“You… what did you say?” Old Madam almost thought she had misheard. “What a sharp-tongued little wench, truly raised by Gu Nanyin—utterly disrespectful to your elders. Do you know who you are speaking to? Nanny Liu, slap her mouth.” Neither Old Madam nor Concubine Yun knew Qin Xue’s background, assuming she was merely a new maid Gu Nanyin had brought into the estate.
Qin Xue drew the sword in her hand and pointed it unhesitatingly at Old Madam’s neck. “The wind was strong just now, Old Madam. I didn’t quite catch what you said. Perhaps you could repeat it.”
Everyone stared in disbelief at the sword in Qin Xue’s hand. How could this maid be so audacious? On the grounds of their Minister’s estate, she actually dared to show such disrespect to Old Madam. Old Madam trembled as she looked at the blade less than an inch from her neck. She was both shocked and suspicious, but she refused to believe this girl would dare to harm her in front of so many people.
Old Madam looked at Qin Xue defiantly, her arrogance undiminished. “I didn’t realize the little wench knew some martial arts. But I am Gu Nanyin’s grandmother. If you dare to harm me today, everyone will naturally assume you acted under Gu Nanyin’s orders. The crime of sending someone to assassinate one’s own grandmother—need I say more? Gu Nanyin would not only forfeit her life but also be condemned for eternity. As for you, a mere servant, what fate do you think awaits you?”
Qin Xue’s expression remained unchanged, her inner scorn growing. She moved the sword a fraction closer to Old Madam’s neck and spoke coldly, “Old Madam must be confused. I am a subordinate of the Regent. Even if I kill you here today, it has nothing to do with the young lady. Our Prince has never cared about reputation. He might even have the entire Minister’s estate buried with you—a family should stay together, after all. My fate is none of your concern. Old Madam should worry about herself instead. With so many people in the Minister’s estate, how many coffins will need to be purchased?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the air around them froze.
The arrogance on Old Madam’s face vanished completely, replaced by unconcealed fear and panic. No matter how ignorant she was, she could not be unaware of the Regent. It was said the Regent was ruthless and merciless, having fought countless battles large and small, with countless lives taken by his hand. The entire Inky Moon Kingdom was under the Regent’s control. Even if he ordered the slaughter of the entire Minister’s estate, who would dare utter a word of criticism?
No matter how unwilling she felt, she could only admit her misfortune now. Who would have thought Gu Nanyin had the Regent’s help here, and she hadn’t even bothered to find out beforehand?
Her wrinkled face forced a smile, making her aged features even more unsettling. With her life in someone else’s hands, she could no longer afford to worry about face. She spoke humbly, “Young lady, today I was rash. Please be magnanimous and forgive this old woman. I am old and confused, and did not mean to offend you.” Old Madam felt deeply humiliated—a woman of her age having to apologize to a mere slip of a girl. But who could stand against the Regent backing her?
“Is Old Madam truly repentant?”
“Of course, with utmost sincerity. In the future, whenever I see you, I will behave properly and never dare to overstep my place again.” Old Madam said with a flattering smile.”Then what about her?” Qin Xue coldly glanced at Concubine Yun, who had just accused her of lacking manners. Concubine Yun was even more resentful. She had originally intended to curry favor with Old Madam, never expecting to encounter such a tough opponent today—someone who would take a life over a mere disagreement. But now she dared not act arrogantly in the slightest, feeling like an old hen with its neck wrung. Who knew if that sword might turn and point in her direction?
Under Old Madam’s reproachful gaze, Concubine Yun stepped forward and bowed deeply to Qin Xue. “Young lady, this humble one comes from a lowly background and lacks proper manners. Earlier, I spoke carelessly in a moment of panic, and it was my fault for displeasing you. I hope you will be magnanimous and not take it to heart.” Her face was deathly pale, and she appeared utterly submissive. Yet inwardly, she seethed with hatred, feeling she had suffered an immense humiliation. Just a dog of the Regent, yet she dared to swagger before her. But with the current situation forcing her hand, she had no choice but to lower her head. Once the Regent was dead and her Lian’er ascended to the position of Empress, she would skin this girl alive.
If Qin Xue knew what she was thinking, she would likely burst into laughter. Wanting her Prince’s life? Better to keep dreaming.
Qin Xue sheathed her sword and said coldly, “Get lost. Don’t let me see you again.” Old Madam acted as if she had received a great mercy, not daring to utter a single word. She hurriedly fled with her entourage in disarray, their earlier arrogance replaced by utter humiliation.
Watching their retreating figures, the icy expression on Qin Xue’s face vanished instantly. She skipped into the room like a child seeking praise, saying proudly, “Young lady, they’re gone.” Gu Nanyin hadn’t actually left the house at all; she had simply claimed to be absent to avoid dealing with those people.
“Qin Xue, you’re amazing,” Qiuzhi said, her eyes shining with admiration. When Qin Xue was with them, she seemed like an innocent, lively girl. Who would have thought she could be so cold and authoritative?
Baishao chimed in, “Exactly, so imposing and domineering. Truly worthy of being the Regent’s subordinate.”
Qin Xue felt that the two maids by her young lady’s side were a bit too carefree. This was the first time she had shown such a cold, ruthless side in front of them, yet they showed no sign of rejection. Qiuzhi and Baishao didn’t care about such things. As long as someone treated their young lady well, they were family. Besides, Qin Xue was often warm and gentle. It was just those wicked people who had provoked her anger.
Seeing the three of them getting along harmoniously, a warm smile appeared on Gu Nanyin’s face. “Thank you for your trouble today, Qin Xue.”
“Young lady, there’s no need for such words. This is simply my duty,” Qin Xue replied respectfully. Her young lady was perfect in every way, except for being too polite.
“The weather is lovely today. Staying cooped up in the manor is stifling. Why don’t we go out for a stroll?” Now that the annoying people were gone, Gu Nanyin was in high spirits. The maids naturally had no objections and happily agreed, rushing to prepare the carriage.
As soon as Gu Nanyin and her group left the manor, Old Madam’s informant hurried back to report.”What? Gu Nanyin never even left the house?” Old Madam, having just been humiliated by Qin Xue, was already seething with resentment. Now, learning that Gu Nanyin had deliberately avoided her and sent Qin Xue out to deal with them, she piled all the blame from earlier squarely onto Gu Nanyin’s head. However, for now, she could only swallow her anger—after all, as long as the Regent’s people were around, she had no way to touch Gu Nanyin.
Leaving aside how displeased Old Madam and Concubine Yun were, Gu Nanyin and her party were in high spirits. Sitting in the carriage, she listened to the lively chatter of her maids while lifting the curtain to gaze at the bustling, prosperous street outside. Countless pedestrians came and went, occasionally stopping at stalls to haggle, creating a scene full of vitality.