Chapter 42 Maimed Hand “Could Piao Yao really marry her as his Marchioness?…”

Chapter 42: A Crippled Hand

Could Piao Yao possibly marry her as his Marquise?…

After that day, Xue Yubai called on Yue Rongrong several times, but she either feigned illness or claimed to be out, sending Zhong Yu to turn him away. In truth, these weren’t mere excuses; she had indeed been unwell. Returning that day, likely drenched by rain, weakened by blood loss, and emotionally distraught, her strength gave out, and she fainted.

The manager, acknowledging her contributions to Jinxiu Lou, granted her several days’ rest and reassigned her embroidery work to others.

“Love truly wounds the heart,” Zhong Yu remarked idly as she sat with Yue Rongrong in the garden pavilion, enjoying the spring scenery.

Yue Rongrong murmured, “What are you talking about?” She picked at the bandage on her palm, avoiding Zhong Yu’s gaze.

Zhong Yu rested her chin on her hand and glanced sideways at her. “Don’t pretend you don’t understand. Mr. Xue has been coming to see you lately, but he’s lost all his former confidence. He looks utterly dejected. Hey, Rong Rong—whom do you actually like?”

Yue Rongrong nervously scanned the surroundings. “Stop talking nonsense. There’s nothing between Mr. Xue and me.”

“What about Marquis Shen, then?”

“…Even less so!” Yue Rongrong shot her a sharp glare.

Zhong Yu didn’t press further—only smirked slyly.

Yue Rongrong nudged her. “Aren’t you about to participate in the imperial selection? How do you have time to sit here chatting? Go practice! If you lose to Du Yan and she gets ahead, I’ll look down on you!”

Zhong Yu instantly straightened up, hands on her hips, eyes wide. “Quick—say ‘pei pei pei’! Don’t jinx me!”

Yue Rongrong hastily turned away and muttered, “Pei pei pei.”

Zhong Yu slumped again and sighed. “I wish you could come with me.”

Yue Rongrong’s heart skipped a beat; for a moment, her expression faltered. She could only force a smile. “I can’t handle that kind of pressure.”

She knew, deep down, she couldn’t go.

Suddenly, Zhong Yu perked up, staring straight ahead. Yue Rongrong followed her gaze—and her heart leapt. Master Zhou stood beneath the moon gate, glaring coldly at them—or more precisely, at Yue Rongrong—before flashing a sinister smile.

Zhong Yu shivered. After he left, she turned to Yue Rongrong. “Don’t you think Master Zhou has been acting strangely lately? It’s like he’s plotting murder.”

Yue Rongrong offered a faint smile. “Who cares?”

“Oh—and Cheng Qian has been banished from the capital by the owner!” She paused, surprised, then corrected herself: “Well, more accurately—he was driven out! Rumor has it he offended some high-ranking noble, enraging the owner so much that he whipped Cheng Qian with a cane and sent him off to the estate that very night, ordering him to reflect on his conduct.” She sighed softly. “The owner is truly unfortunate to have such a disappointment.”

Yue Rongrong was deeply startled. Though she’d never liked Cheng Qian, she felt a quiet satisfaction at his departure—yet couldn’t shake the suspicion that his expulsion was linked to Shen Jichen…

After chatting a while longer, Zhong Yu went to practice, and Yue Rongrong returned to her room. From a locked chest, she retrieved a heavy pouch—today marked the tenth day. Though she hadn’t taken on any major noble commissions recently, she’d secured another lucrative side job.

Since the manager had granted her leave, she was free to depart Jinxiu Lou. She hired a carriage and headed out of the city, alighting near the mining prison and instructing the driver to wait.

At the prison entrance, Wang Xiong—who had previously been courteous—now wore a grave expression upon seeing her.

She grew nervous. “Brother Wang—has something happened to Qu Lieshan?”

Wang Xiong quickly shook his head. “He’s fine. Don’t worry.”

Yue Rongrong relaxed and handed over the “Worry-Free Silver,” smiling. “Thank you for your trouble, Brother Wang.”

Wang Xiong gazed at her sincere, bright smile—and hesitated, reluctant to accept it. Yet recalling Wen Song’s instructions, he lowered his eyes and took it.

“May I go in now?”

“No.” Wang Xiong looked up sharply. Yue Rongrong, already stepping forward, froze mid-stride. Noting his tone had been too harsh, Wang Xiong coughed dryly. “Lately, the Board of Punishments has intensified inspections. Superiors visit nearly every day. If they see you inside, it could cause complications—and damage Qu Lieshan’s reputation. Wait a little longer. I’ll notify you when it’s safe.”

Yue Rongrong tensed. “Superiors inspecting? Is it… the Vice Minister of the Board of Punishments?”

Wang Xiong’s eyes flickered. He studied her wary expression—her cheeks flushed with nervousness, like rouge on snow. He knew she was beautiful—but now, a pang of alarm struck him. Connecting Marquis Shen’s recent fury and the explicit order forbidding visits, he wondered, stunned: Could the Marquis’s rage stem from…?

He felt no thrill at the speculation—only deeper fear. He dared not say more. “The Vice Minister is far too busy and dignified to set foot in such a filthy place.”

Yue Rongrong relaxed. Since that was the case, she had no choice but to abandon her plan. She asked Wang Xiong to look after Qu Lieshan—and he agreed. Though Marquis Shen had severely beaten Qu Lieshan last time, he later dispatched the finest physicians to treat him and even upgraded his meals. Wang Xiong dared not guess the Marquis’s motives—he simply obeyed orders.

As long as Qu Lieshan remained unharmed, Yue Rongrong didn’t dwell on it. She returned to Jinxiu Lou feeling relieved—yet the moment she stepped inside, Zhong Yu blocked her path. Startled, Yue Rongrong laughed and playfully swatted her—but Zhong Yu’s expression was unusually serious. “Have you been taking private jobs outside?”

Yue Rongrong’s heart raced—but she forced calm. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you take a commission for *Spring River Flower Moon Night*?”

At this, Yue Rongrong paled. Zhong Yu closed her eyes in frustration, tugging her sleeve. “How could you be so reckless! How dare you accept such a commission! *Spring River Flower Moon Night* is a brothel! Quick—don’t go back! Hide at the Wei family’s for a while!” She pushed Yue Rongrong toward the door.

“What’s going on? Does everyone know? Does the manager know?” Yue Rongrong grabbed her arm, guessing.

“More than just the manager! Someone found out—and now all our clients connected to Jinxiu Lou—the noble ladies and young misses—have descended upon us!”

Yue Rongrong’s face cycled between green and white. She frowned, a thick wave of dread rising in her chest. She wanted to flee—but knew escape was impossible. She had to face it. Suppressing the tremor in her voice, she declared firmly, “I’ll go see.”

“See what? Those ladies are furious—the young misses haven’t stopped crying—they all want to flay you alive! Hide for a while until they calm down, okay?”

As Zhong Yu tried to push her out the door, someone suddenly darted from the side, blocking the exit. Du Yan watched Yue Rongrong with gleeful eyes—nearly glowing with excitement, as if anticipating her imminent downfall.

“Yue Rongrong—trying to run? Not a chance!”

Zhong Yu rolled up her sleeves and stepped forward. “Du Yan—move aside!”

Du Yan burst into hearty laughter. “You can hide from the first—but not the fifteenth. Where do you think she can run?”

Yue Rongrong pulled Zhong Yu back. “Who said I’m hiding?”

Du Yan, seeing her defiance undimmed, flashed a venomous glare. “Hmph! Let’s see how long you stay arrogant!”

Zhong Yu, unable to stop Yue Rongrong, watched as Du Yan followed her toward Caiyun Tang. She gritted her teeth, stamped her foot, and rushed out—she had no choice but to gamble now!

Upon entering Caiyun Tang, Yue Rongrong heard soft sobbing and furious curses. Her body trembled—a detail Du Yan noticed, which only heightened her excitement.

“What—scared now?”

Yue Rongrong shot her a sidelong glance, disliking her gloating expression, straightened her spine, and walked into the hall.

The room was packed with women. At a glance, seven or eight elder ladies sat seething with anger, while younger misses stood behind them, dabbing tears. The embroiderers stood to the side—all glaring at her as if she were a monstrous criminal. The manager stood in the center, likely offering apologies.

The moment the ladies spotted Yue Rongrong, they bristled like enraged cats, their venomous eyes seeming to devour her alive. Yue Rongrong shivered—but forced herself to stand firm.

Master Zhou stepped forward first, feigning concern. “Rong Rong! How could you be so foolish! How could you accept embroidery work for courtesans! What were you thinking—placing these noble ladies and young misses in such an untenable position? Are you implying noblewomen are no better than those… *spit*! I deserve to be struck!” He slapped his own face, then turned to apologize to the incensed ladies. “Please, noble ones—do not be angry!”

But his words only fanned the flames—plunging Yue Rongrong into irredeemable peril.

“Guards! Seize Xin Yue!” commanded Lady Zou, wife of Libu Yuanwailang, seated at the head of the hall. Instantly, two matrons stepped forward and seized Yue Rongrong’s arms tightly. She grunted in pain.

“Kneel!” snapped the Canjun’s wife. A matron behind her delivered a hard kick to Yue Rongrong’s knees—forcing her down with a loud, jarring thud. Pain contorted her brow.

The shopkeeper couldn't bear it and quickly interjected, "Ladies, please calm your anger. There might be some misunderstanding. Why not give Xin Yue a chance to explain?"

The Military Advisor's Wife snapped furiously, "Explain what! Last night, Madam Zou and I attended a banquet with our husbands. To our shock, the dancers who performed were wearing dresses with the exact same patterns as Miss Zou's, turning the entire banquet into a laughingstock! When we asked, we found out! Your embroidery house's Xin Yue has been doing embroidery for prostitutes! Now Miss Zou is at home trying to kill herself! What more is there to explain!"

"Jinxiu Lou is renowned far and wide. We've always trusted Jinxiu Lou, but you—you gave us such a huge 'surprise'! Now you want us to go out wearing the same clothes as those women of ill repute? Where does that leave our dignity?"

The shopkeeper's face turned pale. Even though Jinxiu Lou was the top embroidery house in the capital, this matter was serious. It undoubtedly damaged Jinxiu Lou's reputation and humiliated its clients. The shopkeeper was at a loss for words, but still held onto a sliver of hope. He turned and gritted his teeth as he ordered, "Quickly, explain to the ladies!"

How could she explain? It was true she had done it, for money. Yue Rongrong felt despair, but she wouldn't just wait for death. Suppressing her panic and fear, she steadied her voice and said, "I wonder if I could take a look at the dress the young lady wore yesterday."

Madam Zou said sharply, "Show her! Let her die knowing the truth!"

A maid immediately threw over two dresses, both embroidered with butterflies and roses. However, Yue Rongrong had only embroidered this pattern for the girls of Spring River Flower Moon Night; the one for Miss Zou was not this pattern.

"I did not embroider Miss Zou's dress."

"How dare you lie even at death's door!" Madam Zou said harshly. "This was clearly delivered by Jinxiu Lou, and my daughter specifically requested you to complete it! Now you dare to brazenly lie."

Yue Rongrong insisted calmly, "The pattern I made for Miss Zou was not this one."

Madam Zou snorted coldly. "What a way to shift blame! Whether you embroidered this pattern or not, my Zou family has already been utterly humiliated! Jinxiu Lou must give me an explanation today!"

Indeed, given how things had escalated, even if someone had framed Yue Rongrong, the fact that she had done embroidery for brothel girls was true.

The shopkeeper had no choice but to ask, "What does Madam wish to do?"

Madam Zou glared. "Break her hands! Drive her out of the capital!"

All the embroiderers gasped in fear. Yue Rongrong's face was ashen.

＊＊

Meanwhile, Zhong Yu first went to the Marquis's residence to see Shen Jichen and was nearly driven away until she shouted Yue Rongrong's name. The gatekeeper then told her that Shen Jichen was at the Ministry of Justice offices. Zhong Yu didn't dare delay and rushed to the Ministry of Justice. She first said she was a friend of Yue Rongrong's, but Shen Jichen was still at the palace and hadn't returned! Afraid that further delay would lead to disaster, she could only kneel and beg them to find a way to inform him.

Everyone looked at each other; no one dared to agree. Assistant Minister Guo stepped forward, righteously promising to help! He told her to wait at the Ministry of Justice, but Zhong Yu, afraid of wasting time, insisted on going with him. He couldn't dissuade her and had to agree, letting her stay in the carriage, hidden from view, parked on the long street outside the imperial city.

Back at Caiyun Tang, the shopkeeper was caught in a dilemma. He wanted to protect Yue Rongrong, but if he did, Jinxiu Lou would be ruined. He didn't dare make that decision, nor could he. He had to sacrifice Yue Rongrong, but the thought of breaking her hands...

"Please, ladies, show mercy. Xin Yue is still young. If her hands are broken, her life will be over. How about just driving her out of the capital..."

"No! Her hands matter? Does my daughter's reputation not matter? Manager Xu, such favoritism shows you care nothing for Jinxiu Lou! Our husbands may not have great power, but I fear public anger is hard to withstand, Manager Xu."

This struck a chord with the shopkeeper. Looking at the angry faces in the hall, indeed, public anger was hard to withstand.

Du Yan stood to the side, exchanging a glance with Master Zhou. Both couldn't help but curl their lips into smiles.

Soon, very soon, he would have his revenge for that slap! As soon as Madam Zou gave the order, he would personally break every one of Yue Rongrong's fingers. Master Zhou could barely contain his excitement, trying his best to look regretful.

Just then, a young maid stumbled in, trembling as she said, "Manager, the Dali Temple—Dali Temple officers have barged in!"

"What! Dali Temple?!" The shopkeeper stared in shock, then turned with a forced smile. "Madam, there's no need to report this to Dali Temple, is there?"

Madam Zou was also puzzled for a moment. She looked at the Military Advisor's Wife and the other ladies, who were equally confused. She said coldly, "I didn't report it. I didn't know your Jinxiu Lou, seemingly magnificent, had other filthy secrets! This concerns my daughter's reputation. After last night's scene, how could she possibly report it to the authorities?"

The shopkeeper's heart skipped a beat. Turning to look, he saw a group of officers in official uniforms, swords at their waists, marching in solemnly. Without any fuss, they stated sternly, "Someone reported that Jinxiu Lou has falsified household registries! The Deputy Minister specially sent us to investigate."

"Falsified household registries?" The shopkeeper was stunned. "Is there some mistake? How could that be, sir? Our Jinxiu Lou people are all law-abiding citizens. How could we do such a vile thing?"

The officers remained unmoved. "Whether it's true or not, we'll find out once we investigate. Hurry up and bring out everyone's household registries."

In the midst of everyone's confusion, Yue Rongrong knelt there, her soul seemingly frozen, unreceptive to any sound, as if only an empty shell remained, devoid of life.

Master Zhou was almost burning with glee. Yesterday, he suddenly received a note saying Yue Rongrong's household registry was fake. He was so excited he almost went to report it immediately but kept a shred of rationality and sent an anonymous letter to Dali Temple.

Now everyone was both terrified and astonished.

"Who? Whose registry is fake?"

Madam Zou said disdainfully, "Manager Xu, your embroidery house certainly has exciting affairs!"

After a while, the servants brought all the household registries. An official who looked like a scholar stepped forward from the officers, sat down, and began carefully examining each one.

The Dali Temple officer said, "This is a registrar from the Ministry of Revenue. He will determine the truth."

Going through them one by one was too slow. Master Zhou could hardly wait to see Yue Rongrong suffer and couldn't help speaking up, "Could it be Yue Rongrong?"

As soon as he said it, everyone turned to look at Yue Rongrong. Her face was deathly pale, and she remained rigid.

The shopkeeper scolded, "Don't talk nonsense!"

Master Zhou immediately said, "Manager, think about it. Every time something requires proof of household registry, Rong Rong always finds an excuse not to participate. The previous embroidery competition, this palace selection—isn't it strange?"

The officer frowned and immediately pulled out the registry under Yue Rongrong's name from the pile, handing it to the registrar.

The shopkeeper had been half-doubting, but now, seeing Yue Rongrong's expression, his heart sank.

At the same time, in a teahouse across the street from Jinxiu Lou, Meng Jiayan sat elegantly by the window, sipping tea. Her confidante maid, Zi Teng, sat on the floor beside her and asked quietly, "Miss, that embroiderer ran out in a panic earlier—clearly going for help. Why didn't you stop her? What if she brings Marquis Shen?"

Meng Jiayan smiled faintly. "If Piao Yao comes, so what? What can he do?"

Zi Teng said anxiously, "If the Marquis comes, won't he save Yue Rongrong?"

Meng Jiayan said indifferently, "I don't want Yue Rongrong to die."

Zi Teng was stunned, looking at her mistress in confusion.

Meng Jiayan set down her teacup, helped Zi Teng sit beside her, and said leisurely, "If the embroiderer doesn't bring Piao Yao, that's fine. If she does, I can see how much Yue Rongrong means to Piao Yao."

"What if the Marquis cares deeply about this Yue Rongrong?"

Meng Jiayan smiled gently. "How long can a man's care last? Father's concubines are all young and beautiful, but which one lasts long?"

"What if this Yue Rongrong lasts?"

Meng Jiayan thought for a moment and said softly, "Then just send Piao Yao a few more beauties. Mother never minds Father taking concubines; she even finds ways to send him beauties. Watching those old and new beauties fight for favor until Father gets annoyed and returns to Mother's side—the rightful wife is always the rightful wife."

Zi Teng couldn't help but beam. "Miss, you are so wise!" Then she was confused again. "But wouldn't secretly executing Yue Rongrong solve everything?"

Meng Jiayan said, "Remember Father's Concubine Ying? At first, Father couldn't have her and thought about her day and night. Later, when he finally got her, it was just the same. Now he's discarded her. If Yue Rongrong disappears now, she'll forever remain in Piao Yao's heart."

Zi Teng finally understood. "So you didn't tell the Grand Princess directly, fearing complications."

Meng Jiayan said calmly, "The Grand Princess favors me. If I have to bring such a small matter to her, she'll think I'm incapable, unable to handle even a common girl. After all, she's just a common girl. Could Piao Yao possibly marry her as the Marquise? At best, she'd be a concubine. Rather than that, it's better to let her be. In time, Piao Yao will grow tired of her."

All she cared about was the position of the rightful wife of the Marquis of Wujing.

Zi Teng was completely reassured. As she refilled Meng Jiayan's tea, she saw a carriage speeding to a halt right in front of Jinxiu Lou's main entrance, causing everyone nearby to scatter in fear.

Meng Jiayan looked out and saw Shen Jichen alighting from the carriage with a cold, stern expression. In just a few strides, he entered the Brocade Pavilion, leaving behind a fleeting glimpse of his figure. Meng Jiayan’s brow furrowed slightly, but she soon smiled faintly.

Zi Teng, however, was alarmed: “Miss, if the Marquis finds out you once looked into Yue Rongrong’s household registration…”

Meng Jiayan remained composed: “Don’t worry, Manager Xu is a smart man. He can’t afford to offend the Shen family, nor can he risk crossing the Meng family. His best option is to stay out of trouble—he knows exactly what to say and what not to say.”

＊＊

The constable took the household registration that the registrar had inspected, glanced at it, received a confirming look from the registrar, then turned to Yue Rongrong, who was still kneeling on the ground. He held the register in front of her and asked coldly, “Is this yours?”

At this point, Yue Rongrong closed her eyes. When she opened them again, the confusion in her gaze had cleared, replaced by calm. She replied evenly, “Yes.”

Seeing her straightforward admission, the constable saw no need to press further and asked, “Who did it?”

But Yue Rongrong remained silent. The constable repeated the question twice more, yet she still did not speak. Losing patience, he said sharply, “You’d better tell the truth! Under torture, your delicate body won’t hold up! Confess honestly who the forger is, and you may redeem yourself!”

Yue Rongrong tilted her head up, her expression blank but resolute: “I admit to falsifying the household registration. I will accept whatever punishment the law dictates, Officer. I will bear any consequences.”

The constables were taken aback that someone as seemingly fragile as Yue Rongrong could speak with such resolve, and they paused for a moment in surprise.

Madam Zou laughed: “Manager Xu, your Brocade Pavilion has truly broadened my horizons today.”

Master Zhou approached the manager and said, “At this point, for the sake of the Brocade Pavilion, you have no choice but to hand Yue Rongrong over. Whether her hands are crippled, she’s beaten, or imprisoned—you can’t stop it now.”

The manager shot him a disgusted look, finding the calculating glint in his eyes particularly irritating.

“What’s all this commotion? What’s going on?” Suddenly, a low, commanding voice cut through the noise, steady and imposing.

Everyone was startled and turned to look at the entrance. There stood Shen Jichen, walking in slowly, his demeanor aloof and unapproachable. His cool gaze was sharp and penetrating as it swept over the crowd. Those sitting stood up, and those standing immediately became respectful, as if an unruly crowd had been subdued. The hall fell silent; they could only bow in deference, not daring to act out of line.

“We pay our respects to the Marquis!”

Yue Rongrong looked up at him in a daze, her vision gradually blurring. Shen Jichen faintly frowned and walked past her.

Madam Zou naturally vacated the seat of honor, watching respectfully as Shen Jichen sat down with ease. Then, glancing aside, she noticed Wen Song, the Marquis’s attendant, personally helping Yue Rongrong to her feet, and her expression tightened.

Zhong Yu also rushed over, out of breath, and supported Yue Rongrong’s limp body.

Shen Jichen glanced at the officers from the Dali Temple: “What happened?”

Although both the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Punishments handled judicial matters, they weren’t necessarily obliged to obey officials from the Ministry of Punishments. But this official was Marquis Shen, so they had no choice but to answer truthfully: “We received an anonymous letter reporting that someone at the Brocade Pavilion had falsified their household registration. We came to investigate and have confirmed that it is Miss Yue Rongrong.”

Shen Jichen’s expression shifted slightly as he looked at Yue Rongrong. She remained silent with her head bowed, and he understood. Lowering his eyes, a flicker of displeasure passed through them before he looked up again, his gaze icy: “Bring it here.”

The constable immediately stepped forward.

Taking the household register, Shen Jichen glanced at it briefly and said, “It is indeed falsified. She is not from Yangzhou but from Hangzhou. It was likely an oversight by the Ministry of Household Registration back then. Wen Song, go to the Ministry of Household Registration and inquire.”

The registrar seemed about to say something but, since the Marquis had declared it, he didn’t dare refute and lowered his head.

The constable objected, “But Miss Yue Rongrong already admitted it earlier?”

Shen Jichen raised an eyebrow and looked at Yue Rongrong: “You admitted it?” His tone noticeably softened.

Yue Rongrong was no fool. Clutching her still-trembling hands, she said shakily, “Earlier, I heard they intended to torture me. I was afraid of being maimed and thought serving a few years in prison would be better than being crippled, so I had no choice but to confess. But I know nothing about who falsified it, I don’t understand any of it—I’ve been wronged…” She lowered her head.

The constables were stunned and quickly bowed to Shen Jichen. Picking up on the implication, they swiftly changed the subject: “Is the Marquis acquainted with this Miss Yue?” Their address had shifted from “Yue Rongrong” to “Miss Yue.”

Shen Jichen chuckled lightly: “Just acquaintances. I’ve only met her twice in Hangzhou.”

No one believed they were merely acquaintances—why else would he come to her defense?—but no one dared question it.

“The anonymous letter?” Shen Jichen asked abruptly.

The constable paused, then quickly took it from his garment and presented it.

Shen Jichen took it with one hand, examined it for a moment, and handed it to the manager: “Check the handwriting. Find out who in your Brocade Pavilion wrote this.”

The manager understood immediately and was about to take it when Master Zhou beside him suddenly stumbled, his legs giving way. A chill ran down his spine, and he shuddered. Slowly, he looked toward Shen Jichen, and the sight frightened him so much he lost his composure, dropping to his knees with a thud.

“It seems there’s no need to investigate,” Shen Jichen said coolly. “Quite the slanderer, falsely accusing common people. What does the law of Zhou Dynasty say?”

The constable replied, “If found guilty of spreading falsehoods causing harm to another, the punishment is tongue removal.”

Shen Jichen said indifferently, “Then take him away.”

Master Zhou’s face turned pale, and he trembled uncontrollably, begging, “Spare me, Marquis! Spare me! Rong Rong, plead for me, please plead for me! Rong Rong!”

His pitiful wails echoed through the hall, but Yue Rongrong kept her head down—she was not one to forgive easily.

Seeing the matter resolved, the Dali Temple constables took their leave.

Women are perceptive; sensing a hint of protection, Madam Zou had softened earlier when the punishment of tongue removal was mentioned. Now, she too prepared to leave with the constables.

“Your servant takes her leave.”

But Shen Jichen stopped them: “Wait.”

Madam Zou and the others trembled, not daring to look up, until Shen Jichen said calmly, “I heard Miss Zou’s sixteenth birthday banquet is coming soon. I will ask Her Majesty the Empress to select a headdress for Miss Zou, and both the Duke’s household and the Marquis’s residence will send generous gifts. I hope Madam Zou will accept them.”

Madam Zou looked up in disbelief, her heart warmed and eyes brimming with tears. She bowed repeatedly: “Thank you for your generosity, Marquis! Thank you for your generosity!”

With such honor, her anger toward Yue Rongrong vanished. With the Shen family’s support, even if last night’s incident was embarrassing, her honor was fully restored! Her daughter was about to hold her head high!

As she left, she almost couldn’t resist giving Yue Rongrong a grateful, tearful smile—wasn’t this a blessing in disguise? Yue Rongrong was still in a daze, and Zhong Yu was so excited she nearly hugged Yue Rongrong and cheered, but she restrained herself after glancing at the solemnly seated Shen Jichen.

Only the Brocade Pavilion embroiderers remained in the hall. The manager expressed endless gratitude, but the embroiderers were still reeling from the immense honor Shen Jichen had bestowed upon the Zou family. Just because Yue Rongrong had made a mistake, he’d made such a grand gesture—even involving the Empress!

Before this, they’d thought Yue Rongrong was doomed—her hands would be ruined, and she’d surely face imprisonment. But Marquis Shen had resolved it so effortlessly… How could it be? It was both enviable and resentment-inducing! Du Yan nearly clenched her jaw in frustration, but the fear of Master Zhou’s punishment kept her from showing it.

Wen Song spoke up: “Everyone, go back to your posts.”

Yue Rongrong’s heart was still troubled, at a loss by the sudden turn of events. She moved to leave with the others, but Wen Song stopped her, gently guided her back. She was treated differently. Soon, only Shen Jichen and Yue Rongrong remained in the hall. Wen Song was the last to exit, shutting the door behind him and leaving the room in silence.