Chapter 22: Targeting You

Chapter 22: Targeting You

Upon witnessing Qiaoer falsely accusing Miss Su without any evidence, Jin'er angrily reprimanded, "Qiaoer, how dare you speak such nonsense! When did Miss ever say she would sell you?"

Qiaoer secretly glanced at Su Qian's skirt before resuming her sobbing, barely able to catch her breath. "Everyone knew that Miss adored having me by her side. Yet, she suddenly banished me to the outer courtyard. Even the third-class maids are whispering that Miss is trying to get rid of me... Miss, I truly don't know what I've done wrong..."

Her cries were pitiful, evoking more disdain in Lin Wanwan and Xiao Feiyan's gazes towards Su Youyue.

Lin Wanwan sneered mockingly. "Of course, you didn't do anything wrong. Blame it on following a heartless master who couldn't keep her own marriage. Instead of reflecting on herself, she takes out her frustration on those around her!"

These young ladies all knew that Su Youyue favored Qiaoer in the past because the maid could help devise schemes to chase after Lu Song. Now that Su Youyue had been jilted by Lu Song, naturally, her anger would shift to Qiaoer.

As she finished speaking, she sensed a sharp gaze upon her, startling her. Looking up, she realized it was Xie Yuan standing beside Su Youyue.

Lin Wanwan felt a tinge of fear, but quickly reassured herself. Xie Yuan was now just a slave, so why should she be afraid?

Xiao Feiyan also despised Su Youyue's cowardice, for she had once shamelessly chased after Lu Song, and Qiuer had devised plans solely to please her mistress.

A maid who had served her for over a decade was akin to a sister; such heartlessness in shifting blame was truly despicable.

"Qian'er, this girl is truly pitiful. Even if she isn't dismissed by Su Youyue today, she might still suffer her wrath later. Why don't you take her with you?" Xiao Feiyan looked at the forlorn Qiuer with sympathy, hoping to secure a better future for her.

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of surprise flickered in Qiuer's eyes but was quickly concealed. Miss Second had indeed not deceived her. With today's performance, she would be able to separate herself from Miss First.

As for that unpredictable and good-for-nothing Miss First, let whoever wishes to serve her do so!

Su Qian spoke softly, "Big Sister, if you truly dislike Qiuer, let me have her. I will treat her well."

The moment she finished speaking, Su Youyue, who had been lounging in her wheelchair, abruptly sat up straight and slapped Qiuer's pitiful face harshly.

"Miss First, you!" Unprepared for the slap, Qiuer nearly bit her tongue in shock. Anger, astonishment, and grievance swelled within her, compelling her to glare at Su Youyue.

How dared she hit me!

The two ladies were also stunned. Why did Su Youyue act like a madwoman the moment Su Qian spoke, not even bothering to defend herself before striking Qiuer right in front of them!

Back then, wasn't she the type to argue for ages before being ridiculed by everyone? So why now, knowing that her reputation was beyond redemption, had she given up entirely?

"I'm how?" Su Youyue smiled, her cheeks glowing like a peony blossoming in this icy landscape. She took the whip from her waist and weighed it in her fair hand. "Do you think, with these people supporting me, I can't discipline you, my servant?"

"I'll tell you this: even if Lord Lin and Admiral Jinghai were here themselves today, I'd still punish you, this traitor!"

"Firstly, you, as a servant, dared to accuse your master.

"Secondly, you betrayed me for personal gain, colluding with others to deliberately frame me in front of our two distinguished guests.

"Thirdly, you stole from my storeroom, acting as a thief within the family. Do these three charges justify my punishment of you? Are they enough for me to personally whip you to death today?"

With that, Su Youyue suddenly raised her whip. Cho's face turned pale, and she bolted back. "Second Miss, save me!"

Who didn't know the power of Su Youyue's whip? Even a strong man like Xie Yuan had almost been beaten to death by it. How could Cho possibly withstand it?

Su Qian's expression changed, and she took a step back.

This fool, what was the difference between this and confessing voluntarily!

Her expression stiffened as she glanced at Lin Wanwan and Xiao Feiyan for their reactions. She noticed that the two women's faces had changed from before, causing her to inwardly curse Qiao'er.

She observed a hint of suspicion on the ladies' faces. Indeed, today was somewhat coincidental. Su Youyue hadn't even visited her courtyard, yet her maid had rushed out to the outer court to make such statements.

It felt deliberate, as if they were meant to witness it.

Could it be that Su Youyue was telling the truth? That this maid was punished for stealing, but out of resentment, she colluded with someone to falsely accuse Su Youyue of mistreating the servants today?

Recalling how Qiao'er had shouted Su Qian's name earlier, both women's expressions soured.

If this was true, then they had been used as pawns by Su Qian! No wonder she didn't stay in her room to talk on such a cold day, insisting on strolling through the garden!

But if not, Su Qian didn't seem like someone who would protect Qiao'er either.

Regardless, they both felt today that Su Qian didn't appear as gentle and innocent as she usually did, without any hidden motives.

Su Qian secretly cursed Qiao'er for causing trouble, but maintained a concerned facade. "Big Sister, when did Qiao'er become a thief within the family? I've never heard you mention it before. You can't unjustly blame her."

Qiao'er, like a drowning person grasping at a lifeline, quickly nodded. "Eldest Miss, this servant has never stolen anything. If I had, you would have spoken up about it these past few days!"

"No wonder," Lin Wanwan suddenly realized. "I see now that it's because Su Youyue feels ashamed and is biting anyone in her path, accusing them of theft!"

Xiao Feiyan, however, remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. Her gaze flickered between Su Youyue and Su Qian.

"You, as my second sister, should be more aware than I am if there have been any thieves in our household lately. Aunt Liu lost Mother's dowry, so shouldn't she be hunting for the thief right now? Shouldn't I accompany her to ensure that the one she catches isn't wrongfully accused?"

Su Youyue chuckled, running her fair fingers along the crimson, polished whip. Her mischievous expression made others want to grit their teeth in anger.

"And, Miss Lin seems to be overly concerned about my disciplining my own servant. Perhaps I should pay a visit to your house tomorrow to show the same concern for your servants?"

A glint appeared in Su Youyue's eyes. "Miss Lin, I'm sure Father and Mother Tai Fu will be thrilled to welcome a calamity like me!"

Xie Yuan, who had been observing the women's chatter with a cold gaze, found his attention drawn to her fingertips without him realizing it. A turbulent undercurrent stirred within his eyes.