Сhаpter 23: Ноusе Аrrеst
A’Yuan was рlаced undеr house аrrеst.
It wаs Wеi Хun himsеlf who gаvе thе оrder.
Thе gate of Jadе Сlaritу Соurtуаrd was tightlу shut, lеаving only а hоle thе size of a bаmboо basket for fоod tо be раssed through.
Сhun Tao рlасеd the foоd bох оn the tablе and glаnced аt her mistress, whо was leаning on the cоuсh dоing embrоidеry. She curlеd her liрs аnd said, “In the рast, the kitсhen аlwауs mistreаted us, giving us leftоvers. Now thаt wе’rе under house arrest, they don’t dаrе anymore.”
Рrеviously, it was shе whо went to the kitchen to fetch meals. The kitchen maids, following the orders of the Second Madam, bullied them the most. Now that Granny Zheng went to get the food, those people judged by the dishes and gave them their full rations.
Chun Tao said this to find some joy in their hardship. She didn’t understand why the Young Master suddenly turned hostile when everything had been fine just a few days ago.
Could it be because of the ruffian they encountered on the way to the temple?
Chun Tao looked at A’Yuan with worry in her eyes.
At that moment, A’Yuan’s gaze was fixed outside the window, her expression somewhat dazed. The image of the man interrogating her that night still felt vivid before her eyes.
She naturally knew that Wei Xun did not love her. His interrogation was merely driven by a man’s possessiveness.
Now locked inside Jade Clarity Courtyard, she felt even more like a golden canary in Wei Xun’s palm, unable to ever escape his grasp.
Suddenly, a kite drifted in from outside the window, soaring higher and higher against the wind. It flew over the walls of the Marquis’s estate, seemingly about to reach the sky, but its string got tangled in a branch, and it abruptly fell.
The light in A’Yuan’s eyes also dimmed, the brightness vanishing in an instant.
“Thud!”
The kite fell from the tree. Hearing the noise, Chun Tao pushed the door open and went outside. Soon, her delighted voice rang out in the courtyard.
“Hey, how did a kite land in our courtyard? Who flew this?”
The young maid was still a child at heart. Holding the kite high above her head, she ran around the courtyard.
Watching her, A’Yuan gradually curved her lips into a smile.
But before the mistress and maid could fully enjoy themselves, the courtyard gate was knocked.
Granny Zheng entered with two maids and an elderly servant, pushing the door open and asking immediately, “Did Madam Shen’s kite fall into this courtyard?”
Before Chun Tao could answer, another elderly servant stepped forward and snatched the kite away, glaring at her fiercely. “Sister Zheng, no need to search—it’s right here!”
This elderly servant was Shen Qiuyu’s wet nurse, who had always disliked A’Yuan and her maid. Seeing Chun Tao playing so happily, she looked at her as if she were a thief.
Chun Tao’s face flushed with anger, and she sneered back, “Who wants this broken kite? Landing in our courtyard, I find it unlucky!”
“You! Who do you think you’re talking to, you little wretch?”
The wet nurse glared furiously, hands on her hips as if about to strike.
Granny Zheng stopped her, pushing her toward the door. “Since the kite has been found, hurry back and let the ladies play with it. Why bother arguing with a little maid?”
The wet nurse still wanted to curse, but this was the Marquis’s estate, and she didn’t dare act too arrogantly. Swallowing her anger, she stormed out.
“Neener neener!” Chun Tao stuck out her tongue at her, making her even angrier.
“You little wretch, just you wait!”
“Hmph! I’ll wait—do you think I’m afraid of you?”
Chun Tao had never been one to be intimidated!
She lifted her chin proudly, like a victorious rooster.
A’Yuan chuckled helplessly and tapped her forehead. “You really should work on that temper of yours. If one day I’m no longer here…”
“Pah, pah, pah! How could Mistress not be here? Chun Tao will follow you forever!”
The little maid’s eyes reddened with urgency. A’Yuan gazed at the courtyard gate, her smile tinged with melancholy. “There will come a day when I can no longer protect you.”Wei Xun was well aware that Shen Qiuyu had made things difficult for her, yet he still allowed her to visit. It was clear that she meant nothing to him.
Chun Tao’s temperament was manageable as long as someone protected her, but without that protection, she would be devoured in this inner courtyard, not even a bone left.
“The Young Master may soon have good news. When the mistress enters the household, you must be cautious in your words and actions. Do not anger the master and bring punishment upon me as well.”
A’Yuan deliberately spoke gravely. Though Chun Tao was impulsive, she was also fiercely loyal. By bringing herself into the matter, A’Yuan ensured Chun Tao would take it seriously.
Sure enough, as soon as A’Yuan finished speaking, Chun Tao’s face paled, and she nodded repeatedly. “This servant knows she was wrong. I will never speak out of turn again.”
“Good that you understand. Now hurry inside to eat before the food gets cold.”
How could A’Yuan truly bear to blame her? If the two of them could just stay secluded in this courtyard without dealing with the outside world, it would be a blessing.
…
Front Courtyard of the Marquis Manor.
Wei Jin had spent half a day flying kites with Shen Qiuyu before finally waiting for Wei Xun to return from his duties.
“Third Brother, come quickly! Ayu’s kite string broke. Help her sort it out.”
Wei Xun halted his steps, glanced at Shen Qiuyu standing shyly beside Wei Jin, his cold eyes showing no flicker of emotion.
“Where are the manor’s servants? If they cannot do their jobs, sell them off!”
“Third Brother…”
Wei Jin hadn’t expected her brother to refuse even such a small request. Hadn’t he been quite taken with Ayu before? Could it be because of the scandal with the Shen family’s concubine?
“Third Brother, how can you believe the rumors of outsiders? I know Uncle Shen’s character best. That concubine must have seduced and deceived him. Besides, Ayu is innocent. If you don’t feel for her, that’s one thing, but to cold-shoulder her like this…”
“Wei Jin!”
Wei Xun pinched the bridge of his nose, never having felt his sister was so foolish before.
“There is no matchmaker or betrothal between me and Miss Shen. How can you speak of affection or neglect? Such words, if spread, would damage Miss Shen’s reputation. If you cannot speak properly, I will have Mother hire two etiquette matrons to teach you!”
“Third Brother…”
Only when Wei Xun’s expression turned icy did Wei Jin realize her fear. Beside her, Shen Qiuyu’s face also paled.
Last time, Wei Xun had treated her with warmth, a far cry from his current cold demeanor.
Shen Qiuyu was still unaware that her scheme against A’Yuan had been exposed. After all, A’Yuan had just been placed under house arrest by Wei Xun, and no one could see any sign of the man’s favor toward this maidservant.
Thus, she instinctively attributed Wei Xun’s coldness to Shen Yaozu. With Master Shen having taken a concubine and fathered an illegitimate child, the Shen family’s reputation was no longer pristine, and even Wei Xun had begun to look down on her.
Shen Qiuyu tightened her grip on her handkerchief, pulling Wei Jin aside and forcing a smile. “Ajin, there’s no need to explain on my behalf. What kind of person I am, the Young Master will surely come to understand in time. Do not let me affect the bond between you siblings.”
Her magnanimous words only made Wei Jin pity her more. As for Wei Xun, he gave her an inscrutable glance.
This woman’s scheming ran so deep—no wonder he had nearly been deceived.
Thinking of the suffering A’Yuan had endured, Wei Xun’s gaze grew even colder.
Shen Qiuyu’s heart tightened, but to maintain her good impression, she still offered Wei Xun a gentle, graceful smile.
Wei Xun coldly averted his gaze, leading Chang Yuan past her as he departed.
Shen Qiuyu’s smile froze on her face.
“Ayu, don’t be sad. My third brother is just like that—cold to everyone. He has simply misunderstood you. Once the misunderstanding is cleared, he will surely remember your goodness.”Wei Jin felt sorry for her dear friend, and since Li Huai’s promotion still relied on the Shen family, she naturally tried her best to comfort her.
Shen Qiuyu forced a smile. “I know.”
She would never give up on Wei Xun.
In the past, as the only daughter of the Shen family, she had many options among potential suitors. But now, with the appearance of Shen Yaozu, the family’s wealth would not all be left to her.
Having lost the support of her family, she could not afford to miss out on Wei Xun.
So even if Wei Xun treated her coldly, she would endure it.