Chapter 13: How Dare You

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Yiyi’s eyes stung, nearly filling with tears. She had been too impulsive just now, yet Miss still stood up for her! From now on, she vowed to always stand before Jihua, shielding and protecting her!

Jishulan, having been rebuffed twice by Jihua with the same words, was boiling with anger. Since the imperial edict arrived, Jihua had become so arrogant! Hah, did she really think she had ascended some divine path?

Malice filled Jishulan’s eyes as she glared at Jihua like a coiled serpent, sinisterly waiting for an opportunity. “Sister has become so prideful now, disregarding family and mother entirely.”

Jishulan abruptly withdrew her hand, disdainfully wiping dust off with a handkerchief. “Now, all because of a maid, you want to sever the bond between sisters?”

“Enough!”

Ji Wenbin’s eyes flashed with fury; such words were unfit to be spoken about Jihua. If gossipmongers were allowed to speak freely, who knew how it might tarnish Jihua’s reputation?

He sternly stopped Jishulan, then cast a reproachful glance at the quietly triumphant Liu Qingmei, his dissatisfaction deepening.

“Father, you heard that too.”

Jihua did not wish to waste breath on Jishulan anymore. Her back straightened, her clear eyes calm and unflinching. “It is Yingti’s pride and defiance that refuses my discipline—”

She turned her words sharply toward Liu Qingmei, her gaze instantly cutting like a blade. “Is this the maid you’ve trained?!”

For some reason, that look unsettled Liu Qingmei profoundly. When did Jihua become so imposing?

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Realizing the situation was unfavorable, Liu Qingmei feigned weakness and looked toward Ji Wenbin. “Master, it’s not like that, I merely—”

“Enough!!”

Ji Wenbin’s voice bore a trace of impatience and disappointment. “Since there is cause, you should not cling to punishing a mere maid. Moreover, she is under your care—how could you have raised such a maid?”

If this had happened before, he would have protected Jihua without question, but today the matter concerned Jihua’s own maid! The maid betrayed her mistress, and no one knew how much grievance Jihua had suffered.

Liu Qingmei’s teeth gritted in hatred; that wretched thing erased all her efforts managing the household in just a few words!

She took a deep breath, unable to swallow her anger any longer.

“Fine, even if you punish well, every courtyard’s maids and guards have limits. You brought in a woman of unknown origin without reporting to me—that is truly unacceptable!”

Jishulan seized the chance to add, “Exactly! You clearly don’t respect Mother! Now any stray cat or dog can infiltrate the household!”

Ji Wenbin frowned.

Setting aside other matters, Liu Qingmei’s remark was reasonable. Jihua was kind-hearted and easily deceived; such an unknown maid was indeed problematic.

Moreover—

Ji Wenbin glanced at Liu Yiyi. This maid was strikingly beautiful and calculating. Given the political climate surrounding Jihua, this might be a trap targeting the Crown Prince.

He furrowed his brow anxiously. “Where did you acquire this new maid? Does she have a contract of servitude?”

“Father, I understand your worries, but Liu’er’s identity is pure, her mind simple, and she is honest and upright.”

Jihua’s words had just fallen when—

Thud—

Liu Yiyi knelt down with a resounding bow!

Her heart surged with turmoil—filled with remorse, guilt, and gratitude.

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Liu Yiyi bowed again before Ji Wenbin. “I swear to follow Miss with unwavering loyalty! Should I betray her, may heaven and earth punish me!”

She swore with all her might, resolute and unyielding.

A flicker of hesitation appeared in Ji Wenbin’s eyes, his frown deepening.

It seemed this maid had some measure of devotion, but still...

Liu Qingmei’s expression instantly turned cold. “If something happens to her, what good will your life be then?”

Since Jihua dared to defy her, she would ensure Jihua paid the price!

Liu Qingmei quickly looked at Ji Wenbin. “This person absolutely cannot stay. Her background is unclear, and today she nearly got the maid who has served for six years beaten to death by her mistress. She is surely a menace!”

A trace of agreement surfaced in Ji Wenbin’s eyes.

He frowned thoughtfully for a moment before speaking. “Jihua, if you want a clever maid, you can choose another from the pawnshop tomorrow. As for this one, she must be sent away.”

Liu Yiyi’s heart suddenly sank, her fingers tightening slightly.

If she had not chosen to become Miss’s personal maid earlier, perhaps Miss would not have suffered such hardship today...

Besides, she was once a courtesan. If anyone with ill intent dug that up in the future, it might bring unnecessary trouble upon Miss!

No, it was better not to be a close attendant—

With this thought, Liu Yiyi resolutely lifted her eyes, reluctant yet firm. “Miss, I…”

Before she could finish, Liu Qingmei coldly snapped,

“Guards, take this maid of unknown origin away!”

In an instant, several formidable maids surged forward in a fierce wave!