Chapter 10: Twenty Lashes

"Madam's instruction suggests that all mistakes, no matter how numerous, are the fault of the servant," Cui Liu said meekly, bowing her head.

"You're quite compliant," Suyuxin smirked, glancing at the two maids. "What are you waiting for?"

In any case, it was unlikely to administer twenty lashes to Suyu Xiang, considering she was the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites. It was best to start with one of her people. There would be plenty of opportunities later. The two maids acted swiftly, each gripping one of Cui Liu's arms and dragging her out.

Suyu Xiang remained in place, her mouth moving slightly, but no words emerged. She dreaded provoking Suyuxin and being subjected to the twenty lashes herself.

In no time, the sounds of slaps and Cui Liu's suppressed cries resonated from outside. Suyu Xiang, with clenched hands grasping a handkerchief, hid her resentment behind her long, fluttering eyelashes.

Faced with Suyu Xiang's indifference, Suyuxin couldn't help but shake her head in dismay.

Cui Liu was a bright maid with a keen mind. She devotedly attended to Suyu Xiang's needs and was wholeheartedly faithful—a crucial support for Suyu Xiang. In the past, Suyu Xiang had cemented her position in the General's residence thanks to her efforts. Unfortunately, her intelligence and astuteness were misdirected due to the ruthless and callous nature of her mistress. Twenty lashes were swiftly delivered.

A maid entered to report, "Madam, twenty lashes have been administered, and Miss Cui Liu has fainted."

Suyuxin nodded in acknowledgment. Twenty lashes could debilitate even a robust servant for at least half a month. What more for a delicate woman like Cui Liu? The ordeal had nearly cost Cui Liu her life. She lay limp on the bench, pallid and drenched in cold sweat.

"Cui Liu," Suyu Xiang called from afar, but she made no attempt to approach. There was even a trace of disdain in her expression. She had an aversion to filth, and Cui Liu's back was smeared with dark red bloodstains, her clothes soaked and sticky with sweat. Her once-neat hair was now disheveled—a mess. Suyu Xiang feared dirtying her hands or her expensive attire and shoes.

Suyuxin couldn't help but shake her head once again. Cui Liu was her personal maid, always by her side since childhood, yet she had displayed such indifference. But then she had a moment of reflection. Wasn't she the same in her previous life? Nanny Luo, Qing Que, Ziyuan—each had shown unwavering loyalty and care, yet she had repeatedly hurt their feelings by engaging in despicable acts. However, despite it all, they never stood idly by when she was in trouble, some even risking their lives for her sake. Perhaps such callousness was inherent in a stepmother. Would her own daughter treat her differently? Yet, even her upbringing was nothing but a facade, with a heart tainted and rotten. Fortunately, after experiencing life and death in a previous existence, she had finally seen through it all.

"Fetch two sturdy servants and a bamboo chair. Take Cui Liu to their carriage," Suyuxin instructed.

"No," Suyu Xiang refused without a second thought. Cui Liu's current condition, covered in bloodstains, would make the carriage dirty and foul-smelling. How could she sit there?

"Why not?" Suyuxin arched an eyebrow. "Afraid she'll dirty your carriage?"

"Not at all," Suyu Xiang's heart was pricked by the accusation. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she hurriedly explained, "It's because Cui Liu was injured by your household; it's your responsibility to send her back."

"People say I'm arrogant and domineering, but I think you're being unreasonable. You were the one who acted fiercely in the General's residence first. I'm being generous by sending her away. If you don't want to share the ride with her, I won't stop you from getting off the carriage later," Suyuxin retorted coldly. "Someone, escort them out."

Afterward, Suyuxin turned and went inside, ignoring Suyu Xiang's protests. She believed that the household servants of the General's residence would handle this trivial matter appropriately.

"Does it hurt?" Suyuxin extended her hand but refrained from touching Ziyuan's face, her voice tinged with concern.

"I'm fine, Madam," Ziyuan's speech was muffled due to her swollen face. "Madam, really, will everything be fine? The Lady Minister won't let this go easily."

"I am now a married woman, no longer under her control. Moreover, the General will stand by me," Suyuxin said while reaching for a vial. "Here, I brought you scarlet and white jade cream. Let me apply it to your wounds; we must prevent any festering."

"Please let me do it myself," Ziyuan hurriedly said.

"You can't see," Suyuxin snatched the vial, continuing, "Sit down and be good. I'll be careful not to hurt you."

While gently tending to Ziyuan's wounds, Suyuxin, through gritted teeth, muttered, "Suyu Xiang seems fragile, but she's surprisingly vicious. Letting her go so easily is a favor to her. Don't worry; I'll surely find a chance to seek justice for you in the future."

Unexpectedly, tears welled up in Ziyuan's eyes and rolled down her cheeks, landing on Suyuxin's fingers. Previously, she hadn't shed a tear despite the stinging pain from the slap. But now, she couldn't hold them back.

"Did I hurt you?" Suyuxin quickly stopped and asked anxiously.

"No," sniffled Ziyuan, tears blurring her eyes. "Madam, you're so good to me."

"In the past, I was blind and couldn't discern right from wrong, overlooking all of you," Suyuxin gently wiped away Ziyuan's tears. "But from now on, you are my family. I'll prepare a generous gift to invite Nanny Luo back shortly."