When Que'er came out of the west courtyard, she still took the alleyway in the mansion. She had an extra small package in her hand compared to when she came, which naturally contained the five thousand taels of silver notes given to her by Madam Wu.
She tried to tuck the banknotes into her sleeve, but there were too many to fit inside, so she had to hold them in her hand.
The sidewalks in these mansions are used by servants who are on business. They are not allowed to walk on the main roads of the mansion at will, otherwise they would offend their masters, which would be very bad.
Que'er kept her head down and walked very quickly, avoiding people, naturally not wanting anyone to recognize her. Following her memory, she arrived at the back of the main courtyard.
Looking at this courtyard, which represented the main wife of the Fourth Prince's household, Que'er felt a sense of helplessness. Back then, Li Shi's ambition was to surpass that of the main wife, but in the end, she was still outmaneuvered by the owner of this courtyard. Now, she held a few pieces of dirt on her and could only hope to save her life, hoping never to have to come here to see the Princess again.
Thinking this, Que'er knocked on the back door. She knew that she was lucky to have come out of there today, but in order to break free of her status and leave that place, she was willing to try even if it meant going through an abyss.
The Fujin had already returned. She had intended to find an opportunity to ask about the sparrow, but it had vanished in the blink of an eye. With so many Fujins coming today, she had been too busy to leave, only managing to return and rest now that the Fujins from other households had left. At this moment, only the princes and some officials remained in the front courtyard. The women ate, drank, and sat for a while before naturally returning home.
"Reporting to Your Highness, a young lady has arrived, saying she knows you. She says her name is Que'er," the old woman at the gatehouse announced loudly as she walked to the eaves.
Chunliu walked to the door and saw that the green smoke that was supposed to be delivering the message was gone, which is why the gatekeeper came over directly.
Upon hearing the name "Que'er," the princess seemed to lose all her weariness. She thought to herself, "I've been searching for you everywhere, but you've come to me of your own accord."
"Let her in." The princess raised her hand to tidy up the stray hairs by her ear and the hairpin in her hair.
Que'er walked in carrying the small bundle, graceful and elegant. Having learned how to serve people at the art school, she exuded a captivating charm.
The Fujin stared coldly at Que'er as she approached. Que'er entered the room, stood still, curtsied, and said in a sweet voice, "This servant greets the Fujin."
"Que'er, you shouldn't be here in front of me. Last time I sent you away from the manor, you should have known that you should always be obedient and do what you're supposed to do, and live the life you're supposed to live." The princess did not call out to you.
Que'er ignored them and stood up, saying, "This servant was forced to be sold into the brothel by my own brother. I am living a miserable life. I beg you, Madam, to remember that I once served in the mansion and had some connection with you. Please help me get rid of my status as a performer."
The princess raised her hand, adorned with openwork tortoiseshell nail guards, and stared at the beaded flowers on it: "So you've come to beg me?"
Que'er knew that the Fujin suspected her. That Chen Shou really deserved to die!
"After Que'er is removed from her official status, she will immediately leave for distant lands and will never appear before the Fujin again. Please grant my request, Fujin." Que'er bowed again.
“Shameless wretch, are you threatening the Fujin?” Lingxiu, standing next to Granny Li, suddenly spoke up.
When Que'er saw that it was a girl she didn't recognize who dared to curse her in front of the Fujin, she ignored her and said slowly, "This servant is unfortunate. I was sold by my brother. Please, Fujin, help me out."
"Didn't you hook up with that guy in the South Courtyard? Why are you coming to me for help again?" The Fujin's face was stern, like a beast eyeing its prey. Before killing the prey in front of her, she might as well tease it a bit.
"This servant did not get involved with the South Courtyard. Chen Shou was just someone she sent to get close to me. This servant has seen through her scheme and has come to inform you. Please be careful of Consort Niu, Madam," Que'er hurriedly explained.
The princess raised her hand and removed the nail guards from her hands one by one, and Lingxiu, being very perceptive, went over and took them from her.
"Is that so? I was thinking that if I were to kill you now, that so-called second person probably wouldn't care whether you live or die, right?" the princess said coldly.
Que'er frowned, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how to resolve the situation. But then Lingxiu suddenly said to the Fujin, "Fujin, why waste your breath on her? I guarantee I'll make her reveal who the other person who knows is."
Seeing that Lingxiu was repeatedly trying to win favor with the Fujin, Granny Li couldn't help but scold her, "Stop talking nonsense in front of the Fujin! Who gave you permission to come into the room to serve her?"
Seeing that Granny Li was scolding her, Lingxiu lowered her head in fear and took a few steps back. But then the Fujin spoke up: "Granny, I asked her to come in and serve. Lingxiu, tell me how you can get her to tell me who the person I want to know is."
Que'er frowned as she looked at Lingxiu. For some reason, after hearing what she said, she couldn't help but shiver.
Lingxiu turned to look at Que'er, walked to her side, and said with a smug smile, "It's very simple, just use torture. Sister Que'er has such delicate skin, she probably can't withstand torture."
Que'er recoiled as if bitten by a venomous snake, immediately darting away from Lingxiu. Granny Li also watched her, quite astonished. Such a young woman, so quick-witted, yet so ruthless.
“If I use torture here, I’m afraid the Fourth Prince will find out in no time. People outside will hear the noise too.” The Princess Consort seemed very interested in listening further.
"Please have someone tie her up, then lock her in a room. I promise I'll make her tell you everything you want to know." Lingxiu glanced at Que'er, making the latter feel a chill run down her spine.
"Sparrow, did you hear that? I'm giving you a chance now. If you're willing to tell me, I can forgive you," the princess said compassionately, looking at Sparrow.
"If I were to speak, I'm afraid the Lady wouldn't allow me to live another hour." Looking at this gentle and quiet face, and recalling the struggle between Consort Li and her, Que'er felt that this woman was truly terrifying.
"Alright, Chunliu, come in and help her with the rope, stuff a handkerchief in her mouth," the Fujin said immediately before Que'er could react.
Que'er was taken aback. Then Chunliu and Xiahe came in, each grabbing one of her arms. Que'er hadn't expected this at all. Just as she was about to scream, Qiuchan found a handkerchief, walked up to Que'er, opened her mouth, and stuffed the handkerchief into it.
The three people pulled her into the west wing room. With the help of Granny Li, the Fujin also stood up and followed Lingxiu into the west wing room.
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