Chapter 715: Can This Still Be Killed?

Chapter 715: Is This Even Killable?

Even Zou Wan Shi, who always viewed Zou Minglei through the lens of a mother’s blind devotion, was left dumbfounded at this moment.

What on earth...?

But Zou Minglei, as if possessed, kept urging Zou Wan Shi despite being unable to get up: "Mother, hurry! Take Yan Shou's contract of servitude and go find the princess!"

Zou Wan Shi stood unsteadily, murmured a few soothing words to Zou Minglei, and rushed out.

She was desperate to discuss Xingxing's matter with Zou Haigui.

But after searching everywhere, she couldn’t find any trace of Zou Haigui.

In a panic, Zou Wan Shi ordered the servants to look for him. After nearly an hour, Zou Haigui finally hurried back from outside, reeking of perfume.

Zou Wan Shi flew into a rage on the spot, lunging at Zou Haigui, scratching and pulling: "Our son is still bedridden, and now we’re facing a life-or-death crisis, yet you have the leisure to go out carousing with prostitutes!"

Straight from his mistress’ bed, Zou Haigui was also furious: "You hag! What’s wrong with a man having fun elsewhere? You splurge on finery every day—do you think that’s nothing?!"

Their shouting match quickly escalated, and the fight was brought before Old Madam Zou.

Of course, Old Madam Zou took her own son’s side, berating Zou Wan Shi first: "You disgraceful woman! How dare you raise your hand against your husband!"

Zou Wan Shi, filled with resentment, sneered: "You two have no idea what kind of mortal danger we’re facing, yet you still have the nerve to pick a fight with me!"

Seeing the genuine fear in Zou Wan Shi’s expression, Old Madam Zou’s heart sank.

But Zou Haigui, convinced she was bluffing, scoffed dismissively: "Cut the act! My daughter is the future Fourth Prince Consort—what life-or-death crisis could there be? Who are you trying to fool?"

Zou Wan Shi glared at Zou Haigui and sneered: "Have you forgotten how your daughter got her lofty position?"

A cold sweat broke out on Zou Haigui’s back.

His stomach dropped: "What... what do you mean by that?"

Zou Wan Shi had no patience for their games. She shrieked, a cold laugh escaping her lips: "That little girl we threw into the river over ten years ago—she didn’t die!"

Old Madam Zou shuddered at these words.

She immediately retorted: "Impossible!"

Back then, she had seen with her own eyes how the raging river swallowed that child alive!

Having grown up by that river, she knew full well—even a grown man would have slim chances of survival in such turbulent waters, let alone a frail, battered three-year-old child?

—There was absolutely no way she could have lived!

With this thought, Old Madam Zou calmed slightly. She pursed her lips and raised her voice: "Stop spouting nonsense! Back then, you threw that girl off the boat—you, me, and Haigui all saw it clearly! That massive ship, those raging currents—how could she possibly have survived?!"

"But I saw her! It was her, without a doubt!" Zou Wan Shi also raised her voice.

Old Madam Zou’s hands trembled: "Where did you see her?"

Zou Wan Shi’s face darkened: "That’s exactly what I wanted to tell you! That wretched girl not only survived—she’s now Princess Fusui!"

Old Madam Zou was so shocked she shot to her feet: "Is this true?!"

Furious, Zou Wan Shi snapped: "Why would I lie about this?!"

Zou Haigui's legs gave way, and he slumped into a chair, cold sweat pouring down his forehead. "How is this possible... That little girl back then actually had such fate... She..."

Zou Haigui urgently asked Zou Wan Shi, "Does she remember you? Did she recognize you?"

Zou Wan Shi snorted coldly. Though she didn’t particularly want to respond to Zou Haigui, she didn’t let her temper get in the way of such a life-or-death matter. Her voice turned slightly sharp: "If she had recognized me, do you think I could have returned so easily?... Presumably, she was too young back then and remembers nothing. Today, I deliberately spoke to her and even invited her to our residence, saying we’d have Ming Lei apologize to her. She didn’t show any unusual reaction. She must not remember."

Old Madam Zou grew more and more confused. "What do you mean, invite her here to have Ming Lei apologize to her?"

Zou Wan Shi curled her lip. "She’s the damn princess who got our Ming Lei beaten!"

One shocking revelation after another was hard to process. Old Madam Zou and Zou Haigui exchanged bewildered glances, too stunned to speak.

Finally, Zou Haigui frowned. "Then why didn’t you stay far away instead of bringing that girl into our home?"

"Wasn’t it to sound her out? And also..." Zou Wan Shi’s eyes flashed with venom as she lowered her voice, "Our Ming Zhu is already the future Fourth Prince Consort. With that dead girl around, who knows when a life-threatening mess might strike... What I mean is..."

She made a slashing motion across her neck—a clear threat of murder. Her expression was ruthless.

Old Madam Zou and Zou Haigui were stunned once more.

Old Madam Zou shrank back slightly. "...Didn’t you say she’s already a princess now? Can she still be... taken care of?"

Zou Haigui, however, weighed the idea and slowly said, "...If we plan carefully, it’s not impossible."

After all, nothing was more reassuring than a corpse to keep secrets.

A couple as vicious as Zou Wan Shi and Zou Haigui, who could even harm their own flesh and blood, would hardly hold back from harming Xingxing.

The three members of the Zou family huddled together, plotting in hushed voices.

No one noticed the figure in the corner hastily leaving.

The old Marquis of Xin and the old Marquise of Xin were playing chess on a small table by the window, seated on a couch.

Just as the old Marquis was about to make his move, a trusted aide rushed in and whispered something into his ear. The old Marquis's hand trembled, and the white piece fell onto the board, disrupting half of the game.

The old Marquise did not get angry; after all these years of marriage, she knew that something must have happened.

And it must be something serious.

She straightened her back.

The old Marquis's lips were trembling slightly. He raised his hand to dismiss the servants from the room.

Though the old Marquise still did not know what had happened, seeing the old Marquis's state made her freeze—his eyes were even glistening with tears.

Now, only the old couple, the trusted aide who had reported, and Qingluan, the old Marquise’s attendant, remained in the room.

The old Marquis took a deep breath and said to the aide, “Say it again.”

The aide bowed, “A spy from the Zou family reported that they overheard the Zou family recognizing Princess Fusui as the child they threw into the river years ago.”

Even though the old Marquis and Marquise had long suspected Xingxing was their granddaughter, the sudden confirmation left the old Marquise weak, almost collapsing.

Qingluan quickly supported her, her eyes also brimming with tears, “My lady, this is wonderful news!”

The old Marquise regained her composure but burst into tears, her voice trembling as she spoke to the old Marquis, “...I knew it, I just knew it... From the first moment I saw that child, I felt an inexplicable mix of sorrow and joy. When we found out Mingzhu wasn’t our real granddaughter, I already considered Xingxing as our missing granddaughter... For so long, I’ve tolerated those villains from the Zou family, all for the sake of Xingxing being able to rightfully return to her roots... Xingxing, my Xingxing…”

The old Marquise wept with joy.

The Duke of Xin turned away to wipe his tears.

Nanny Qingluan was equally overjoyed, dabbing at her tears: "This old servant always said, our young mistress looks just like the late Madam Heir did in her youth; she must be your true granddaughter! Truly!"

It took some time for the Duke and Dowager Duchess to compose themselves.

The Dowager Duchess was practically bouncing with impatience: "I want to bring Xingxing here immediately and tell her this wonderful news!"

The Duke, however, kept a level head and gently restrained the Dowager Duchess: "Wait a moment, my lady."

The Duke of Xin asked the confidant, "Was there anything else from the spy?"

The confidant replied, "The spy said that family is desperate to cover their tracks and is still plotting to kill the young mistress. Later, their voices became too low for the spy to hear, but considering the gravity of the matter, he hurried to report."

The Duke and Dowager Duchess flew into a rage!

How dare they plot against Xingxing's life!

The Dowager Duchess wanted to grab her old battle bow she used in her youth on the battlefield and shoot them all dead!

The Duke of Xin took a deep breath: "...This matter truly cannot wait, but without evidence, rashly arresting and interrogating them might leave a stain on Xingxing's formal recognition. This is about Xingxing—we need to be careful."

The Dowager Duchess knew this was reasonable. She nodded sharply, eyes blazing.

Meanwhile, the Zous, having hatched a plan, made their move.

First, naturally, was to lure Xingxing to their residence for confirmation.

Zou Wan Shi brought Yan Shou's contract and headed to Wuyi Alley.

The doorkeeper of the General of the Western Garrison's residence had already received Xingxing's instructions. After giving Zou Wan Shi a once-over and some quick questions, he let her in.

Of course, though she was allowed entry, Zou Wan Shi was "accompanied" by two nannies the entire time—supposedly to guide her, really to keep tabs.

Zou Wan Shi dared not say much. But upon entering the inner courtyard of the Yu residence, her breath caught.

The General of the Western Garrison's residence was as grand as the Duke of Xin's ancestral estate?!

The thought of Xingxing living here in comfort set Zou Wan Shi's jealousy ablaze.

She glared enviously at the draped corridor curtains. In winter, these thick drapes were lowered to block wind and snow.

The Yu family used the finest heavy fabric—windproof and warm, what most families could barely afford for clothes.

Yet the Yu family used them as corridor curtains!

The longer she looked, the sicker she felt!

As for the other furnishings, everything screamed of the Yu family's wealth.

It only made Zou Wan Shi's envy grow stronger!

That brat! She survives calamity only to live like royalty!

It's not right!

By the time she reached Xingxing's Qiu Shui Courtyard, Zou Wan Shi's face was contorted with envy.

Zhao Ying emerged, casting a cold glance at Zou Wan Shi. Her attitude was icy, nothing like how one would treat a guest—she looked ready to spit in Zou Wan Shi's face!

This is not Zhaoying's fault.

Earlier, Xingxing had brought Yan Shou back and asked her whether she wanted to work at the charity hall to earn some money and stand on her own feet, or if she had other plans.

Yan Shou, however, said she wished to stay by Xingxing’s side and serve her, even as a lowly servant.

Yan Shou knew that while she possessed beauty, she lacked the means to protect it. Her current situation in the Zou family, where she was tormented to the point of being neither human nor ghost, made her realize that elsewhere, she might not even be able to keep her life.

It would be better to follow this beautiful and kind princess, who could at least provide her with a place to live, clothes to wear, and a chance to live a stable life.

Upon hearing Yan Shou’s words, Xingxing did not say much; she only instructed Zhaoying to take her to wash up and change into clean clothes.

When Zhaoying sent a young maid in with water, she inadvertently glanced through the door and saw that Yan Shou’s body was covered with large areas of abuse marks, which made tears well up in Zhaoying’s eyes immediately.

When Zhaoying recounted this to Xingxing, Xingxing sighed, “...Yan Shou doesn’t look very old, but her lifespan has been shortened due to that abuse. It’s clear what kind of life she must have led.”

It also confirmed that the people of the Zou family were indeed as cruel and heartless as they appeared in her fragmented memories.

Xingxing harbored no good feelings towards the Zou family.

Naturally, Zhaoying felt the same way, viewing the Zou family as a den of wolves and tigers.

As the matriarch of this den of wolves and tigers, it was evident that Zou Wan Shi was an extremely vicious person.

Thus, Zhaoying showed her no kindness at all.

Zou Wan Shi was also inwardly furious!

This little whore! How dare she show me such disrespect!

Does she know that her master, over ten years ago, was kicked by her foot after foot, curling up and begging for mercy? How does this little whore still have the nerve to put on an act in front of her?!

Zou Wanshi cursed Zhaoying inwardly, but her face remained smiling as she followed Zhaoying into Xingxing's main house.

Once inside, Zou Wanshi felt at a loss where to look.

Every piece on the multi-treasure shelf was a rare treasure, and even the casually placed items were priceless.

Even the tea set on the table was a fine piece from the Jun kiln, worth no less than a hundred taels of silver!

—Of course, this was not because Xingxing deliberately showed off. She was simply the apple of the entire Yu family's eye. When her brothers were unmarried, they would send anything good they found to her. After they married, it became both the brothers and their wives who would send suitable good things to her.

Her own small private treasury was already full, and these past few days, Zhaoying had opened another storeroom and started a new ledger to record everything.

It hadn't been long when the second young master of the Yu family, Yu Yongbai, and his wife Gong Qingniang returned from their caravan trip, bringing many more fine things for Xingxing, filling the storeroom with several large chests.

Zou Wanshi didn't know about Xingxing's situation, but every time she thought of how Xingxing had suffered not a bit and instead lived a life of luxury in the Yu family, her expression couldn't help but turn sour.