Chapter 262: If the Path Is Blocked, Use a Whip to Clear It

Chapter 262: When the Path Is Blocked, Lash It Open

"Princess Lerong County, were you invited to pay a visit this late?"

"Does Princess Pingning know of this?"

"Does Yongming Grand Princess know of this?"

"Breaking and entering violates the Daqian law. Even if Princess Lerong County is a royal kinswoman, she cannot flout the law, can she?"

Yongning Marquis looked up, struggling to maintain his crumbling dignity, his deceptive, clouded eyes faintly chilling.

Princess Lerong County ran her fingers along her coiled whip, recalling Ming Zhou's instructions, then arched a brow and smirked, radiating audacity.

"Don’t you dare liken this princess to that insolent son-in-law of yours."

As she spoke, she retrieved a dark golden token from her waist.

"See it clearly?"

The words "Imperial Presence" blazed unmistakably for all to see, and the lower right corner of the dark golden token bore a square seal.

Judging by its design, it was unmistakably bestowed during Emperor Wencheng's reign.

Afraid of handing others ammunition, Yongning Marquis hastily knelt and prostrated himself.

The words "Imperial Presence" carried the weight of a towering mountain.

Especially since the current Emperor's reign had been marked by extreme favoritism in rewards and punishments.

The influential ministers and favorites of Emperor Jingxiang's court were purged like dead leaves in a gale—mercilessly.

Entire clans were wiped out; others banished.

Those who emerged whole were rare as phoenix feathers.

But those from Emperor Wencheng's era were shown unwavering reverence.

It seemed the current Emperor genuinely revered Emperor Wencheng, his foster father.

"Shall this princess elaborate on the token’s backstory, lest Yongning Marquis doubt its authenticity?" Princess Lerong County asked lazily, lowering her gaze.

Yongning Marquis: ...

He had heard a little about the token's origin.

It stemmed from moldy old grudges between Gu Shen and Princess Pingning.

Princess Pingning's good name was sullied, driving her to wed a lowborn scholar. While bedridden during her pregnancy, she was shocked into early labor by Gu Shen.

That birth was perilous, nearly a double tragedy.

When the child was born, Emperor Wencheng personally bestowed the name 'Lerong' in his own hand, wishing for a life of peace, happiness, and splendor, and granted the "Imperial Presence" token.

This was Emperor Wencheng's compensation to Princess Pingning.

Princess Lerong County was quite satisfied with Yongning Marquis's quick wit.

"This princess is not one to trespass into private residences..." Princess Lerong County's eyes darted slyly.

The words Ming Zhou taught were truly tongue-twisting and highfalutin!

She really couldn’t repeat them exactly!

Seeing this, Lu Minghua said softly, "Father, it was I who heard that Chaochao was suffering from pregnancy complications and went ahead, sending the maids from Longcui Courtyard to bother Princess Lerong County and Second Miss Ming at this ungodly hour."

"With everything happening so fast, I failed to inform Father and Mother promptly. That was my fault."

Lu Minghua was completely unafraid.

Chaochao was right—as the trueborn first son of the marquis’ household, he held an indisputable advantage.

As long as he didn’t bring ruin upon himself, his father’s wish to change the heir would remain mere wishful thinking.

Yongning Marquis was panic-stricken and dizzy.

The daughter of that old bastard Censor Ming was here too?

He could already envision the scene at the morning court: Censor Ming impeaching him for failing to discipline his daughter and manage his household, tarnishing the glory of his ancestors, and petitioning the Emperor to reprimand him.

At best, he’d lose pay and be ordered to reflect; at worst, demotion and house arrest.

What sin had he committed in his past life to be saddled with such good-for-nothing children?

Yongning Marquis gritted his teeth, managing a strained smile. "As the elder brother, it’s only natural for you to care for and show kindness to Chaochao."

Just then, the Court-Appointed Physician came out from the back room.

She bowed with proper respect but no subservience to everyone present, then spoke calmly, "Marquis, Lady Marquis."

"The injuries on Miss Qiu Shi’s lips, cheeks, and back are easy to treat. With medicine and some rest, she will recover."

"However, the bigger problem is the silver needles inside her body."

"By my rough estimate, from last winter to today, there are at least a hundred silver needles inside Miss Qiu Shi."

"Over the months, they’ve worked their way into her organs, causing damage. She hasn't long to live."

"This is beyond my skills—I can do nothing more."

"The Marquis and Lady Marquis must seek another expert."

"A hundred silver needles?" Princess Lerong County shrieked.

"Qiu Shi?"

"The Qiu Shi who used to serve by Lu Mingchao’s side, always lowering her head and hiding smiles?"

"Yongning Marquis, is this how you treat your servants in your household?"

"Your marquis’ household’s rules of governance have truly opened my eyes to new lows."

Princess Lerong County marched straight toward the inner chamber.

Lu Minghui felt a cold dread.

This time, would the Lady Marquis be able to save her?

The inner chamber.

Qiu Shi lay unconscious on her stomach, her back tightly bandaged.

Princess Lerong County pointed at Qiu Shi and asked, "Royal Physician, what's wrong with her?"

The Royal Physician cupped her hands and replied, "Princess Lerong County, Miss Qiu Shi's wounds are too dense and vary in depth, making the cleaning and bandaging process intricate and time-consuming. I used a small amount of numbing powder as deemed appropriate."

"Once the effects wear off, Miss Qiu Shi will awaken."

The Royal Physician thought to herself that Qiu Shi was both unfortunate and fortunate.

As her life was fading, the horrifying truth hidden beneath the surface had been revealed.

Though her lifespan could not be salvaged, the truth would eventually come to light.

Justice was a luxury she could hardly afford.

This night was one where the wind stirred yellow sands and dried waters exposed the iceberg.

"Royal Physician, give it to me straight."

"Is there truly no hope for Qiu Shi?"

Princess Lerong County white-knuckled her pliant whip, the veins on the back of her hand bulging as it creaked under the strain.

The Royal Physician gave a grim nod.

Life was hard enough as it was.

These young women, sold into service in wealthy households since childhood, each had their own cross to bear.

Once they signed those contracts, their lives were no longer their own.

Either their flesh and blood nourished the hardships of their families, or their bones became the soil for the wealthy's pretty gardens.

In the end, they weren't living—just existing.

With a kind master, an object might chance a peaceful end.

If not, every day was a gamble.

Princess Lerong County radiating fury, lashed out repeatedly, strike after strike landing on Lu Minghui's back.

"You call yourself kind and virtuous?"

Lu Minghui howled in pain, twisting away. Beyond the agony, she trembled under Princess Lerong County's domineering glare.

Yongning Marquis snapped, deeply displeased.

For Princess Lerong County to whip Minghui in front of him was nothing short of a slap to his face.

"Princess Lerong County!" Yongning Marquis warned sharply.

"This is the Yongning Marquis's residence. For the Grand Princess and Pingning's sake, I've cut you some slack..."

Princess Lerong County arched a brow, all arrogance. "Save your lectures, Yongning Marquis."

"In my eyes, there is no room for beasts. Once I vent this foul anger in my heart, I will personally enter the palace to offer my humble apology, leaving my fate to His Majesty's judgment."

"With such a venomous-hearted daughter, the Yongning Marquis’s household is just as despicable."

"Of course, Young Master Lu lives up to his reputation—a truly noble and upright gentleman."

The Marchioness of Yongning could not bear to see Lu Minghui's life ruined in an instant and quickly improvised, "County Princess Lerong has misunderstood my daughter."

"In this matter, my daughter knew nothing."

A tightly woven grand scheme.