The Poisonous Consort, the Regent's Beloved

“Young Miss, this old servant has served the old lady for decades, and Xiaoyue has been with her for over ten years. For the sake of the old lady’s health, she has not yet married.”

After Zhang Mama finished speaking, seeing Su Fuying's unmoved expression, she added, "Miss, don't let the servants lose heart."

"Are you finished?"

Su Fuying sat on the lounge chair, her slender fingers gently tapping the armrest, producing a crisp "tap-tap" sound. This sound stood out clearly amidst the surrounding chorus of frogs, like a unique melody intertwining with the tranquility of the night.

Standing to the side, Zhang Mama couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. She didn't know why, but the young lady exuded such a strong sense of pressure, making her feel tense and uneasy.

She quietly observed Su Fuying, who sat there expressionless, her eyes deep and cold, as if she saw through everything.

Granny Zhang couldn't help but shiver, but she only dared to speculate in her heart, and dared not ask rashly.

After all, it seems that no one can figure out what this young lady is thinking these days.

"Now that you've finished talking, let's begin."

Su Fuying sounded a little impatient. Why was she dragging her feet on such a small matter?

Seeing this, Granny Zhang didn't say anything more, but turned to look at Xiaoyue, who hadn't spoken yet. She was already twenty-two years old this year.

By this time, she was already considered an old maid. A few years ago, when she had just come of age, the old lady wanted to find her a husband, but the girl refused.

Because during those years, the old lady's health was poor, sometimes good and sometimes bad, and she always needed someone by her side.

In the end, she had to beg the old lady in tears before she reluctantly agreed to stay, but she also agreed that if she found a man she liked, she must tell her.

"Xiaoyue, you go first."

Xiaoyue looked up when she heard Zhang Mama's words. Her gaze lingered on the copper basin for a moment before she slowly said, "Okay."

She rolled up her sleeves and then immersed her hands completely in the water.

After a moment, he raised his hand to show everyone. His hand was clean and there were no marks on it.

Granny Zhang also breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, even she, who had been by the old lady's side for decades, did not know the reason for tonight's incident.

But having served as a servant for so many years, she knew that whatever her master said, she should do.

Considering that the grandmother and grandson have been locked in their room every day for the past few days, doing who knows what, today's incident is probably related to the old lady.

"It's your turn."

Su Fuying coldly interrupted Zhang Mama's thoughts.

Granny Zhang also stepped forward, stared at the water in the copper basin, took a deep breath, and put her hand in.

"okay."

She only took her hand out after Su Fuying called out.

The moment the wrinkled hand was taken out, the look in the eyes of the person next to him suddenly deepened.

It was also intact. Su Fuying glanced at it before slowly getting up and looking at the group of people standing in the courtyard.

Faced with their puzzled gazes, Su Fuying reached out to adjust her hair and turned to look at Biluo.

Biluo understood immediately and said, "Miss had breakfast in the old lady's courtyard yesterday, and after returning home, she suffered from severe abdominal pain. She thought someone had tampered with her food, so she came to investigate today. But now it seems that it was a misunderstanding, and we misunderstood you."

After saying that, Biluo gave everyone an apologetic smile. Su Fuying, on the other hand, looked aggrieved and helpless, as if she had truly suffered a great injustice.

Once the details of the matter were cleared up, the subordinates breathed a sigh of relief.

Su Fuying looked up at the sky and estimated that it was about time. So she said to the servants, "Alright, you may all leave. We've taken up some time today, so this month's allowance will be doubled."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback at first, but then they all showed expressions of surprise and delight. Some couldn't help but cheer, "Wow, really, Miss?"

Another person exclaimed excitedly, "Doubled! That means my little brother can go to school earlier!"

Someone else thanked her, saying, "Thank you, Miss."

"This servant thanks the princess. The princess is so kind."

……

In an instant, the courtyard became lively and bustling. The sounds of chatter and expressions of gratitude filled the air, instantly dispelling the previous solemn atmosphere and replacing it with a joyful and relaxed one.

"Go back now. From now on, just call me Young Miss in the manor."

"Yes."

Seeing that everyone had left, Xiaoyue followed the crowd out. Su Fuying called out in a nonchalant tone, "Xiaoyue."

Xiaoyue paused, stood still for two seconds, and then slowly turned around. "Is there anything else you need, Miss?"

Su Fuying looked at him with interest and said, "Why are you in such a hurry to go downstairs?"

Xiaoyue lowered her head and said respectfully, "This servant will go and serve the dishes to the old lady."

Su Fuying sat back down, propped her chin up with her hand, and a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes. "We don't need you there. Come here first, I have something I want to ask you."

Xiaoyue stepped forward a few steps, her attitude still respectful, "Miss, may I ask you something?"

"Let's start with how you came to this mansion, how you entered the old lady's courtyard, and how many years you've been here."

Xiaoyue was slightly stunned, and looked up at Su Fuying, who had already closed her eyes to listen to the story.

Although she didn't know what she wanted to do, she still honestly replied, "When I was nine years old, my family sold me to a slave trader. Later, I entered the Minister's mansion. At first, I served in the master's courtyard. When I was ten years old, I was grinding ink for the master. When the madam saw me, she said, 'I...'"

At this point, Xiaoyue's eyes flickered, and her tone became low, as if she were lost in painful memories. She paused for a moment, as if trying to organize her thoughts, and then continued, "He said that I wanted to seduce the master, and then he would beat and scold me, often leaving me covered in bruises, and even withholding food from me."

Xiaoyue's voice was choked with sobs and helplessness, which made people feel sorry for her.

She took a deep breath, composed herself, and continued, "Until one day, I met the old lady. When she saw the many wounds on my body, she asked what had happened. After learning what had happened, she was very angry and immediately took me to her own courtyard, telling me that I no longer needed to go back to the master. From then on, I have stayed here and received the old lady's protection and care."

At this point, Xiaoyue's eyes were filled with respect and gratitude for the old lady.

She knew that without the old lady, she might not be alive today. Therefore, she cherished her current life and was willing to serve the old lady wholeheartedly.

"This is the twelfth year that I have served the old lady."

Su Fuying squinted, her gaze fixed on Xiaoyue.

Granny Zhang stepped forward and respectfully said to Su Fuying, "Miss, Xiaoyue is extremely loyal to the Old Madam. The Old Madam's daily life is largely thanks to her help."

Su Fuying sneered, "Granny Zhang, actually, the basin just now didn't contain anything that causes hands to fester. This bottle in my hand is the real thing."

"Do you know that the old lady has been poisoned? It's been several years."

When Zhang Mama heard Su Fuying's words, her heart tightened. How did she know?

"Young Miss, how can you be sure that the old lady has been poisoned?"