Chapter 23: Nothing Is Impossible in the World
While Yun Chu was speaking in Anshou Hall.
Xie Ping was dragged by He Shi into the small grove at the back.
"What are you doing?" Xie Ping was greatly startled. She looked around and only spoke after confirming no one was nearby: "Didn't Father confine you to the small temple? How did you get out?"
He Shi asked nervously: "Why did Madam suddenly take you to the Princess's residence? Did anything happen?"
Xie Ping looked completely impatient: "Mother took me to broaden my horizons. What could possibly happen?"
He Shi didn't believe it at all.
Recently, Madam had repeatedly targeted her children. She absolutely refused to believe Madam would be so kind as to take Ping Jie'er out for experience.
"I met the Fourth Prince, Anjing Prince," Xie Ping revealed what she hadn't dared to tell Yun Chu. "Do you think I could become Princess Anjing?"
He Shi's eyes widened in shock: "What... what nonsense are you talking?"
What status does the Fourth Prince hold? How dare the daughter of a mere fifth-rank official entertain such thoughts?
Moreover, although Ping Jie'er currently holds the status of the legitimate eldest daughter of the Xie residence, anyone who investigates would discover she's actually the illegitimate daughter born to an outside mistress.
The imperial family values status above all. With Ping Jie'er's background, she could never be registered in the Imperial Family Registry.
Xie Ping bit her lip: "Nothing is impossible in the world for one who sets their mind to it."
"My dear Ping Jie'er, you mustn't act recklessly," He Shi was terrified out of her wits. "Your marriage arrangements will be decided by Old Madam and Madam. Don't entertain improper thoughts."
As they were speaking.
Suddenly a voice interrupted: "Isn't this Nurse He? Didn't the Master punish you with reflection and confinement in the small temple? How dare you come out? What audacity!"
The speaker was none other than Concubine Tao. Having heard that Madam had returned from the Princess's residence, she had come specifically to see what was happening. Who would have thought she'd encounter He Shi, who should have been confined in the small temple?
The moment she saw He Shi, fury ignited in her eyes.
This lowly woman who coveted the Master had nearly cost her the child in her womb, yet emerged completely unscathed.
She raised her hand and delivered a fierce slap.
Xie Ping reacted quickly and blocked it.
Concubine Tao narrowed her eyes: "What is the meaning of this, Eldest Miss?"
"I asked Nurse He to bring me some things," Xie Ping explained. "Concubine Tao, you're with child. It would be better not to anger yourself, lest you disturb the fetus."
"Eldest Miss protecting this woman who covets your father and framed your mother is truly surprising," Concubine Tao glanced at He Shi, then at Xie Ping, her brow suddenly furrowing. Upon closer look, the two bore some resemblance in their features...
Xie Ping's heart pounded wildly.
She shot an angry glare at He Shi.
She had told her repeatedly not to come looking for her, yet He Shi had sought her out during her confinement.
If anyone grew suspicious of their relationship, her life would be completely ruined...
She said coldly: "What are you standing there foolishly for? Return to the small temple at once!"
He Shi lowered her head and left.
A thoughtful expression appeared on Concubine Tao's face.
It rained late at night, the continuous patter of rain providing accompaniment as Yun Chu slept soundly through the night.
When she rose in the morning, the rain hadn't ceased. The air carried threads of rainfall, bringing with them a chill that spoke of early winter's arrival.Ting Shuang's face was etched with worry. From what she knew, Chen Bo had already stockpiled nearly forty thousand taels' worth of ice. The madam's private accounts were practically drained of silver. If this cold spell persisted and summer failed to bring intense heat, all this ice would likely become worthless...
Her mind heavy with concerns, she finished doing Yun Chu's makeup. When they stepped outside, those coming to pay their respects had already arrived.
After exchanging a few casual pleasantries, it was customary for the concubines to take their leave.
At that moment, Concubine Tao stood up. "Madam, this humble one has a question. Did the Eldest Young Miss obtain your permission before sending supplies to the small temple?"
Xie Ping's face instantly stiffened.
She had only secretly sent supplies that one time, handling it with utmost discretion. How had Concubine Tao found out?
Yun Chu took a sip of tea.
This matter was something she had intentionally leaked to Concubine Tao through arranged channels. To drive He Shi into a corner, a sharp blade was needed.
Without a doubt, Concubine Tao would make an excellent blade.
Though her heart was clear as a mirror, she feigned surprise on her face. "Ping Jie'er, is what Concubine Tao says true?"
Xie Ping couldn't possibly deny it. Stammering, she said, "Mother, I... I... Nurse He watched me grow up. I just thought that small temple was too shabby, so I..."
"Your father punished her because she attempted to harm his heir. Making her live in that small temple is part of her punishment. By secretly sending her all sorts of things, what respect are you showing for your father's authority?" Yun Chu's voice gradually turned cold. "She nearly caused the death of an unborn child—your own blood brother. You're breaking Concubine Tao's heart, and that child's heart too. Ping Jie'er, do you realize your mistake?"
Concubine Tao chimed in, "The Eldest Young Miss truly cannot distinguish between closeness and distance. To go out of her way to protect a lowly servant who doesn't know her place is truly baffling."
In recent days, Yun Chu had always been gentle and kind to Xie Ping. This was the first time she had spoken so harshly.
Xie Ping lowered her head and said softly, "Mother, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have secretly sent things to Nurse He. I was wrong. I won't do it again."
Yun Chu spoke calmly, "He Shi committed a grave offense. Not sending her to the authorities was an act of mercy from the Xie family. There's no possibility of her enjoying the treatment of a first-class servant as before. Concubine Tao, if you have time, go to the small temple. Confiscate all the items that should be taken away. There's no need to turn them over to the main household treasury; you may keep them for yourself. Consider it compensation to soothe the fright for the young master in your womb."
Concubine Tao was overjoyed. "Thank you, Madam!"
With Yun Chu's permission, Concubine Tao immediately went to the Xie family's small temple with two sturdy maids.
Because the Old Madam practiced Buddhism, a temple had been built when the estate was first established. However, unable to support too many people, the temple only housed a young nun. Now, He Shi lived there as well.
He Shi resided in the west wing. She was sitting in her room, lost in thought, when suddenly the door was kicked open.
Concubine Tao walked in, supporting her belly, and looked around. "Tsk, tsk. A servant who tried to harm her master gets to live in such a fine room? I'm not as charitable as the Master and Madam. Servants, start moving!"
At her command, two maids entered from outside and began carrying out every visible item in the room. Not only that, they also took all the clothing, shoes, and other belongings from the cabinets. Then, they rolled up the bedding from the bed and tossed it directly into the courtyard...
"What are you doing...?" He Shi's eyes widened in shock. "Don't touch my things!"The bedroll had just been lifted when a money pouch fell out.
Concubine Tao bent down to pick it up, and upon opening it, discovered not only silver but also several hundred-tael banknotes inside.
"You wretched He Shi, you actually hid away so much money!" Concubine Tao shouted angrily. "So not only did you plot against your master, but you also stole silver! And to think the master trusted you so much!"
He Shi rushed to snatch back the silver.
This was her private savings accumulated over many years—not stolen!
All her possessions were in this money pouch!
She lunged desperately toward Concubine Tao.
"Guards! She's trying to harm me!" Concubine Tao stepped back, signaling two sturdy maids to step forward.
The maids kicked out, and He Shi screamed as she fell to the ground.
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