Wei Dongling sighed silently to herself. Qi Jinxuan was deliberately making things difficult for Lvkou. Clearly, this was aimed at her.
But if Lvkou returned to the Qi Mansion, she would never be able to get married and would have no salary. After thirty years of toiling as a servant and falling ill all over, she would be left without support and be driven out of the Qi Mansion when she was old. Where could Lvkou go then?
Why had Qi Jinxuan become so despicable? Just because Wei Dongling refused to share a husband with her at Lanshan Temple, she had held a grudge and tried every means to disgust others. Poor Lvkou, why should she be treated so harshly?
The angrier Wei Dongling thought, the more she seethed. She picked up Lvkou from the ground and coldly ordered, "Let's go. I'll go with you."
Jingzhe drove the carriage and took the two of them straight to General Qi's Mansion.
The gatekeeper reported that Miss Qi was taking a nap and invited them into the side courtyard to wait. They waited for over an hour.
Wei Dongling coldly looked at the plants and trees in the courtyard. Although the layout was very familiar, it now seemed so strange.
The maid Hongxiu swayed over. She looked at Wei Dongling and Lvkou standing side by side, curled her lips into a smile, and said, "Oh, Miss Wei, it's really troublesome for you to bring Lvkou back in person. You've worked hard."
Wei Dongling glanced at Hongxiu and didn't bother to answer her.
Hongxiu wasn't annoyed by Wei Dongling's arrogance. She taunted Lvkou, "Lvkou, since you're back, what are you standing there for? From today on, you'll be a low - ranking servant in the young miss's courtyard. You'll be cleaning the latrines and emptying the night pots. There's a whole bunch of work waiting for you! You'd better be quick. If you're slow, don't blame me for not caring about our old friendship and having you whipped."
Hongxiu's sarcastic words made Lvkou's face turn deathly pale instantly. Miss Qi didn't want her to serve closely anymore and had demoted her to a low - ranking servant to do the dirtiest and most tiring work in the courtyard. She was afraid that she wouldn't have a good life in this courtyard from now on.
Jingzhe coughed softly without a trace and his fingers touched the soft sword at his waist. When Hongxiu saw this action, she instantly remembered the day when he had cut off the flower and her long hair on her head with one sword strike. She turned pale with fright on the spot and took a step back.
Wei Dongling saw the fear in Hongxiu's eyes clearly. She snorted coldly and said, "I'm not a very patient person. Hurry up and get your mistress to come out and see me! Otherwise, don't blame me for not caring about our past friendship and slapping you."
Lvkou was secretly surprised. In her memory, Wei Dongling had always been a gentle and beautiful woman. Although sometimes the things she did seemed a bit unorthodox, she had always been gentle. Except for the time when she had stood up for someone in the Rouge Tower, Lvkou had never seen her be so harsh to others.
"You!" Hongxiu was so angry that her face turned white at Wei Dongling's words. But seeing that Jingzhe's hand was still on his waist and his fingertips were rubbing back and forth on the sword, the soft sword emitting a cold light as if it was about to pounce over and cut off her hair again. Hongxiu was finally afraid. She snorted and walked away.
Lvkou gently took Wei Dongling's hand and gave her a grateful smile. Miss Wei had been very kind to her and was still willing to protect her like this. This had already surprised her very much. It was a pity that she was afraid she wouldn't be able to repay this kindness in this lifetime.
Not long after, Qi Jinxuan came. She was wearing a loose cloak and looked a bit haggard. Supported by Hongxiu, she gently sat down on a chair beside. She glanced at Wei Dongling obliquely, looking a bit impatient, and asked, "What's so important that you had to see me?"
Wei Dongling didn't bother to exchange pleasantries with her. She got straight to the point and asked, "I've heard about Lvkou's family's matter. How much silver did you spend to settle it? I'll reimburse you."
Qi Jinxuan had just woken up and the autumn wind had given her a headache. She supported her forehead and sneered, "Dongling, you're so naive. Do you think you can take Lvkou away just by reimbursing me the silver?"
Wei Dongling's face darkened a bit. She asked, "What do you want?"
Qi Jinxuan replied casually, "Naturally, I want Lvkou to come back to my Qi Mansion and work like a beast for thirty years. Not a single day less. You can rest assured. I'll let her go when the time is up. I won't keep her for an extra day."
Wei Dongling's hands tightened into fists. There was anger burning in her eyes as she coldly said, "Qi Jinxuan! If you have something against me, come at me directly. What's the point of bullying innocent Lvkou?" In the past when she was in the Qi Mansion, she had been very close to Qi Jinxuan and always called her miss. This was the first time Wei Dongling had called Qi Jinxuan by her full name.
The world was unpredictable. Who would have thought that one day they would become so estranged.
Qi Jinxuan didn't seem to care at all. Looking at Wei Dongling's angry face, she felt extremely pleased. She waved her hand and laughed, "Dongling, don't think too much. After all, we've been sisters. I still remember our past friendship. How could I take my anger out on Lvkou just because we had a falling - out? It was my fault that day. After I sold Lvkou, I felt really bad. Coincidentally, Lvkou's mother came to ask for help. She cried so miserably! Dongling, you know me. I've always been soft - hearted and can't bear to see people like that. So, I stepped in and spent a lot of money to save Lvkou's younger brother. Lvkou's family is poor. Her mother was grateful to me but couldn't afford to pay back the money. That's why she proposed that Lvkou work for thirty years to repay my kindness. Dongling, do you think that just by reimbursing me a sum of silver, this great kindness I've shown to her family can be written off?"
Qi Jinxuan's words were so high - sounding and well - reasoned, but Wei Dongling felt cold all over. She was determined not to let Lvkou go easily. Wei Dongling's face turned pale as she coldly said, "You sold Lvkou, and I redeemed her. Her family owes you a debt of gratitude, but that's their business. Why should Lvkou have to pay it back?"
Lvkou didn't want Wei Dongling's relationship with Miss Qi to get worse because of her. She tugged hard at Wei Dongling's sleeve, hoping she would stop talking.
Qi Jinxuan covered her lips and laughed, "I don't really care. Whether it's Lvkou or her younger brother who comes to work for me is up to their family."
Hearing this, Wei Dongling's face turned green with anger. Wasn't she forcing Lvkou to stand up and let herself be at her mercy for the sake of her younger brother? Lvkou was still tugging hard at Wei Dongling's hand and whispering, "Miss Wei, stop talking. I'm willing."
Wei Dongling glanced at Lvkou, then turned to Qi Jinxuan and asked, "I know you're doing this on purpose. Let's just be straight with each other! What do I have to do for you to let Lvkou go? Right now, Crown Prince Shangguan Yun has left the capital. It's definitely impossible to call him back!"
Hearing her mention Crown Prince Yun, Qi Jinxuan's eyes gradually dimmed. She sighed and said, "Dongling, why do you have to think of me so complicatedly? I don't actually need you to do anything. I just want Lvkou to come back to make up for her. I feel really guilty for almost letting her fall into prostitution."