Chapter 412

**Chapter 417: Rising Tensions (Part 2)**

Madam Tao slowly stepped inside.

The Eleventh Miss sat on the heated brick bed, wrapped in a quilt. Her jet-black hair was loosely tied into a bun, and she wore a rose-purple lined jacket that made her face glow with clarity—utterly radiant, with none of the listlessness typically associated with pregnancy. Beside her, Marquis Xu wore a casual dark blue Hangzhou silk robe, his eyes bright and full of energy. The Eleventh Miss’s personal attendants were all present—some tending to her, others caring for the potted plants around the room. All of them wore cheerful expressions, filling the space with vibrant vitality.

Madam Tao felt momentarily disoriented.

She hadn’t seen such a scene in years.

Thinking back, it seemed like ever since First Miss had married, one trouble after another had troubled her heart, and such joy had long since vanished.

When they noticed her arrival, everyone nodded or greeted her warmly.

Madam Tao offered a faint smile and stepped forward, curtsying respectfully. “Madam Xu!”

The Eleventh Miss had gone to such great lengths—all just to make her leave. Choosing to go would not only mean betraying First Miss’s trust but also standing by helplessly as Young Master Chun was left like a lamb among wolves, at the mercy of others. Was that any different from death? Yet choosing to stay meant facing disgrace, being cast out of the Yongping Marquis household in shame, and watching helplessly as Young Master Chun was handed over to the scheming Eleventh Miss. In that case, living might be even more unbearable than dying. So what difference did it really make whether she stayed or left?

“You’ve gone through so much trouble just to get me to resign voluntarily,” she said with a smile, gazing at the Eleventh Miss. Gone was the pretense of polite deference; her expression now carried the tragic resolve of someone who knew there were tigers in the mountains yet still chose to climb. “Otherwise, yesterday you should have spread the news of Tao Cheng’s arrest, sent someone to confront me, and then driven me out…”

All sound in the room ceased abruptly. The servants exchanged uneasy glances, and an air of tension filled the space.

Marquis Xu furrowed his brow, looking at the Eleventh Miss with concern, hesitating to speak.

The Eleventh Miss gave him a reassuring smile—"I’m fine.”

“I’ll be right outside,” Marquis Xu murmured, then parted the curtain and exited.

Only then did Tian Ma and the others quietly withdraw, leaving behind Amber and Yanrong to serve their mistress.

“You’re quite right, Madam,” the Eleventh Miss said lazily, leaning against an embroidered backrest pillow. Her gaze was calm and penetrating as she looked at Madam Tao. “I was indeed mindful of the Luo family’s reputation, which is why I didn’t act yesterday and left you a way out.”

Faced with such directness, Madam Tao felt a chill run through her. She straightened her spine. “And if I refuse to leave?”

The Eleventh Miss picked up a bright red cherry from the crystal dish and smiled. “Are you trying to negotiate terms with me, Madam?”

“I wouldn’t dare negotiate,” Madam Tao replied, her gaze icy. “Though Madam Xu’s methods are clever, they are like a sparrow unaware of lofty ambitions. How could I be the kind of person who only thinks of my own safety and abandons my master in times of crisis?”

The Eleventh Miss laughed.

“Your lofty ambitions are indeed beyond my understanding,” she interrupted. “However, I must admit, I’m impressed—despite Manager Tao still owing two thousand taels of silver from the household funds, you never took so much as a needle or thread from First Miss’s quarters.”

Madam Tao froze.

The Eleventh Miss continued, “You’ve kept to your duties, and that is commendable. Besides, the misuse of funds was Tao Cheng’s doing. Though he is your son, you’ve lived in the marquis household for many years and couldn’t possibly oversee everything.”

Her eyes gleamed as she studied Madam Tao.

“Now that Manager Tao has been implicated in a murder case, as his birth mother, you must naturally be concerned about his safety. Here’s my suggestion: relocate to the estate for the time being. As for the debt, out of respect for you, I will advance the funds temporarily. You can provide me with an IOU, and once my elder brother returns to the capital from Yuhang, we can discuss how to settle the matter.

“Lu Yonggui often travels and has broad experience. I’ll ask him to assist you in handling Manager Tao’s legal affairs. I’ll also inform Manager Zhao at the Affairs Office—if you encounter any difficulties, he can step in on your behalf. Legal troubles tend to attract unwanted attention, so to avoid gossip, let’s say Manager Tao has taken gravely ill. Given your loyal service, I’ll permit you to move to the estate to care for him and assist with day-to-day operations there. Once Manager Tao is released from prison, he can rest and regain his composure.

“When this matter passes and the young master prepares for marriage, you may return to help manage his household affairs, honoring First Miss’s final wishes.”

With each word the Eleventh Miss spoke, Madam Tao’s expression grew darker. By the time she finished, Madam Tao’s face had gone pale.

So—you dug a pit for me to fall into, and I’m expected not only to jump willingly, but even if I break my legs, I should be grateful and praise your generosity everywhere?

Since when does the one who gains the advantage also get to act wronged?

Her veins throbbed at her temples in anger as she lifted her eyebrows, about to speak, when Eleven Miss's voice cut in again.

"Madam Tao, come to think of it, we've been together for two or three years now. I may not boast of much, but I do pride myself on keeping my word. You should think carefully about some things," she warned. "Going to the estate will preserve Tao Cheng's reputation, and when the young master marries, you can return with a legitimate reason. If you don't go, and something happens to Tao Cheng, you might be so ashamed that you take your own life—such a thing is not beyond possibility."

"You—" Madam Tao gasped, her face flushed then paled.

Eleven Miss picked up her teacup. "I hear veteran inmates often prey on new arrivals, and they torture people into false confessions. Tao Cheng's matter cannot wait. You'd best go pack now, Madam! Then bid farewell to the young master so you can reach the estate before nightfall!"

Madam Tao trembled with rage, standing frozen in shock for a long time.

Amber and Yanrong exchanged glances and took her by the arms. "Don't be upset, Madam. Tao Cheng will be just fine!" Then they dragged her out.

Eleven Miss let out a long sigh, feeling drained.

Lord Xu entered. Seeing her dispirited expression, he stroked her hair. "Tired?"

Eleven Miss shook her head. "Why is it so hard to change someone's prejudice?" she said wistfully.

"What happened?" Lord Xu asked, thinking of Madam Tao being dragged out, as he pulled her close.

Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Eleven Miss was often fatigued.

She melted into Lord Xu's embrace, whispering how Madam Tao had stirred trouble, how Zhun'er was still naive, and how she had entrusted Lu Yonggui and Yang Huizu to persuade Madam Tao while Steward Bai had arranged for two constables from Shuntian Prefecture to detain Tao Cheng in the woodshed outside the inner courtyard. "...I know Madam Tao is most loyal to Zhun'er. But she's too narrow-minded, unable to tolerate even the smallest matters... Zhun'er is at an age where he understands just enough... It would be better to let her stay at the estate with her son for a while. When Zhun'er grows older and learns to distinguish right from wrong, she can return to serve him..."

Lord Xu frowned at first, but when he heard how Lu Yonggui and Yang Huizu had tricked Madam Tao, his eyes twinkled with amusement. Upon learning Tao Cheng was merely locked in the shed, he couldn't help but laugh. "Luckily, it's Madam Tao, a sheltered household woman. Anyone else wouldn’t have fallen for this!"

"Of course, this trick wouldn’t work on anyone else," Eleven Miss chuckled. "I couldn’t possibly let Tao Cheng face real legal trouble because of Madam Tao!" Then, thinking of Zhun'er's attachment to Madam Tao, her tone grew wistful. "Time reveals a person's true character. In a few years, when Zhun'er grows up safely, Madam Tao's resentment will fade."

Lord Xu, recalling Eleven Miss's kindness toward the children, affectionately kissed her forehead.

Madam Tao had a maid pack her belongings while she went to Shuangfu Courtyard.

Xu Sizhun was in class and looked surprised when Madam Tao sought him out.

"Young Master," Madam Tao gazed at his delicate features, couldn't drink her fill. Back when she served Eldest Miss, she had spun countless lies to manipulate those maids and servants—how could she believe Eleven Miss's promises now?

Leaving meant little chance of return. She had resolved to fight to the death, but now Eleven Miss was letting her leave the Yongping Marquis's household with dignity. Even a sliver of hope was worth clinging to. "Tao Cheng fell and hurt his leg last night," she said, parroting Amber's prepared excuse. "Her Ladyship asked me to check on him and help manage the estate. Once he recovers, I'll return!"

Xu Sizhun cried out, his small face creased with worry. "Is Cheng-ge badly hurt? I have some sanqi (a medicinal root) in my storeroom. Let me have Wen Zhu wrap some for you." He started to call for Wen Zhu.

"Wait, Young Master!" Madam Tao stopped him. "I must hurry to see Tao Cheng, but I have some advice for you first."

"What is it, Madam?" Xu Sizhun looked at her with clear eyes.

Madam Tao felt a pang of sorrow.

She whispered to him, "Now that the Fourth Madam is pregnant, the dowager and the Marquis's attention is all on her. You must take care of yourself. If you're ever unsure about something, send a servant to ask me at the estate. Remember—in the Yongping Marquis's household, after the Marquis, the most esteemed person is the heir. Many are eyeing your position. You must be vigilant. Don’t accept food from others; avoid secluded places; always keep maids or older women with you; and never leave the estate without the Marquis's permission..."

Xu Sizhun listened intently but found her words odd.

"Madam," he interrupted, "that’s not right. Mother said I was born the heir, and no one can take that from me. Why do you say someone might steal it?"

Madam Tao glanced up and saw Yanrong, who had accompanied her, growing impatient.

There was no time to explain. She hurriedly said, "Remember—where there's life, there's hope. If you suffer injustice in secret, bear it in silence. Don't let the dowager or the Marquis think you're spoiled. But if anyone disrespects you openly, demand they punish it immediately."