Chapter 20


Gu Xiyan frowned,

“It held you hostage?



That monkey?” Qiusang racked her brain to recall,



“It might not have been a monkey—its hand had no fur!” But that hand was even blacker than a monkey’s.



Gu Xiyan felt a chill run down her spine.



She glanced at the bamboo grove again—at that moment, the wind rustled through the bamboo leaves, making a sound that sent shivers down her spine.



She was also somewhat scared:



“What now, what should we do now?” She looked around for help, and in the distance, she could see two old maids by the lake scooping up the floating water plants.



Although these two were real, living people, such maids, if anything really happened, wouldn’t be of much use!



Qiu Sang also felt panicked inside, but she calmed down and, after a moment of thought, said:



“Madam, I don’t think that was a ghost, nor a monkey—it might have been a person.” Gu Xiyan:



“A person?” Qiu Sang nodded:



“Yes.



At that time it was holding me captive, and its hands weren’t cold at all—they were warm.



So, that was definitely a person.” Hearing her say this, Gu Xiyan pondered carefully and also grew suspicious:



“In broad daylight, right in the Duke’s estate, how did it appear?



And why would it just decide to take you hostage for no reason?” She suddenly realized:



“Could this be someone sent by the Third Master?” Akiu also understood now, nodding vigorously:



“That’s right, it had to kidnap me at that time, but it didn’t hurt me, didn’t insult me, and didn’t take anything from me either—it just wanted to control me!” After analyzing the situation together, both master and servant were somewhat indignant and decided to go over to the bamboo forest direction to investigate and see for themselves.



Sneaking around like that, who knows what they’re up to!



The two cautiously approached the bamboo forest, but saw no shadowy figure, nor anyone.



Instead, within the bamboo grove, the chirping of insects could be heard, and an old crow swooshed past their shoulders, startling them both terribly.



Autumn Sang hugged Gu Xiyan’s arm timidly:



“Grandma, maybe we should go back…” Gu Xiyan, however, did not want to go back; her stubborn streak had kicked in.



She was convinced her guess was right—that shadowy figure was someone from Lu Chenglian’s side.



Moreover, they had just come from Lu Chenglian’s place when that shadow appeared.



There had to be something fishy about it.



She reassured her, “It’s fine.



You said it yourself—it wasn’t a ghost, it was a person.



If it’s a person, there’s no need to be scared.



Besides, this is the Duke’s mansion.



Even if it’s some petty troublemaker, he wouldn’t dare cause any trouble.” Autumn Sang thought it made sense too.



The two of them stepped cautiously over years of fallen leaves, moving forward with fear and anxiety.



As they walked, suddenly their view opened up, and they found themselves at the lakeshore.



Yet on the lake, the green waves rippled gently, and by the shore, willow branches swayed tenderly.



Where was any black figure?



Autumn Sang sighed in defeat, “If it really was a person, it must have been a martial artist.



How could we possibly catch up?” At that moment, Gu Xiyan noticed something.



She fixed her gaze toward the reeds: “Over there, look over there.



What is that?” Following Qiu Sang’s finger, Gu Xiyan looked over and saw something faintly peeking out amidst the messy reeds, seemingly a wooden box?



She wondered,



“It does look somewhat familiar.” Gu Xiyan also felt a sense of familiarity, but as her suspicions grew deeper, she lifted the hem of her skirt and approached the lakeside, leaning in for a closer look.



As the wind rustled through the reeds, the wooden box became more visible—indeed, it was her sandalwood box.



This rosewood box was still an item from her dowry; in order to make this gift of gratitude more presentable, she reluctantly used it and gave it to Lu Chenghao.



Unexpectedly, it was now discarded here, stained with mud.



She couldn’t care about anything else and hurriedly picked it up—it was heavy.



She quickly opened it and indeed saw the inkstone inside—the very inkstone she had gifted.



Gu Xiyan simply couldn’t believe it.



In total, she only had a hundred taels of silver saved up for personal use, earned by pawning her own cloak and jewelry.



Now, with great determination, she had gritted her teeth and spent half of that, finally managing to obtain such a fine inkstone!



This was already a lucky bargain, a huge steal.



If sold properly, this inkstone would likely be worth seventy or eighty taels!



She had practically given away her heart and flesh to present him with such a treasure, and yet he simply tossed it aside?



After all, she was the widow of his cousin.



Even if he looked down on her, why go to such lengths?



With Yingtong and Peibai witnessing this incident, from now on, they would only look down on her completely!



Qiushang was equally incredulous, murmuring,



“Madam, could it be Yingtong and Peibai who threw it away?” Gu Xiyan sneered coldly,



“How could that be?



Those two maids would certainly have to report to him first before daring to dispose of it.



Otherwise, if I ever bring it up in the future and word reaches Lu Chenglian, how would they explain themselves?



So it must have been Lu Chenglian.



He was angry when he returned home and had someone discard my token of thanks.” Her heart was filled with hatred.



She felt that this man was utterly ungrateful and went too far in bullying her!



She also realized that the reason she was in such a difficult situation was because the entire Duke’s Mansion was rotten from the top down.



The masters did not treat her as human, so even the servants beneath them refused to show her any respect!



If only my husband hadn’t passed away so early, how could I possibly have to endure such idle anger!



Autumn Sang finally realized:



“So that black monkey is his man.



That day, when he tried to assault the lady, he had that black monkey hold me hostage.



And today, when he wanted to throw the inkstone, he deliberately ordered that black monkey to throw it here?” Gu Xiyan said,



“Yes, that black monkey moves so fast, we couldn’t even see its figure clearly.



He must have some martial arts skills, so this must be his man—raised within the Duke’s residence, ready to follow his orders at any time.” Recalling that day, Autumn Sang also felt a surge of resentment:



“This is just too much of a bully!” Gu Xiyan took out a handkerchief and meticulously wiped the sandalwood box:



“How could they throw away such a fine thing?



Well, I’ll just pick it up!” After all, she had spent money on it—it was such a precious item.



Since she had already given it, she had done her part.



As far as she was concerned, she had already repaid the favor she owed Lu Chenglian.



That damnable Lu Chenglian—whether he wanted it or not was his own business.



If he had someone throw it away, she would just pick it up and use it herself!



With that thought in mind, she felt a sense of relief.



The favor had been repaid, and the item was still hers.



It’s simply killing two birds with one stone!



As she was thinking this, she wasn’t paying attention, slipped underfoot, and nearly fell.



Qiu Sang:



“Oh, my dear, be careful.” Gu Xiyan was also startled, quickly supporting Qiu Sang and carefully moving back.



Once they had reached a safe distance, Qiu Sang breathed a sigh of relief: “What you said is true, madam—it’s better that they threw it away.” Gu Xiyan also laughed: “After all, I placed the gifts in their room right in front of those two young ladies.



If they threw it away, what has that to do with me?



The next time I see this Third Master, I’ll just act as if I gave it!” Qiu Sang chuckled softly: “Right, that’s exactly how we should think of it!” Both master and servant were in high spirits.



Seeing that no one was around, they quickly gathered their bundles and hurried back to their own courtyard.



Along the way, though they encountered a few maids and servants, none of them paid any unusual attention to them.



Once back in her room, after tidying up her dress, Gu Xiyan held the inkstone and examined it carefully for quite a while.



This inkstone truly was exceptional; now, under the sunlight, it even seemed to glow with an emerald green hue, its texture fine and delicate, feeling smooth and tender to the touch!



She recalled Yingtong’s disdainful gaze and couldn’t help but laugh:



“What a shallow, narrow-minded person!” Qiu Sang agreed with this:



“In the past, I heard the Fourth Young Mistress praise her, saying she was well-versed in literature and poetry.



Pah, it turns out it was all just an empty facade!” Gu Xiyan:



“That Third Master Lu is truly blind!



What a worthless man!” Qiusang:



“And that black monkey is even worse!” The master and servant went back and forth, cursing to their hearts’ content, finally feeling relieved.



Gu Xiyan laughed,



“Such a fine inkstone, given to him, would have been a waste.



Now, let’s keep it safe.



One day, when it’s needed, it might even be exchanged for silver.” Gu Xiyan carefully stored the inkstone away, and the next day, she pretended not to know anything and went to the elderly madam’s place.



When she brought up the matter, the old lady’s expression visibly darkened, scolding her instead, saying she shouldn’t have gone over to the third son’s place without permission.



Gu Xiyan didn’t try to defend herself either.



She simply let the elderly madam say whatever she wanted.



For her, Lu Chenglian had helped her, and she had already sent her thanks.



As long as these matters were brought out into the open, she would be the one to come out on top.



If Lu Chenglian dared to demand repayment for his favor, he would only be ruining his own reputation.



As they spoke, Yingtong and Peibai arrived.



Upon seeing her, both girls looked distinctly uncomfortable.



Gu Xiyan noticed, however, that while Yingtong’s unease was expected, Peibai’s eyes were swollen, which puzzled her.



The two maids greeted the old lady and gave their report.



Naturally, the old lady inquired about the incident from the previous day.



Yingtong dared not elaborate, merely recounting the events as they happened, though she omitted the part where Lu Chenglian had become so furious that he threw an inkstone.



The old lady said, “What I’m hearing is that the third young master sent Peibai away?” Fourth young mistress whispered beside her,



“Let Peibai go serve at Taihe Hall first.” Gu Xiyan listened, surprised, and looked at Peibai; now she finally understood.



Peibai bit her lip, crying,



“Old Mistress—” Seeing her like this, the old mistress was displeased:



“Third Master has acted out of filial piety, wanting you to serve His Highness, yet you’re crying and sobbing.



That’s too inconsiderate.



As a servant, how dare you disobey the master’s orders?” Peibai, upon hearing this, had to make every effort to hold back her tears.



The old lady continued,



“Moreover, I’ve heard that last time, you and Yingtong actually asked your sixth young mistress to make something for you?



Is there no order left in this household?



Are you now in a position to order your mistresses around?” At these words, Yingtong was startled and quickly knelt down to apologize, trying to explain.



Gu Xiyan also hurriedly explained with a smile, saying that at the time by the lake, she had casually broken off some willow branches to weave something.



It was nothing serious—everyone often joked around like that, so what harm could it possibly do?



Seeing this, the old lady finally relented, though she still nagged for a while, giving Peibai a good scolding before sending her away.



Gu Xiyan could feel Peibai glance at her as she got up to leave, a look full of deep resentment.



Gu Xiyan felt a chill run down her spine.



She hadn’t been very polite to these two maids yesterday, but…



it was only some verbal sparring.



She never expected Peibai would be sent away to serve the princess just like that.



Well, now she has one more enemy.



Gu Xiyan felt somewhat disheartened.



Within the same high walls of the mansion, who would want someone secretly harboring hatred toward them?



She felt that if there were too many such people around, even the wind blowing would carry a foul stench.



After attending to the old lady for a while, she left with little energy.



Just as she stepped down from the porch, she ran into the Third Madame.



Third Madame obviously already knew and pulled her aside to ask about the matters concerning Lu Chenglian.



Gu Xiyan had no choice but to explain truthfully.



Third Madame furrowed her brow, lost in thought for a moment before asking,



“Why didn’t you mention it to me?” Gu Xiyan lowered her head.



“It was not an urgent matter to begin with, so I dared not disturb Madame’s peace.” Third Madam:



“Well, you went there, and somehow that wench Pei Bai was driven out.” Gu Xiyan was startled and frightened upon hearing this.



She feared that Pei Bai would bear a grudge against her, and even more that Third Madam might have caught wind of her and Lu Chenglian’s secret dealings.



Who would have thought, at this moment, Third Madam sneered coldly:



“This actually works out well.



I’ve long been fed up with that little wench Pei Bai!



A mere maid, at best she could only become a concubine, yet she was arrogantly putting on airs all day, even acting like a mistress.



Now that she’s been thrown out by Third Master, it truly is the heavens opening their eyes!” Gu Xiyan:



“……” She let out a soft breath.



Who knew how her mother-in-law had offended the maids in the other’s quarters?



She just happened to get it right by accident.



But it seems it was what everyone had hoped for?



When Gu Xiyan returned to her own courtyard, she inquired of Qiusang, who was already grinning with delight:



“Isn’t this truly a cause for celebration!



Madam, rest assured, throughout the entire mansion, aside from Pei Bai herself, who isn’t secretly rejoicing?



There’s not a single soul who isn’t pleased!” Gu Xiyan was astonished:



“Could it be that this Pei Bai is so unpopular?” Qiuhuang let out a low laugh, leaning in closer and speaking softly,



“The maids and servants down below must have long been fed up.



They’re all servants, so why does she flaunt herself so wildly all day, as if she’s really someone important?



The mistresses and ladies up above might think she deserves it, or they might simply not pay her any mind at all!” Her face lit up with joy,



“In my humble opinion, that wench Peibai was disrespectful to you, Madam.



It was the third master who sent her to attend the princess to vent your anger.” Gu Xiyan scoffed lightly,



“Rely on him?



Might as well expect the sun to rise from the west!” She chuckled,



“I’d better go back and ponder my paintings!” Aki hurried to follow, muttering:



“But I still think that’s exactly what it is!” She vaguely felt that Third Master Lu was still looking out for the lady.



As for the inkstone that had been thrown— Aki was troubled; she couldn’t figure it out either.



Why on earth would someone throw away something perfectly fine!