Chapter 11: Performance

Chapter 11: The Performance

Six months.

Qiu Shuiyi wasn't all that disappointed.

Compared to having only two hours left to live before, this was already quite good.

Her fighting spirit flared up.

It's fine. I'll definitely earn more time in the future.

Qiu Shuiyi smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, sparkling like starlight, radiant and dazzling.

Xin Tao fetched water for her to wash, gently wiping her face with a warm, damp cloth.

Xin Liu was making the bed, tucking in the pre-warmed bed warmer.

After seeing Qiu Shuiyi to bed, the two maids knelt down at the foot of the bed.

"What are you doing?" Qiu Shuiyi hurriedly told them to get up.

"Thanks to you today, Miss, otherwise, Xin Liu-jie and I would surely have gotten a beating," Xin Tao said, tears welling in her eyes.

"What is there to thank me for?" Qiu Shuiyi shook her head. "Actually, you got dragged into this because of me."

After a moment's thought, Qiu Shuiyi got up from the bed, walked to the dressing table, and with some effort, pulled out two silver ingots.

"These are for you."

Xin Liu was taken aback. "Miss, I cannot accept this."

"Take them," Qiu Shuiyi sighed. "If you don't, I won't be able to live with myself."

Xin Liu pressed her lips together, exchanged a glance with Xin Tao, and had no choice but to accept.

"Who knows how many more times I might implicate you in the future," Qiu Shuiyi murmured softly.

Her voice was low, but with only the three of them in the room, even a whisper was clearly audible.

Xin Liu: "..."

Xin Tao: "..."

Seeing their expressions, Qiu Shuiyi knew they had heard. She felt embarrassed and guilty.

"I will be good to you."

That sounded like a line from a scoundrel.

Qiu Shuiyi closed her mouth.

The two maids were both amused and exasperated.

Although they didn't understand why their Miss acted this way, ever since they came to serve her, they were her people.

For the Miss to treat them well was their good fortune.

What was there to wonder about?

After Qiu Shuiyi settled down, Xin Liu lowered the bed curtains and said softly, "If you need anything, Miss, just call for me. I'll be in the outer room."

Having been busy all day, Qiu Shuiyi was also tired. She curled up under the quilt, drowsy.

Hearing this, she managed to say, "It's fine, you go to sleep."

Xin Liu just smiled, snuffed out the candle, and slept in the outer room.

...

Lin Huaishu worked with remarkable speed. Qiu Shuiyi had only rested in the manor for one day when a servant from the An Ducal estate came to the door.

"My master, the Young Lord, has already uncovered the mastermind behind this and specifically sent me to inform the Second Young Lady."

Lady Mei hurriedly pressed, "Who is it?"

The servant avoided answering directly. "Her Highness the Grand Princess has already sent someone to summon that person. Would the Lady Marquess care to come over?"

The Marquis of Yun'an mused. "Very well, let us go and see."

Lady Mei immediately made to leave.

"Mother, I want to go too."

Lady Mei wasn't very willing. Yi'er's hand hadn't healed yet; what if she got hurt again?

"Don't worry, Yi'er, I won't let that scoundrel get away with this."

"Mother..."

Qiu Shuiyi gently tugged at Lady Mei's sleeve with her uninjured fingertips, giving it a small shake, her gaze clear and bright.

"I want to see exactly who wants to harm me."

Lady Mei relented.

The Marquis of Yun'an looked helplessly at his wife being so indulgent in front of their daughter. With a wave of his large hand, he said, "Let's go."

With him there, could anyone else possibly harm his daughter?

Qiu Shuiyi was overjoyed and said in a sweet voice, "Thank you, Father."

...

After Grand Princess Chaolin married the Duke of An, she lived with her husband in the Ducal residence.

After her husband passed away, she did not move to a princess's residence either, remaining deep within the mansion and rarely seeing outsiders.

Therefore, when they saw Grand Princess Chaolin in the main hall of the An Ducal estate, the Marquis of Yun'an and his wife were both startled. They quickly pulled Qiu Shuiyi forward to pay their respects.

"No need for such formalities," Grand Princess Chaolin said gently, beckoning to Qiu Shuiyi. "I've taken a liking to this girl. Since she has come to the residence, I naturally wanted to see her."

"And also to see who has the audacity to act so boldly right under the Emperor's nose."

Her voice was calm, yet the overwhelming nobility and authority in her words made everyone present stiffen.

Seeing Qiu Shuiyi step forward, Grand Princess Chaolin observed her expression. "It seems you have been resting well at home."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled. "Your subject is perfectly fine. Moreover, my mother takes meticulous care of me every day, so naturally, I am in high spirits."

Grand Princess Chaolin smiled and nodded, shooting a glance at Lin Huaishu standing to the side. "Huaishu, why haven't they arrived yet?"

Lin Huaishu sighed helplessly. "Grandmother, the Count's residence is several streets away from the Duke's mansion."

In other words, it would still be a while.

Only then did Qiu Shuiyi notice Lin Huaishu's presence and offered him a smile.

Lin Huaishu nodded in acknowledgment.

*Count's residence?*

Was the person who harmed her daughter from a Count's household?

Lady Mei exchanged a glance with the Marquis of Yun'an.

*Have you offended anyone at court recently?*

The Marquis of Yun'an cast his mind back.

Recently, aside from the ministers arguing over the succession issue, the court had been peaceful. How could he have offended anyone?

He shook his head.

Lady Mei shot him a glare.

*Fine, we'll find out in a moment.*

After waiting for half an hour, Count Changxing and his heir, Deng Shixuan, arrived belatedly.

The Marquis of Yun'an and Lady Mei, one sharp as a sword, the other with eyes like ice, fixed their gazes unwaveringly on the two.

Upon entering, Count Changxing felt a chill in his heart. Scanning the room, his eyes met the cold, stern gaze of the Marquis of Yun'an.

*When did I provoke this unruly fellow?*

After first paying respects to Grand Princess Chaolin, Count Changxing greeted the Marquis of Yun'an with a cheerful smile. "Brother Qiu, what brings you here today?"

A scoff escaped the Marquis of Yun'an's lips, and he ignored him.

Count Changxing, having been slighted, looked displeased and narrowed his eyes at the Marquis of Yun'an.

*Something's off.*

This smiling tiger was adept at scheming behind the scenes. Why was he so discourteous in public today?

Before he could figure it out, Lin Huaishu spoke.

"Lord Bo, the reason for your visit today is to inform you of a matter."

Count Changxing composed himself, a smile appearing on his fair face, assuming an amiable demeanor.

"Please speak, Young Master."

Lin Huaishu said, "The day before yesterday, while accompanying my grandmother back from worshipping Buddha, I encountered Second Miss Qiu being chased by thugs. After intervening, I sensed something was amiss and brought her back to the mansion for questioning."

He paused, glancing disdainfully at Deng Shixuan, who hung his head, expression unreadable. "The man claimed he was acting under the orders of the heir to the Count Changxing residence."

"Nonsense!" The smile vanished completely from Count Changxing's face, replaced by a stern expression. "My son has no grievance with the Qiu family's young lady. How could he..."

"Tsk."

His words were interrupted. Count Changxing turned with a grimace to see his son sweating profusely, eyes darting nervously, hands clutching the tassel at his waist.

The jade pendant on the tassel had broken in two.

What more was there to understand?

It really was this unfilial son's doing!

Count Changxing flew into a rage. "You wretch! How dare you commit such a disgraceful act that sullies our family name!"

Lady Mei said coldly, "Lord Bo's words hold some truth. Our second daughter has only recently returned home. What grievance could she possibly have with the Young Master to warrant such a vicious attack?"

Count Changxing withdrew his hand, flicking his sleeve sharply, and demanded sternly, "Speak! What was the reason?"

"I... I..." Deng Shixuan hunched his shoulders, sweating like rain in the middle of winter, stammering and unable to form a complete sentence.

Should he say he couldn't stand Qiu Shuiyi imitating Miss Lianying in everything?

His mother had always disliked Lady Yun'an. If she found out he had resorted to such underhanded tactics for Miss Lianying's sake, she would certainly be displeased.

Count Changxing grew even angrier at his son's unsightly demeanor, his voice thundering. "Out with it!"

Deng Shixuan wasn't afraid of his father. When had his father's anger ever been more than bluster?

But the gazes of the Marquis of Yun'an and his wife, Grand Princess Chaolin, and the Duke of An's heir made him feel as if needles were pricking his back.

He was merely a playboy from a wealthy family. When had he ever faced such a formidable situation? He was so flustered he was nearly in tears.

"I... I... it was because she..."

"I heard Heir Deng and Miss Cui from the Ministry of Revenue's household are cousins. At the last banquet, Miss Cui was accidentally stepped on by the young lady and left walking unsteadily. Could it be..."

A soft female voice sounded from a corner.

Everyone's gaze fell upon Xin Liu, who trembled in fright and buried her head deeply. "This servant was just speaking nonsense."

But Deng Shixuan jolted, loudly admitting, "Yes, it was all for my cousin! My cousin cried for days because of her. What's wrong with me teaching her a lesson?"

"You wretch!" Count Changxing was so furious the veins on his temples throbbed.

Qiu Shuiyi lowered her eyes, concealing the emotions within them.

*Blood is thicker than water.*

If Qiu Lianying were implicated, her father and mother would surely be heartbroken and enraged.

After much thought, she could only wrong that Miss Cui, whom she had met once.

When she looked up again, tears welled in Qiu Shuiyi's eyes.

"I grew up in the countryside and have a bit more strength. I accidentally hurt Miss Cui. Is that my fault too?"

"Moreover, Miss Cui had already forgiven me at the time. How could you, Young Master, seek someone to bully me just because of her casual remark?" Qiu Shuiyi's tears fell pattering down like strings of pearls, crying until her eyes turned red, a truly pitiful sight.

"Is the Young Master's tolerance even less than that of Miss Cui?"

Count Changxing flushed with shame at her words. "You disgrace! You've utterly shamed me! Kneel down! Today, I must teach you a lesson!"

Grand Princess Chaolin (a senior imperial princess) patted Qiu Shuiyi's shoulder.

Mei Shi gazed at her daughter, her heart full of pain, and sneered coldly, "Lord Bo, you must not be two-faced. If you have the courage, have him beaten twenty strokes right in front of me to avenge my child."

Count Changxing choked, "..."

He had always been all bark and no bite, just putting on a show to brush things off.

This venomous woman wanted his son's life!

"Could it be that I've hit the mark?" Mei Shi raised the corners of her eyes. "I've long heard that Lord Bo is henpecked, that the Countess is overbearing and dotes on her legitimate son, that no one is allowed to interfere with the Heir's upbringing, and that even when he beats and curses his half-brother, it's lightly brushed aside. I thought it was just a rumor, but seeing it today..."

She chuckled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "It seems it's not entirely unbelievable."

Mei Shi's words were like sharp knives stabbing into Count Changxing's heart.

Back then, the Count's household was in decline, and he had no choice but to marry Lady Cui. Who knew that woman was inherently jealous? She couldn't bear children herself yet forbade him from taking concubines. He was nearly thirty when he finally had his eldest son, but due to Lady Cui's tyranny, he had to raise him outside the household.

When the matter came to light, Lady Cui flew into a rage, declaring she would kill his eldest son. Unable to stop her, he watched helplessly as his son lay in a pool of blood.

Fortunately, Lady Cui, having been shocked, was found to be pregnant. His son only suffered some superficial injuries and, as a blessing in disguise, was recognized and returned to the family.

All these years, he had watched Lady Cui humiliate his eldest son. Every time he wanted to intervene, Lady Cui would casually mention her younger brother, the current Minister of Revenue.

Torn between blood ties and his future prospects, his heart ached unbearably, and he could only urge his eldest son to endure.

He couldn't touch Lady Cui, and now he couldn't even discipline his own son?

Suppressing his anger, Count Changxing respectfully addressed Grand Princess Chaolin, "My rebellious son is unruly. I beg Your Highness to sentence him to twenty strokes of the cane as an apology to Miss Qiu."

Grand Princess Chaolin readily agreed.

When the Duke's guards seized Deng Shixuan, his face was a picture of disbelief. "Father! My mother, she—"

"You still dare mention your mother! If she knew of your actions, she would punish you even more severely!"

Count Changxing gritted his teeth.

Deng Shixuan's face went slack, and he was dragged away like a ragdoll.

Soon, agonizing screams echoed from the courtyard.

Count Changxing listened, unable to bear it, and shifted uneasily, wanting to look back at the situation.

But out of respect for Grand Princess Chaolin, he could only hold back.

The twenty strokes were quickly administered. Deng Shixuan was dragged back in, his back a bloody mess, his eyes filled with resentment hidden beneath disheveled hair.

Count Changxing took one glance and dared not look again, suppressing his heartache. "Has Miss Qiu's anger been appeased?"

Qiu Shuiyi wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "Lord Bo endured the heartache to punish the Heir, all so that he may grow upright and virtuous in the future, bringing glory to the family."

"Shui Yi also has parents who love and cherish me. Even for the sake of Lord Bo's paternal love, I am unwilling to pursue this further."

These words dissipated much of the resentment Count Changxing had unconsciously harbored toward her.

His perfectly good legitimate son had been corrupted by Lady Cui!

He subconsciously overlooked the inconsistencies.

Marquis of Yun'an, however, raised an eyebrow.

Originally, the Heir to Count Changxing was punished to make amends to her. But with these words, it now seemed like Count Changxing's own agenda.

If his wife heard this...

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced over. Sure enough, Mei Shi was twisting her sleeves, anger hidden in her eyes.

Good grief...

After the apology, Qiu Shuiyi stood beside Grand Princess Chaolin, watching as Count Changxing left with Deng Shixuan.

Deng Shixuan was Count Changxing's son born in his later years and his only legitimate son. Doted on by the Countess, he developed an arrogant and domineering temperament—impulsive, quick-tempered, and fond of hiring local ruffians to bully those he looked down upon.

In the original story, he bullied the weak and was caught by the female lead. After being taught a lesson, he was completely written off.

Since he was destined to be cannon fodder anyway, why not let him serve her purpose?

She knew Grand Princess Chaolin hated evil and loathed those who bullied women. She inquired about Her Highness's whereabouts and deliberately placed herself in her path to be discovered.

After this ordeal, Deng Shixuan must surely hate her to the bone.

Qiu Shuiyi's eyes curved slightly, a hint of pleasure leaking from their depths.

The room fell silent, only the crackling of the charcoal brazier breaking the stillness.

Qiu Shuiyi suddenly turned her head.

The side hall was empty, save for the bead curtain swaying in the wind.

That faint, almost imperceptible gaze just now—could it have been an illusion?