Chapter 8: What’s Wrong with Love Between a Man and a Woman?

“Why else?”

Liu Fuying took her seat and leaned back lazily, her deep eyes glinting with a trace of ruthlessness.

“There’s a traitor among us,” she added.

Upon hearing this, Jin Li’s expression also changed.

In the past, it might not have mattered, but now was the most critical time for her Madam. Madam was planning to have a child with the man from the mountains, yet rumors were spreading that she and the General were at odds and had never shared a bed. If she became pregnant now, people would inevitably question the child’s origins.

The General might not care, but outsiders, especially those from the second branch of the family, could not be ignored.

Thinking of this, Jin Li immediately turned to leave.

“Wait.” Liu Fuying called her back, her gaze inscrutable as she added, “I need you to spread a message outside.”

Jin Li then leaned in close to Liu Fuying’s ear.

After Liu Fuying finished speaking, Jin Li nodded and left, her expression resolute as she vowed to find the traitor.

Liu Fuying had long instructed those under her not to interact with anyone from the second uncle’s household, and everyone was being watched closely. Investigating the matter wouldn’t be too difficult.

An hour later, the traitor was caught—a second-tier maid serving in Old Madam Shen’s courtyard named Cui Xi.

Of course, Liu Fuying’s way of doing things was well-known among those around her. She was always decisive and never lenient when it came to punishment, so no one under her would dare to take such a risk.

“Madam, I also found something in Cui Xi’s room.”

Jin Li handed the item she had found to Liu Fuying—a fine jade pendant, far too valuable for a maid like Cui Xi to afford.

“I interrogated her. This pendant belongs to the young master from the second branch.”

The young master was the son of the second uncle.

“No wonder you were so bold—you had the young master backing you,” Liu Fuying said, sitting on a high chair and leaning slightly forward to look at Cui Xi kneeling before her. “Did the young master promise to marry you? What did he offer you to make you betray your mistress like this?”

“I… I…”

“Never mind. Whether he promised you anything or not, you thought you could rise above your station and grew bold, fearing nothing. The Old Madam has always been lenient with you all, spoiling you until you think you can do as you please.”

Cui Xi trembled as she knelt on the ground, sweat pouring down her face.

After all, betraying her mistress was undeniably her fault. She feared Liu Fuying’s punishment, especially since she was still just a maid and not yet officially part of the young master’s household. If her mistress decided to punish her, the young master wouldn’t be able to intervene.

“Madam, I know I was wrong. I’ll never do it again. Please, Madam…”

“What’s wrong with love between a man and a woman?”

Liu Fuying spoke with a smile, but it was not a comforting one. Instead, it only tightened the tension in the air.

“Love is something that often leaves us helpless. It’s common for people to make mistakes in a moment of confusion for the sake of someone they love. Besides, you only let something slip—it’s not a grave sin. Do you think I’d kill you for it?”

Though she said she wouldn’t kill her, Cui Xi trembled even more, as if she were facing death itself.

“Moreover, you’ve served the Old Madam diligently all these years. It’s only fair to let your merits offset your faults. I’m not one to stand in the way of true love. Since you and the young master are fond of each other, I’ll swallow my pride and speak on your behalf. How about I send you to serve in his household?”

Cui Xi stared blankly, wondering if she had misheard.

“Madam… you’re not punishing me?”

“Just tell me if you’re willing.”

“I… this servant… this servant is willing… this servant…”

“Willing is good.”

Liu Fuying said no more, stood up, and went into the inner room, instructing Jin Li to take Cui Xi away for the time being.

By dinnertime, Liu Fuying took Cui Xi to the second branch of the family.

In the main hall, only the aunt came out to meet them.

Logically, at this hour, that second uncle or cousin should have been home.

It showed that no one took Cui Xi’s matter seriously; it was only out of respect for Liu Fuying’s face that the aunt came out at all.

Cui Xi knelt on the floor, while Liu Fuying calmly and with a smiling face recounted the affair between Cui Xi and the cousin to Madam Yang. She then handed over the jade pendant that served as proof of identity, leaving Madam Yang with no room for denial. Madam Yang’s face flushed and paled in turns.

“Even half a courtyard apart couldn’t keep their affection at bay, which shows they are truly sincere. Although Cui Xi’s status is somewhat lacking, our Shen Family has never been one to care about status or background. Otherwise, with my own status as a concubine-born daughter, I would never have married into the Shen Family.”

Madam Yang’s face was dark; she didn’t even look at Liu Fuying, let alone reply.

“Given their feelings, making Cui Xi just a bedchamber maid would be an injustice. Even if not as the principal wife, she should at least be a noble concubine to honor their deep affection.”

Liu Fuying’s gaze roamed freely over Madam Yang.

“If Aunt has no objections, then this matter is settled.”

Madam Yang’s expression was more than just unpleasant. With the token already given, if she sent Cui Xi back, what would outsiders say about her son? Calling him a philanderer who left his affections everywhere would be putting it lightly.

Watching Liu Fuying’s graceful departing figure, the more she looked, the angrier she became.

She picked up a teacup from the table and deliberately, heavily, threw it at Cui Xi.

“Don’t even think about being a concubine for my son—you’re not even fit to wipe his feet or carry his shoes. Liu Fuying is a vile woman, and all those who serve in their branch are little sluts.”

Cui Xi was already sobbing uncontrollably, tears falling like rain.

“This servant and the young master are truly in love…”

“Shut your mouth!”

Madam Yang’s face turned pale with anger. She knew her son best—he was nothing but a libertine who lingered among flowers. He had only taken a fancy to Cui Xi because of her looks. She had reluctantly tolerated their affair only to gather information about the neighboring branch.

“True love? What are you, daring to speak of true love with my son? Look at him now—has he come out to speak for you? Don’t delude yourself.”

The angrier she got, the more she threw another teacup.

The servants around her didn’t dare to breathe, afraid they would suffer as well.

“Who knows who’s spreading rumors, saying our branch is forcing them to seize the main branch’s property, even claiming that Liu Fuying was driven to the brink of throwing herself into a well. I heard it all the way back today. By now, the whole of Shangjing City must be buzzing with it.”

“How will I ever show my face outside again!”

…

“Madam, they wouldn’t really accept Cui Xi, would they?”

On the way back, Jin Li worried that the second branch, fearing gossip, might accept Cui Xi after all. Wouldn’t that mean Cui Xi avoided punishment and even gained a more comfortable life?

“How could they? Did you see her expression just now? She must already know about the rumors outside. The first thing she’ll think is that I spread them, so she naturally hates me to the core. By sending Cui Xi to humiliate her, I’ve likely driven her mad. She won’t let Cui Xi off easily.”

The matter that Madam Yang mentioned about the rumors spreading outside was exactly what Liu Fuying had instructed Jin Li to handle in the afternoon.

“So that’s how it is. Madam had me spread the rumors about the second branch to make it easier to deal with Cui Xi.”

“Not just that.”

It wasn’t for Cui Xi.

In truth, it was for Pei Zhouwu.