Chapter 6

Chapter 6: A Slap!

At this moment, Shen Rujue stepped forward, displaying no hint of an overt or clumsy display of favoritism, which genuinely impressed Ye Xiyao. However, regardless of how impeccable his superficial demeanor might be, it could not conceal the fact that he was Shen Feiyan's elder brother. Once she truly followed the person he had arranged for her, the potential consequences of any subsequent events would be difficult to predict.

Having just transmigrated, Ye Xiyao naturally wouldn't take any risks. As she was secretly contemplating her next move, a voice filled with anxiety suddenly echoed from afar, drawing closer and closer.

"Miss, Miss Yao'er—"

As the voice faded, before anyone could react, CuiZhu, Ye Xiyao's devoted maid, rushed over and began scolding her ladyship while pulling at her sleeve.

"Miss, where have you been? Didn't I tell you not to wander off? Why can't you be more obedient? What will we do if Master finds out and holds you responsible?"

Cuizhu was seething with resentment. She had been serving the young master of the Marquis's mansion quite satisfactorily, never imagining she would suddenly be assigned to attend to this imbecile. This predicament had even caused her to become the subject of constant whispers and gossip. It was beyond comprehension how such an idiotic, good-for-nothing individual could be so fiercely protected by the mansion's masters. If it were up to her, she would have long ago disposed of the fool by tossing her into a well, thus sparing everyone the embarrassment of her presence.

And today was even more infuriating. She had been warned countless times not to wander off, yet as soon as Cuizhu turned her back to catch a glimpse of the commotion, the girl vanished... If it weren't for the constraints of her status, Cuizhu would have been tempted to give her a sound slap to teach her a lesson.

Lost in her grumbling, Cuizhu seemed to have overlooked the presence of others nearby. It wasn't until she had nearly finished venting that she abruptly snapped back to reality, especially upon noticing Shen Rujue standing there. The previously irritable Cuizhu quickly brushed aside her bangs and greeted with a coquettish curtsy.

"Your humble servant has met Mister Shen."

Not even a glance in her direction, yet she has the time to entice men. Ye Xiyao observed Cuiju's reaction with a cold smile in her heart. How could Shen Rujue possibly spare a thought for a mere maid like Cuiju? She didn't even bother to give her a glance before leaving with Shen Feiyan.

Only when Shen Rujue was out of sight did Cuiju snap back to reality, turning abruptly to glare at Ye Xiyao and scold fiercely, "It's all your fault! You always cause trouble wherever you go! And what happened to your clothes? The Hundred Flowers Banquet hasn't even started yet. If Father sees you like this, what will he think? Are you trying to ruin me?"

"Hehe~ It was Miss Shen who did it."

"Miss Shen? Pfft! What Miss Shen? All the young misses of the Shen family are fragrant, beautiful, and virtuous. Why would they bother hitting a fool like you? And you still dare to talk back to me?"

With that, Cuiju raised her hand as if to strike Ye Xiyao.

In Ye Xiyao's memories, this wasn't the first time Cuiju had hit her. Cuiju put on a good act, pretending to be kind and caring to Ye Xiyao in public while being two-faced behind her back. Thus, everyone in the mansion believed she took good care of Ye Xiyao.

For this, Old Marquis had praised her on numerous occasions. However, no one could have imagined that Cuiju was so arrogant and overbearing in private, completely disregarding Ye Xiyao, her mistress.

But the new Ye Xiyao, having switched souls, wouldn't tolerate being bullied by a servant. Without flinching, she casually blocked Cuiju's strike and swiftly retaliated with a fierce slap!

Slap!

In an instant, a sharp crack echoed. Unprepared, Cuizhu was sent crashing to the ground. Her delicate face instantly swelled, and blood trickled down from the corner of her mouth.