The sense of superiority that Wang had maintained for many years came crashing down, like a loud slap across her face. What pained her the most at that moment was not the punishment she received or being driven out of the village.
It was the betrayal from the man who had obediently followed her for over a decade, which she found hard to accept and deeply painful.
In her heart, she could only look down on Liu Eldest; she never expected him to betray her.
But this seemingly honest person harbored the most malicious intentions, surprising everyone when he finally acted.
After that, they settled here. At first, the Qin Family secretly brought them food, but the two were lazy and refused to cook even when rice and noodles were delivered.
Perhaps after this experience, the Qin Family realized their mistake and stopped coming around as often, only bringing some food when the two ran out.
They also offered some advice: "You are elders. It was one thing to treat Qingxi and Qingyan like that in the past, but this time it has gone too far. Think about it; you are all family, sharing the same blood. Why must it be this way?"
It was unclear whether Wang and Liu Eldest took this to heart, as they continued to drag on.
In just two months, the weight they had gained during better days began to drop off.
Instead, they heard more about the happy events concerning Liu Qingxi and Yang Yichen.
Wang felt a deep sense of frustration, but she no longer had the ability to cause trouble or any room to resist.
Watching the person she hated most thrive while she suffered was the greatest torment.
The woman looked at the man with drooping eyes, motionless, and felt anger rise within her: "Why should I cook? Why don't you do it? Let that woman of yours cook for you."
Wang referred to Li, who had been borrowed by her family and later married off; now she could no longer hear any news about her.
After Liu Eldest made a mistake, he simply gave up and remained idle, thinking that his mother would not let them starve.
The two of them have lived with this mindset until now.
Crackling sounds filled the air as children scrambled for firecrackers, their laughter echoing around them.
Wang's thoughts gradually drifted back to the past. When was it that she had been so simple and happy? But when did she change, becoming calculative, unable to tolerate those from the Third House?
If her daughter and son were by her side, if there were a chubby grandchild next year, if...
But there are no "ifs." Everything is an illusion. Deep down, even if she neglects her children, there remains a soft spot in her heart for them.
She just wonders if, after experiencing this punishment, they will genuinely repent.
Liu Qingxi, on the other hand, does not concern herself with these matters. The Liu Family has nothing to do with her; their fortunes or misfortunes are merely the opinions of a passerby to her.
In Biqi Town, at Wan Mansion...
Living in this remote corner for nearly half a year, she has endured constant gossip. The once lofty and glamorous days are gone forever. Currently, Wandehai can only rely on Madam Wan's family for support.
Having always feared Madam Wan, he now obeys her every command.
As for Liu Qingzhi? Ha! She has long been forgotten.
The door was suddenly blown open by a strong wind, revealing a world blanketed in white snow. The sight before her was one of desolation and chaos, not much better than the previous Ten Li Pu.
Ha! Ha!
She pulled a strand of withered yellow hair into her palm, laughing and crying at the same time. How could this be? How could it end up like this? A good Lavish Lifestyle, pushing Madam Wan aside to become the mistress?
It turned out to be nothing but a fantasy.
The long-term torment had left her looking emaciated; her already prominent collarbones appeared even more pronounced due to her gauntness. If there were a mirror, she would surely see the ghostly figure she had become.
"Why? Why won't you come to save me?" She cried out countless times in her heart, hoping that the Wang family would come and rescue her from this sea of suffering. But Madam Wan never gave her a chance, allowing her to endure this pain. Yes, death would be the best relief, and she would not let her escape so easily.
As she recalled everyone she had known throughout her life, only one figure remained.
What should she do? Should she or shouldn't she?
Suddenly, she hesitated. After all, they had never been on the same path; she had never regarded the other person highly. Yet, it was this very person who became her last hope in times of difficulty.
"No, I can't just go on like this. I want to live." The strongest belief within her supported her.
From the innermost layer of her close-fitting undergarment, she slowly took out a pair of Gold Earrings. The exquisite plum blossoms radiated a charming glow against the backdrop of white snow.
Reluctantly glancing at them twice, Liu Qingzhi grew more resolute.
When the maid delivering food came again, she was no longer as lifeless as before; instead, she smiled and crawled forward: "Sister, could you please help me with something?"
The maid rolled her eyes. "I'm Aunt Liu; you might as well give up. The lady has made it clear that even if you're not feeling well, you have to endure."
This maid was the best among those who brought her meals—at least she didn't spit on the food or scold her, which is why Liu Qingzhi chose her.
"I won't let you help me for nothing. Here, just deliver a message for me."
A pair of Gold Earrings appeared in the maid's hand, weighing heavily and crafted exquisitely, worth no less than ten taels of silver.
The Head Maid of Wan Mansion earned only Three Hundred Wen a month, while maids like her made just one hundred fifty Wen a month. This pair of Gold Earrings represented several years' worth of her wages.
Ultimately unable to resist the temptation, the maid reluctantly accepted, saying, "Well, what can I say? Just don't make it too much; otherwise, I won't be able to carry it."
"I understand, I understand." Liu Qingzhi nodded repeatedly and then whispered a few words in the maid's ear: "I’m counting on you, sister."
"Just wait. Fortunately, this past year the household has been quite busy, so no one is paying attention to you. But if this doesn't work out, you can't sell me out," the maid said, fearing Madam Wan would discover her actions.
One can imagine the tragic outcome if discovered.
Liu Qingzhi had no reason to refuse; this maid was her only support.
People far away in Ten Li Pu had completely forgotten about Liu Qingzhi. Even Wang Shi, her mother, had not visited Wan Mansion since she went looking for her before the Mid-Autumn Festival and couldn't find her.
As a result of this disaster, Liu Qingzhi suddenly realized her mistakes and felt a twinge of envy towards Liu Qingxi: "If only I had half of what she has."
That day, Chenxi Tavern unexpectedly delivered a Letter.
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