her, raised her, and even gave her the family business. She was incredibly kind to her and her siblings.
What utter nonsense is she spouting now? Even she herself finds it incomprehensible.
Li Xinniang was a good girl at heart, but she was thoughtful and somewhat soft-hearted. Yan Qingqing never expected her to say such a thing.
Yan Qingqing was truly heartbroken, and then instructed Ruyi, "Gather everyone in the family and have them assemble in the front yard."
Upon hearing this, Ruyi quickly nodded, but couldn't help but feel resentful towards Li Xinniang.
She's the eldest daughter in the family; how could she say such things to the madam?
In Ruyi's view, Yan Qingqing works so hard every day, never taking a moment to rest, all so that the young ladies and gentlemen can have a better life.
If she had such a good mother, she would have no regrets in this life. I never expected that the eldest daughter would not know how to cherish it.
Soon, Ruyi gathered everyone in the family, including Li Xiangping and the others.
It seems that Li Xiangping and the others had also heard about Li Xin's mother's behavior of talking back to Yan Qingqing, and they all looked at Yan Qingqing with worried expressions.
Ru Xue even thoughtfully moved a chair for Yan Qingqing.
Mu Xi then picked up Ru Mei and threw her into the courtyard.
Yan Qingqingzi flicked her sleeves and sat down.
Looking at the dozens of people standing below, he said, "I originally thought you were all children from poor families or had various hardships that forced you to sell yourselves into slavery."
That's why we've been exceptionally lenient with you, but now there are people who betray us.
Do you really think I'm someone to be trifled with?!
Yan Qingqing exuded a powerful aura, so much so that the servants of the Li family didn't dare to utter a sound.
Yan Qingqing glanced at everyone and then said, "Ru Mei has repeatedly entered the main courtyard to eavesdrop, deceived the master, accepted money from outsiders, and exchanged information. She is disloyal and unjust. She should be beaten to death immediately!"
Everyone was terrified when Yan Qingqing said this. Since they came to the Li family, they had lived a life of luxury, and they could try any new food that their master made.
Sometimes they even forget that they have sold themselves into slavery.
But only now did they truly realize that the condition for the lady's kindness to them was that they had to be loyal.
Most people begin to reflect on themselves at this moment, while also feeling relieved that they lack ambition.
Upon hearing this, Ru Mei was terrified, her body trembling like a leaf. She then realized what was happening and began kowtowing repeatedly to Yan Qingqing, begging for mercy, muttering, "Madam, spare me! I know I was wrong! Madam, spare me! I know I was wrong..."
When the other servants heard that Yan Qingqing was going to beat Rumei to death, they were too frightened to move.
Only Ah Da and a few others had prepared stools and sticks long ago.
Then he grabbed Rumei and was about to throw her onto the stool. Rumei pleaded, "Big brother, we entered the manor at the same time and are all servants. You can't be so heartless."
I am the young lady's trusted maid. If you kill me, she will definitely not let you off the hook.
Besides, if your wife can kill me today, she can kill you tomorrow.
Ru Mei's mind was quick at this moment. Even on the verge of death, she didn't forget to sow discord.
But Ah Da was no ordinary servant; not only was he highly regarded by Yan Qingqing, but he also kept in mind Yan Qingqing's words in the prefectural city that she treated him like her own son.
In terms of obedience and loyalty to Yan Qingqing, A-Da is even more obedient than Li Xiangping and the others.
He then sneered and said, "Stop trying to sow discord here."
I'm always by your side, so I know what kind of person you are better than you do.
We were the first group to enter the mansion. The lady treated us with great respect.
Asking you to serve the young lady is a sign of their high regard for you.
If you serve her well, when the young lady recovers, you'll surely reap the rewards.
We are different from you, yet you harbor such wicked thoughts.
"If I were ever unfaithful to you, Madam, you wouldn't need to beat me to death; I'd slit my own throat."
Ah Da's words were righteous and reasonable, and the servants nodded in agreement.
However, some people secretly thought that Ah Da was really cunning, still trying to show his loyalty at this time. No wonder Ah Da was valued by Yan Qingqing.
After saying that, A-Da stopped arguing with Ru-Mei and started hitting her with a board.
Ah Da used all his strength. He thought that since Madam wanted to kill Ru Mei, he should strike harder so that Ru Mei would suffer less. This was also because they had entered the Li family at the same time.
So when Ah Da hit Ru Mei with the stick, she started crying and screaming for her parents.
After Ah Da had given her twenty lashes, Ru Mei's cries grew weaker and weaker.
Li Xinniang suddenly rushed out from the corner, knelt on the ground and said, "Mother, I know I was wrong, please forgive Rumei!"
I'm willing to listen to my mother and marry into the Han family.
Yan Qingqing hadn't originally intended to kill Ru Mei; she just wanted to make an example of her to show others.
She was just about to find a reason to stop it, but when Li Xinniang rushed out, Yan Qingqing's face darkened again.
Li Xiangping frowned and said, "Sister, what are you saying?"
When did your mother force you to marry into the Han family? If you don't want to marry, you can stay at home for the rest of your life.
How could you act so foolishly now!
Li Xiangping rarely speaks harshly, especially to his younger siblings.
However, Li Xinniang's recent actions have been extremely disappointing.
Li Xinniang was now only focused on saving Rumei and didn't care what Li Xiangping was saying anymore.
Seeing this, Yuan Huiniang quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Mother, calm down. It's not worth ruining our mother-daughter relationship over such a girl."
Yesterday, I felt my baby move inside me. Mother, I'll just consider it a prayer for the baby and send her far away to be sold off.
Yan Qingqing's eyes lit up upon hearing this. Yuan Huiniang was already four months pregnant. She hadn't heard her mention it before, but now she could finally feel the baby moving.
Yan Qingqing nodded and replied, "Alright, consider it a good deed for my grandson. Ah Da, take the indenture and take this girl to the brokerage to sell her."
Upon hearing this, Ah Da quickly agreed.
After Rumei was taken away by Ada, Yan Qingqing waved her hand to disperse the servants who were watching.
Yan Qingqing glanced at Li Xinniang, who was still kneeling on the ground, and said, "I have done everything I could for you. Whether you want to marry into the Han family or the Wu family, I will not interfere anymore. You can decide for yourself."
After saying that, he turned and left without looking at Li Xinniang again.
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