Chapter 12: Fortune and Misfortune Intertwined

“Oh dear, these maids really have no sense of restraint. Daughter, don’t worry, I’ll have them all dealt with soon, alright?” The clan leader’s wife smiled as she helped Xiao Yi up and draped a robe over her shoulders. “That little Sheng is quite incompetent. I was only worried you’d be wronged.”

“For a young woman, preserving her purity is paramount. I only felt at ease knowing you hadn’t crossed that Thunder Pool. I was worried, daughter, please don’t blame your mother for that.”

Xiao Yi’s hair was disheveled, tears streaked her face. She wrapped the robe tightly around her and quietly picked up her trousers to put them on. “Madam, it’s not your fault, it’s mine.”

Her mind and body thoroughly humiliated, the last remnants of her pride were utterly worn away.

She had been naïve all these years, never seeing the true nature of the clan leader and his wife despite their long acquaintance.

“Why don’t you call me mother? Are you still angry with me?” The clan leader’s wife, sensing Xiao Yi’s distance, put her arm around her shoulder. “Today was all a misunderstanding. I understand your anger. But please don’t blame your sister. Qiang’er grew up wild outside, she speaks without filter and acts rashly.”

“Earlier, when she heard you were coming back, she even cleared out her own room to redecorate it for you. But I knew you were a sentimental child and wouldn’t be comfortable anywhere else, so I had someone tidy up your old room in the West Garden. How about you stay there tonight?”

The clan leader’s wife’s expression was sincere. Xiao Yi dared not refuse and nodded softly. “Thank you, mother.”

“You’re such a good child. Let’s put today behind us and never speak of it again.” The clan leader’s wife embraced Xiao Yi tightly, then called out loudly, “Qiuxia, it’s late. Hurry and take the young lady back to the West Garden to rest.”

“Yes, madam.”

After enduring a forced display of deep maternal affection, Xiao Yi finally followed Qiuxia out of the main hall.

Qiuxia led the way, Xiao Yi walked behind. Upon reaching the West Garden, Qiuxia suddenly knelt before her. “Miss Xiao Yi, I know this is abrupt, but I beg you to spare my daughter.”

“What? Me?” Xiao Yi was puzzled, confused. “Who is your daughter?”

Before she could finish, Qiuxia began kowtowing repeatedly. “She knows her mistake. Please, have mercy. I only have this one daughter, little Qiuxia.”

Hearing the name, Xiao Yi immediately recognized her.

Little Qiuxia was the one who falsely accused Xiao Yi of fraternizing with a servant by the rockery, leading to today’s humiliating inspection. Indeed, she had made an enemy of her.

But Little Qiuxia was the personal maid of Xiao Qiang; why was she begging for mercy? Given Xiao Yi’s current powerless status, how could she possibly retaliate against Xiao Qiang’s favored servant?

Seeing Xiao Yi hesitate, Qiuxia’s panic grew. Clinging to her leg, tears streaming, she pleaded, “Miss, please. Just spare little Qiuxia’s life. In the next life, I’ll serve you like a beast of burden. No, in this life, I’ll serve you faithfully!”

Xiao Yi knew deep down that Little Qiuxia’s false accusation was likely orchestrated by Xiao Qiang. Nevertheless, Qiuxia’s pitiful tears moved her. She sighed softly, “Alright, I agree. But aren’t you mistaken? Little Qiuxia serves Xiao Qiang.”

Qiuxia, hearing the consent, hurriedly kowtowed again. “Thank you, Miss, thank you.”

Xiao Yi was no saint and could not smile after being struck.

She thought to herself: Kowtow all you want. Then she pushed open the gate and entered the West Garden.

Inside the courtyard knelt a circle of servants. Xiao Yi glanced around and, seeing none of her former attendants, casually said, “It’s late. You needn’t wait on me. You may all leave.”

As the servants dispersed, Xiao Yi suddenly recognized a familiar face.

“Little Qiuxia?” she exclaimed.

Wasn’t Little Qiuxia supposed to be with Xiao Qiang? How did she end up here?

Startled by the call, Little Qiuxia stood frozen a moment before slowly approaching.

Her face was deathly pale, resembling a frostbitten eggplant.

Xiao Yi was puzzled. “Why are you here?”

She thought her tone was gentle, but unexpectedly, Little Qiuxia knelt and opened her mouth wide, emitting several anguished cries.

In the faint candlelight, Xiao Yi leaned in and saw, her heart chilled—Little Qiuxia’s tongue had been cut out, leaving a black, hollow void.

“How... how could this happen?” Xiao Yi’s heart trembled with fear and uncertainty.

Who was cruel enough to do this?

Xiao Qiang? Xiao Ru? Or the clan leader and his wife?

Before she could ask further, Little Qiuxia wept and kowtowed repeatedly. Unconsciously, more servants gathered around to watch.

Xiao Yi frowned but could not bear it. She waved away the onlookers and instructed Little Qiuxia, “Enough. Go and rest well.”

Without another word, Xiao Yi fled to her room, collapsing in exhaustion and then vomiting uncontrollably.

She had never seen such harsh, brutal punishment before.

In the past, even if a servant erred, the worst was being sent away from the main house. No one had ever resorted to such a cruel, cutting method to harm the body.

After a long while, she managed to push the horrifying image from her mind.

This night only strengthened her resolve to escape the Fox Clan. Such a merciless place was better left far behind.

As she undressed to rest, finally releasing the tension of the day, she suddenly felt the weight around her ankle lessen.

Removing her shoes and socks, she was astonished to find the iron chain had vanished.

Had it finally rusted through and fallen off?

Or had her earlier attempt with the sickle weakened it enough to break?

What a joyous miracle!

Without the chains, she could transform back into her white fox form and escape when the time was right. Thrilled, she shifted back to her long-missed true form and joyfully leapt on the bed.

That night brought her the first real happiness in a long time. She stayed excited until dawn’s first pale light, then, content, closed her eyes to sleep.

But the sweet dream was short-lived. After only a few hours, she was roused by faint whispers outside her door.