Chapter 153 Cry for Help
Master Qiu was somewhat surprised: "What's wrong with Fu'er? Did she get into trouble?"
Yongqing Earl laughed heartily: "Fu'er has always been well-behaved, how could she cause trouble?"
Master Qiu smirked.
He wouldn't deny that Yun'er and Ying'er were well-behaved, but as for Fu'er being well-behaved—it seems the old father has something on his mind.
The Earl of Yongqing had no qualms about speaking to his eldest son: "The Prime Minister's residence wishes to ask Fu'er to become the concubine of the Third Young Master Fang."
Master Qiu's expression changed slightly: "Father, this won't do!"
Why not?
“Fu’er is, after all, our son’s legitimate daughter. If this gets out, not only will others laugh at us, but He’er will also lose face in the palace.”
"Don't mention He'er." The Earl of Yongqing's face turned cold. "What use is she in the palace? It's good enough if she doesn't implicate the Earl's family."
"If word gets out, the Earl's mansion will become a laughingstock..."
"So, once I close my eyes, you'll be reduced to an ordinary citizen, and people won't laugh at you anymore?"
Master Qiu fell silent.
"Being laughed at now is only temporary. At first, people might laugh at you for losing your title, but after a long time, who will remember the Yongqing Marquis's Mansion? Your descendants will suffer for eternity."
The Earl of Yongqing took a sip of tea, not at all worried that his eldest son would refuse: "The Prime Minister said that now that the two families are related, he will definitely help with the matter of the title."
Master Qiu's eyes lit up.
Although I knew the Prime Minister's residence would offer benefits, hearing it with my own ears was still different.
"Eldest son, I've gone to such lengths, sacrificing my dignity, all for you." Lord Yongqing looked at his eldest son with a half-smile. "Have you heard about what happened to Heng'er?"
They're all girls from the same household. It can't be that it's okay for a niece to become a concubine, but if a daughter becomes a concubine, she's afraid of being laughed at.
Master Qiu's face flushed.
The old lady and the Earl of Yongqing had been ignoring each other these days, so he secretly asked his wife to inquire about it and found out a little bit.
It was not honorable for a noblewoman from the Earl's family to become a concubine. Since it didn't work out, she pretended not to know anything. Unexpectedly, the situation changed again.
"The entire Earl's family is interconnected; if one suffers, all suffer; if one prospers, all prosper." The Earl of Yongqing gave his eldest son a deep look. "But eldest son, don't forget, it is your branch that will truly enjoy lasting wealth and prosperity."
"Yes, son knows you're doing this all for your children and grandchildren. As for Fu'er's matter, it's up to Father to decide."
"Go and tell your wife not to start a fight because of disagreements."
After leaving the Earl of Yongqing's place, Master Qiu went to the courtyard of Madam Zhao, the First Madam, and dismissed the servants to tell them about Qiu Fu.
"Can it really solve the problem of inheriting the title?"
"Prime Minister Fang is the head of all officials and is highly valued by the Emperor. If he can't solve this problem, then no one else can be relied on."
Zhao gritted her teeth and said, "Fine."
Master Qiu smiled and said, "I'm relieved that Madam doesn't object."
"It's all for you, sir, and for Song'er," Zhao sighed softly. "It's just that Fu'er has to suffer."
It would be even better if it were Qiu Yun or Qiu Ying, but it's not appropriate to say that to a man.
"Yes, yes, Madam is very sensible."
"Wasn't it supposed to be the Sixth Miss? Why did it suddenly change to Fu'er?"
Having managed the household for many years, Zhao naturally had some informants, but he didn't know the specifics.
"The Prime Minister's residence thinks Fu'er is more suitable."
“I’ll call Fu’er over right away. Master knows that Fu’er is stubborn. If she’s not happy, you’ll have to help persuade her.”
Master Qiu nodded.
When Qiu Fu received the message, she was preparing to go to Qian Song Tang.
"Then you all go first." After saying this to her sisters, Qiu Fu followed the maid who delivered the message.
Upon entering the house, Qiu Fu was surprised to see that Master Qiu was also there.
During the day, the father was either at his official post or out socializing, and was rarely seen with the mother.
A sudden unease welled up within her, and she curtsied, saying, "Father, Mother."
"Fu'er, sit down."
Qiu Fu sat down silently.
Looking at her cold and distant daughter, Zhao felt a pang of heartache.
This girl is becoming increasingly estranged from her.
Zhao glanced at Master Qiu, who then gestured for her to speak.
"Well, it's like this. The Prime Minister's residence has taken a liking to you..."
Qiu Fu stared at Zhao Shi in disbelief: "What did Mother say? You want me to become a concubine for the third young master of the Prime Minister's mansion?"
Did she mishear? A mother saying these things to her daughter?
How could such an absurd thing happen?
"Is Mother still asleep?"
She was a noblewoman from a wealthy family, yet she was sent to become someone's concubine?
Madam Zhao's face darkened: "Listen to what you're saying!"
"The mother should think about what she's saying!"
Qiu Fu raised her voice, which also ignited Zhao's anger: "Children's marriages are decided by their parents, don't throw a tantrum!"
"You also talk about your children's marriages, but is this a marriage for me? It's more like I'm going to become a concubine!"
Her mother's face was contorted in her eyes, as if possessed by a demon. Qiu Fu couldn't help but look at Master Qiu.
Master Qiu sat upright, his face dignified, as if he were an outsider.
"Father—" A voice in her heart told her not to be delusional, but Qiu Fu still called out with a glimmer of hope.
Master Qiu forced a smile and said gently, "Fu'er, I know you've been wronged, but this is for the sake of the Earl's mansion. You've lived a life of luxury since you were little, with servants at your beck and call. You wouldn't want to see the Earl's mansion decline, would you?"
"It's not just me who lives a life of luxury, with servants at my beck and call. Doesn't Qiu Song also live a life of luxury?" Qiu Fu sneered. "We both live a life of luxury. You might try to persuade my elder sister with the idea of using me as a concubine in exchange for my brother inheriting the title, but Father, don't try to fool me with such words!"
"You child—" Master Qiu wanted to get angry, but also wanted to maintain the appearance of a kind father. His expression was distorted in his struggle, just like Zhao's.
Qiu Fu subconsciously took a step back, having completely given up any hope for her parents.
"Is this how you treat your parents? Don't you have any love for your younger brother?" Zhao couldn't stand Qiu Fu dragging her youngest son into this and started scolding her.
"I don't have parents like you!" Qiu Fu covered her face, turned around and rushed out.
"Look at her!" Zhao was so angry that her face turned ashen.
Master Qiu's expression wasn't much better. He stood up hurriedly and said, "Why haven't you found him yet? It's all your fault for spoiling him!"
The couple hurried to chase after the person.
Qiu Fu ran very fast, heading straight for Qian Song Tang.
Grandmother, save me, save me—
Tears slid down her cheeks, were flung into the wind, and flowed into her mouth, bitter and astringent, but the girl, who was running with her skirt up, didn't bother to wipe them away.
She was afraid that her parents would catch up with her and prevent her from even crying out for help.
Grandmother, please save your granddaughter!
Along the way, servants saw the Fourth Miss and cast surprised glances at her.
Qiu Fu disregarded everything and rushed into Qian Song Hall.
The old lady, who was happily eating snacks with her granddaughters, was startled: "Why are you in such a panic, you little rascal?"
Qiu Fu rushed over and hugged the old lady's leg: "Grandmother, save Fu'er!"
The old lady's hand holding the pastries froze: "What's wrong?"
Qiu Fu wiped away her tears, completely disregarding the fact that her sisters' presence would embarrass the main branch of the family, and cried out, "Father and Mother want me to become a concubine for the Third Young Master of the Prime Minister's Mansion!"
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