Fu Ci was in the midst of his anger. Coming to plead for mercy for those who had harmed Jiang Wan at such a time was like pouring oil on the fire.
The old maidservant kept kowtowing. “Jiaojiao has just turned fifteen this year and hasn’t yet married or borne children. I beg you, sir, to show mercy and spare her.”
Fu Ci snorted coldly. “My Wanwan is also young. Why does no one feel sorry for her?”
“It was Old Madam’s order. As servants, we had no choice but to obey.”
“Showing off your authority in front of Wanwan—was that also Old Madam’s instruction?”
“This…”
“A bunch of lowly creatures who rely on their master’s power, blind to their own status. That I haven’t had them beaten to death is already a testament to the Fu family’s mercy.”
The maidservant didn’t know what else to say and could only continue kowtowing. “I beg you, sir, to show mercy.”
Fu Ci showed not a hint of softness. If he didn’t punish them today, someone would dare to commit willful offenses tomorrow.
This was someone he wouldn’t even dare to touch with a single finger, yet these wicked servants had openly dared to bully her.
What gave them the right?
Since they wanted to claim credit, they should be prepared to bear the consequences!
“Considering you’ve served Grandmother for many years, I won’t hold you accountable, maidservant. But I hope you remember one thing: from now on, you must show respect whenever you see Wanwan.”
The maidservant knew in her heart that further pleading would be useless.
She kowtowed heavily once more, then rose and left.
Having dealt with the people from the east courtyard, Fu Ci finally felt some relief from his pent-up anger.
But as soon as he remembered that the mastermind was his own grandmother, a sense of powerlessness instantly swept over him.
He couldn’t seek justice for Wanwan. Would she be angry?
Would she want to leave again?
Fu Ci grew even more uneasy.
“Sir, the concubine has awakened.” Qiu Yue’s delighted voice came from the inner chamber.
Fu Ci composed his emotions and quickly entered the room.
Seeing Jiang Wan frowning slightly, he gently took her hand. “Wanwan, where does it hurt?”
“It hurts.”
The wounds on her back were too severe, forcing Jiang Wan to lie face down.
Her entire body was stiff, making her extremely uncomfortable.
Worried about aggravating her injuries, Fu Ci pressed on her shoulders. “Don’t move. Medicine has been applied to your back; you mustn’t rub it off.”
Jiang Wan truly didn’t move.
She was very weak now and had no energy to speak with Fu Ci.
Closing her eyes, she rested quietly.
“Wanwan, I’m sorry. I’ve let you get hurt again this time.”
“I’ve arranged for a residence outside. Once you’re a bit better, we’ll move out.”
Afraid she might misunderstand, Fu Ci quickly explained, “I’ll move with you. It means establishing a new household, not driving you out.”
Jiang Wan thought Fu Ci was insane.
“Are you cutting ties with Old Madam?”
“No.”
“Then what’s the point of all this trouble? Do you think Old Madam doesn’t target me enough already?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then you want everyone in the capital to point fingers at me, calling me a troublemaker who’s driving a wedge between you and Old Madam.”
Fu Ci shook his head. “I just want to protect you properly. Once we establish a new household, you’ll be the sole mistress and won’t have to endure anyone’s disdain anymore.”
“Treating the symptoms, not the root cause. What’s the use of all this trouble?”
What Jiang Wan wanted, Fu Ci understood clearly.
But letting her leave—he couldn’t do it.
Despite suffering such severe injuries, Jiang Wan didn’t argue with Fu Ci or complain about her grievances.
Fu Ci’s heart was in turmoil.
He increasingly felt the distance between them growing wider.
“Wanwan, you can scold me or even hit me, just don’t keep things bottled up inside.”
Jiang Wan had nothing to say to Fu Ci.
In her previous life, the lives of her and her child were considered repayment for Fu Ci’s life-saving grace.
Today’s whipping repaid the beating Fu Ci endured on her behalf.
From now on, they would owe each other nothing.