Chapter 7, The Killing Intent

It is truly a godsend opportunity

Old Lady Lai certainly knew that it was the most popular brothel, and she was so furious that her vision darkened, the wrinkled flesh of her cheeks trembled incessantly, and her mouth opened wide like a fish out of water, yet it could not produce any sound as it opened and closed.

This remark, tinged with acidity yet laced with pride, came from a woman with a loud and boisterous voice. She was adorned with a purple silk scarf around her waist, and atop her head was a glaringly bright silver hairpin. Her face resembled a silver plate, and although her eyes had a fierce look, they still retained a hint of spirited charm.

But the girl of about fifteen or sixteen beside her had already heard clearly. She exclaimed, "What, this little sister Gu is running a high fever?!"

Mother Yao clearly saw his drunken state and instead felt relieved, even her tone became amiable, not holding anything against him at all, "The Fourth Young Master is drunk, have two people help him back."

He is dressed in a long thick satin robe adorned with bat patterns, edged with four-inch dark golden threads, and over it, he wears a silver marten fur coat. Perhaps he is drunk, as his chest is partially unbuttoned.

Heavenly Bodhisattva, what should we do if something goes wrong with this drink... Fourth Young Master, do you feel like vomiting? Someone, quickly go and call the doctor

Thinking this, Xiao Gu climbed up from the straw, first swallowed a pill to bring down the terrifying high fever, and then took out another short jacket embroidered with green bamboo from her bundle, paired with a long skirt in moon white with yellow accents. After using some grease to remove the dark marks from her face, and with a touch of eyebrow and lip makeup, the reflection in the broken mirror revealed a charming young girl from a well-to-do family.

He stumbled into the hall, his tall and slender figure casting a large shadow against the light. He glanced around at the various maids present, but ultimately fixed his gaze on Granny Lai, saying, "Strange, when did the Yihong Courtyard get a new matron? So ugly, isn't she afraid of scaring away the guests"

Pleasant ... ... Red Courtyard

The crowd, still in shock, turned their gaze towards the entrance, where they saw a newcomer with a slightly askew hairpin, long black hair cascading down one side. He exuded a wild and unruly charm, yet somehow did not appear disheveled. He was approximately in his twenties, tall and striking, his features illuminated against the sunlight, which could only be described as extraordinarily handsome. If he were to take the stage, he would surely leave all the handsome men in the city yearning with envy.

The clever servant stepped forward, but was forcefully pushed away by Guangsheng, nearly falling flat on his face. "Get lost!"

Xiao Gu was moved out and, on account of Mama Qin, was carried away on a cart and carelessly thrown into a dilapidated house in a courtyard. Every day, an old man would bring some food and water, and Chu Lan had given him a sum of money to ensure proper care. However, he took the money and was nowhere to be seen all day.

Her voice was loud, almost wishing that everyone in the marquis's residence could come and witness this disgraceful scene

Chulan hurriedly arrived at the large kitchen, only to find that Mama Qin was not in the charcoal room, but had gone to the front hall. When Chulan saw her, she was standing by the boiling water basin used for scalding the pig, speaking to a maid dressed in a blue outfit with a pink jacket.

Mother

Oh, someone here has developed a high fever. What will happen if the illness worsens and affects the masters?

She has always had a contentious relationship with Madam Qin, and now that she has seized this opportunity, she is ready to make a grand announcement. "Since the second madam took charge, she instructed us: the kitchen is a critical place, and we must be cautious as illness can enter through the mouth. Yet you all, despite having a sickly person among you, remained silent. If this matter reaches the masters, it will jeopardize the entire kitchen!"

The people around were whispering to each other, and there was a hint of agreement in their expressions

Qin Mama turned around and saw Chulan, and in surprise said: "What happened that has you in such a hurry?"

"Madam Twelve, we have arrived"

Mother Qin was taken aback, and then her gaze flickered as she shot her a fierce glance, signaling her to be quiet

Chulan, bewildered, withdrew her hand and was about to plead again when Mama Qin frowned and said, "Move her out! Find a suitable person to take care of her—whether she can recover depends on her fate."

Mother Yao's complexion changed several times—from crimson to pale, then to a sallow hue, and even her voice altered in tone

She cautiously observed the courtyard, and after confirming that no one was around, she exited through the back alley. Upon reaching the adjacent intersection, she found a dilapidated wooden cart waiting to pick her up

In the carriage, there were both men and women, their gazes filled with trust as well as suspicion. Xiao Gu smiled slightly and said: "Today marks the day of Lord Yang Yan of the Ministry of Justice's departure from this world"

Chulan was about to kneel down with a thud again, and the little maid beside her stepped forward to help her up, smiling and gently advising, "You must be Sister Chulan, right? I am new here and don't know how to speak well, but I believe Sister Chulan understands things better than I do—please don't make things difficult for Mama Qin, let's move along quickly!"

The Fourth Young Master Guangsheng chuckled with hazy eyes, and although the smell of alcohol was overwhelming and his words were nonsensical, his seemingly smiling yet ambiguous handsome face still made most of the maidens present blush and their hearts race, with a subtle springtime allure.

Chulan supported Xiaogu back to the lower room, still feeling uneasy. She wanted to apply medicine to the area of the injury from the stick, but Xiaogu refused, saying, "I am fine!"

Chulan was drenched in cold sweat, seeing that Mama Qin seemed to have found her resolve, she lamented in a low voice: "Mama Qin, Xiao Gu was beaten a few times and is now running a high fever!"

Meanwhile, Mother Yao was enjoying the play, and upon seeing the main character run away, her smile deepened. However, she pretended to be worried and stepped forward to support the drunken Guangsheng, raising her voice sharply as she exclaimed: "Fourth Young Master... Fourth Young Master, wake up!"

Madam Qin's gaze turned cold, and the maid had already realized she had misspoken, covering her mouth and daring not to speak further, yet her eyes kept darting around as if calculating something.

The common people obediently made way, nearby some were bargaining in front of a jewelry stall, while in the distance, others were shouting to sell fresh bamboo. Everything was very calm

Ah, is that not Mother Yao? When did you also come to the Yihong Courtyard... A guest is a guest, you should have a drink too

In the dark of night, after Cheng Lan had fallen into a deep sleep, Xiao Gu finally got up, shedding his clothes in the darkness. He felt the high swelling on his back, and with a quiet smile, he remarked, "The strike was quite fierce... but unfortunately, the timing is still not right"

On the bustling street, the officials part the crowd, and a four-person sedan chair with a green wool embroidered curtain slowly approaches, led by a sign bearing the character "Yang".

Even in such a bizarre and tense atmosphere, there were still some who could not suppress their low laughter.

Within the侯府, there is a narrow street that, at first glance, is filled with low, dilapidated houses, worn and shabby. The people who come and go around are also dressed in tattered clothing, their faces bearing expressions of sorrow.

Mother Qin took a deep breath, looked at Chulan, and instructed in a low voice: "Move Xiao Gu outside."

Immediately, there was another uproar.

She groped around, applying a secret medicine to the swollen area of the wound, and then swallowed another pill. Only when everything was in order did she fall asleep

Yet the unseen threat is gradually brewing and approaching

Who is so bold

Old Lady Lai is a trusted figure by the side of the matriarch, with deep experience and advanced age. Even the adult young masters and young ladies must show her a degree of respect. It is unprecedented to encounter such audacious individuals who look down upon her, which only serves to infuriate her further, causing her hands and feet to tremble and her voice to become hoarse

Although you have learned the rules from your aunt, understanding the affairs of the Hou residence cannot be achieved merely through words—first, observe here in the main hall and familiarize yourself with the duties of the kitchen before proceeding.

Fourth Young Master

As a humble servant, I have served three generations in this household—other young masters are all well-educated and courteous, but I have never seen anyone like the Fourth Young Master!

The voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for everyone in the hall to hear.

Her voice rose sharply, causing everyone to stop their work and listen

The residents here are all rough laborers, lacking even the qualifications to enter the inner courtyard. Additionally, the wives and children of the miscellaneous workers in the outer courtyard, as well as elderly and frail servants, and men, women, and children who have been released after committing offenses, all coexist in this place. While it is lively every day, there are also numerous dirty and troublesome matters.

This is Liu Dajia's, the manager's mother in the roasting room. Her husband, Liu Da, manages the horses and carriages in the outer courtyard, while her son serves as an attendant for the young master in the study. Relying on this influence, she has seemingly become the dominant figure in the large kitchen

Everyone come and evaluate whether this is reasonable—those who are infected with contagious diseases should report truthfully, and be quickly moved out of the inner courtyard, to prevent the spread of illness and harm to everyone!

After a night of silence, when Chulan woke up in the early morning, she noticed that Xiaogu was unusually still, sleeping in bed. She approached to check and found Xiaogu's forehead was burning hot, and he was in a deep slumber, unresponsive. Upon touching his back, she discovered that the swollen area had turned dark black, which immediately frightened her into a flurry of panic

She let out a cold snort, turned around, and was about to leave. Judging by her furious demeanor, it was evident that she intended to go back and report the matter.