Zhao Jiahan was the first to rush forward, her face full of flattery as she addressed Chen Xingwei. She had heard clearly—Chen Xingwei had just said he brought two release slips, originally meant to take Zhao Mingzhu and Zhao Mingyan away. Now that Zhao Mingyan, blind and foolish, refused to go with him, wasn’t that just perfect? One spot was free!
She reacted the fastest, but the other Zhao girls were not far behind.
The third and fourth Zhao daughters turned immediately to Zhao Mingzhu, clinging to her. “Second Sister, we’ve always been closest to you, serving you since childhood. Save us, take us out with you!”
Both the third and fourth daughters were born of concubines. In the Zhao family’s main branch, there were five daughters; only the eldest and second were born of the principal wife. The eldest had long since married, becoming Prince Duan’s secondary consort, and was now imprisoned with him in his residence.
The third and fourth daughters were born of maidservants elevated to concubines, and since childhood, they had obeyed Zhao Mingzhu in everything. Whatever she told them to do, they did. Their bond was indeed close.
Zhao Mingzhu looked at her two former attendants, her dignified face showing hesitation.
At that moment, the aunt from the third branch also came forward, pushing her daughter, Zhao Mingshu, toward Zhao Mingzhu. “Second Miss, take Mingshu with you! Third Aunt begs you. Don’t forget, every year my family sends new clothes, fine materials, and jewelry to the Zhao household, and I always reserve the best for you! Of all the family, aside from my daughter, you are the one I’ve cherished most!”
This was no lie. The third aunt’s family, the wealthy Jiang clan of Jiangnan, sent lavish gifts every year—fine fabrics, rare goods, regional specialties—both to secure her daughter’s footing in the Zhao household and because merchants, of low status, needed ties to officials to thrive.
And each year, the first person invited to choose from these treasures was Zhao Mingzhu. She was, after all, the only unmarried legitimate daughter of the main branch, the true-born child of Minister Zhao, destined to marry into the illustrious Duke Liu’s household.
Her elder sister had married Prince Duan, but only as a secondary consort—little better than a concubine. Zhao Mingzhu, however, was to become the principal wife of Duke Liu’s heir. Her future had been limitless.
No one had foreseen the Zhao family’s downfall, nor that Duke Liu’s household would fare even worse. They had been the main force behind Prince Duan’s rebellion, and when it failed, all the men were executed in the streets, while the women were sent to military camps to be used as rewards for the soldiers. In truth, their fate was even more tragic.
Because of this, the third aunt had not initially considered entrusting her daughter to Zhao Mingzhu. Everyone believed the only Zhao woman with a hope of leaving was Zhao Mingyan. No one expected Zhao Mingzhu to prove herself instead.
“Mingzhu, you are the finest daughter of our Zhao family. I’ve always known you would have great prospects! And see—it’s true. You’ve turned misfortune into a blessing, risen like a golden phoenix!” The third aunt clung to her, showering her with praise.
“Ha!” Zhao Jiahan’s mocking voice rang out. “Why does this sound so familiar? Weren’t you just clinging to Zhao Mingyan’s leg, saying the same thing? Third Aunt, you sure change fast!”
Third Aunt glared resentfully at Zhao Jiahan. “Those stray cats and dogs can’t compare to our true phoenix! Zhao Mingyan is nothing but filth, born lowly, destined to be cheap and brainless. She’s not worth a single strand of Mingzhu’s hair!”
“Enough!” Chen Xingwei, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. Irritated, he cast a glance at the noisy women before him. “Chattering like sparrows—enough! All of you, be quiet!”
The Zhao women fell silent, only staring hopefully at Zhao Mingzhu.
Zhao Mingzhu swept her gaze over them, then stepped forward gracefully. “Heir, they are my blood kin. Since we still have one slip left, may I take another person with me?”
She lowered her eyes slightly, her rims reddening, presenting her most fragile and helpless look. Chen Xingwei could not resist it. His tone softened at once, and he waved his hand. “You decide.”
At those words, the Zhao women’s eyes lit up again, all turning their hopeful gazes on Zhao Mingzhu.
She looked around, her eyes passing over each face—Zhao Jiahan, the third and fourth daughters, Zhao Xiaoliu, and behind them a row of sisters-in-law and concubines.
All of them longed to leave, but there was only one spot. Each pleaded with Zhao Mingzhu.
Under their expectant eyes, Zhao Mingzhu took Zhao Mingshu’s hand.
Holding her, Zhao Mingzhu sighed with helplessness yet spoke with lofty righteousness. “Aunts, sisters, cousins—do not blame me. Mingshu is the youngest. Her life cannot be buried in such a place. I can only take one person. Please, do not fight with her.”
At her words, the Zhao women’s eyes dimmed. Only Third Aunt rejoiced, showering her with gratitude.
But Zhao Jiahan was still unwilling. “Mingzhu, Mingshu may be young, but I’m not much older! I haven’t married yet either—my life shouldn’t be wasted here!”
“Zhao Jiahan, fighting with your eight‑year‑old niece—have you no shame!”
“Why shouldn’t I? Why should Zhao Mingshu be spared just because she’s young, while I’m left to rot here?” Zhao Jiahan, full of resentment, tried to grab at Zhao Mingzhu.
But Zhao Mingzhu quickly sidestepped, clutching Zhao Mingshu’s hand, and hurried out of the Pleasure Bureau with Chen Xingwei.
Zhao Jiahan tried to chase them, but at the doorway, she was forcibly restrained. Watching them leave, she cried out bitterly, “Why? Why? Why! Why can Zhao Mingshu go, but not me!”
She could not understand why Zhao Mingzhu chose Zhao Mingshu instead of her.
If Zhao Mingyan had been there, she would have explained: Zhao Mingshu was still useful to Zhao Mingzhu, while Zhao Jiahan was of no use at all.
Zhao Mingshu’s maternal family, the wealthy Jiang clan of Jiangnan, had not been implicated in the Zhao downfall because they lived far away. Through Zhao Mingshu, Zhao Mingzhu could likely reconnect with them.
But Zhao Jiahan? She was entirely of the Zhao family blood, with no maternal clan or outside support. What use would it be for Zhao Mingzhu to save her?
Zhao Mingzhu’s choice was not about closeness or pity—it was about utility.
After Zhao Jiahan was forced back into her room, the other Zhao women were rounded up as well. The Pleasure Bureau matrons issued strict orders: they must serve clients that day, or else be forcibly sent to do so. They had no choice.
That very day, several Zhao women hanged themselves in martyrdom.
Zhao Jiahan looked at their bodies and sneered, then turned back to her room. That day, she dressed herself carefully, put on makeup, and went to serve clients of her own accord. She had finally understood—no one could be relied upon. She could only rely on herself.
And hadn’t Zhao Mingyan already set the example? Now she would follow it: serve clients eagerly, cling to a man, and use him to escape this cursed place.
Meanwhile, Zhao Mingyan had already fled the Pleasure Bureau, following Nan Yan cautiously, step by step, to his residence.