"There's nothing to it!" Old Madam raised her voice, staring at her. "This is Night Manor. Even if you rely on your favor, if you insist on being stubborn and dealing with a maid, it's not difficult for me."
Mo Xier felt her head thud as if a taut string had snapped.
She had long realized this was a trap set for her and could only resent herself for not distancing herself from this place of strife sooner.
If she couldn't prevent these people from getting what they wanted today, it would be Xinrong who would suffer. Thinking of the companionship and care Xinrong had given her over the past few days, she absolutely could not hand Xinrong over.
"Old Madam, please forgive—"
"Old Madam, Xinrong recognizes this person."
Just as Mo Xier was about to confess, Xinrong's trembling yet determined voice interrupted.
Old Madam and Liu Xuxin's eyes brightened. "Quickly, tell us."
Mo Xier turned around, feeling both worried and anxious. "What are you talking about? How could you possibly recognize this person?"
Xinrong looked at her master's anxious expression, sniffed, smiled and shook her head, a tear sliding down her cheek. "I am fortunate to serve alongside the young lady; it truly is a blessing."
Before Mo Xier could respond to her changing expression, with a thud, Xinrong knelt facing Old Madam. "Old Madam, I truly recognize this person. What he has done is also something I..."
"Old Madam." Mo Xier's voice became urgent. "This maid has lost her mind; have someone take her away. I am willing to bear all the consequences for this misfortune."
"Miss!" Xinrong cried out in tears. "Why are you being so foolish, Miss..."
Mo Xier did not turn back but wore a relieved smile on her face. "Who is more foolish than you?"
I do not kill Bo Ren, yet Bo Ren dies because of me!
I never want such a thing to happen again!
Xinrong, it is truly my luck to meet a silly girl like you who is so loyal to her master!
It seems I cannot escape this time, but it’s alright as long as you are alive!
After all, my life was also salvaged; perhaps this time I might have the chance to travel back to my own era!
However, that blockhead might get angry. I promised him I wouldn’t leave before he returns, but it seems I will have to break that promise. Well then, let him remember me forever!
"You admitted it!" Liu Xuxin's voice was particularly sharp with excitement, her delicate features twisted under the pressure of her emotions.
Mo Xier did not even glance at her, continuing to look at Old Madam, nodding slightly: "I only have one request, which is not to harm Xinrong."
"That’s not up to you!" Liu Xuxin interjected. She had not forgotten the lesson of cutting grass without removing the roots; spring winds can bring them back.
Now that her cousin was not around, she could take action to eliminate this Jade Bitch. If her cousin returned and heard from the Jade Bitch's maid about today’s events, given his temperament, she wouldn't have a life left to live as General's Wife.
So, let alone Xinrong, everyone in this Jade Bitch's courtyard who disobeys must be removed! With that thought, a trace of viciousness flashed in her eyes.
Old Madam frowned slightly, and Rong Mama noticed the change in mood and immediately cleared her throat softly.
Only then did Liu Xuxin seem to come back to her senses. Seeing Old Madam's displeased expression, she felt annoyed at her own rashness and hurriedly said: "The life of that maid is not yours to decide. Night Manor is still under Aunt's authority; it's not for you to dictate. Isn’t that right, Aunt?"
In normal circumstances, Mo Xier might have had the mood to spar with such a clown for fun, but right now, she truly had no interest in arguing with this person.
Her gaze remained level with Old Madam's, calm and rational. "Old Madam, this is Mo Xi'er's only request! I hope you can grant it."
"Miss, Miss..." Xinrong had already collapsed to the ground, crying uncontrollably.
Old Madam looked at the woman's calm eyes and was momentarily taken aback. She couldn't tell if she felt more hatred or a hint of admiration for this woman who was foolish enough to willingly face death for a maid.
However, until the Demoness was dealt with, she could not resolve her deep-seated resentment. Moreover...
If this Demoness were to die, in a manner that left no remains, Night Star would likely suffer for a lifetime!
Thinking of this brought her joy, and the rare hint of compassion on her face vanished completely. "Since you admit your guilt, that's best; it saves us from having to take action and gives no one a chance to speak ill of us.
After all, you are also a woman of the stars. Though I do not like you, I will still give you a dignified choice. Choose for yourself: Bai Ling's three feet or a cup of Poisoned Wine."
"Please, Madam, no!" Xinrong exclaimed emotionally, repeatedly bowing her head. "The Miss would never do anything to curse you. That boy is indeed one of ours, but I saw he was weak and young, and out of pity, I never let him do any heavy work.
I only ordered him to guard the front door as a watchman; with his status, how could he possibly get close to the Miss? This matter is entirely a false accusation. I beg Old Madam to see clearly and not let my Miss suffer an unjust fate."
In the Noble Residence, which family did not have some unspeakable secrets? How could a lowly maid like Xinrong fail to see that today's events were all orchestrated by Old Madam?
But as a weak woman willing to stand up for herself and speak out on behalf of another, whatever Mo Xi'er had done for her was worth it!
"Enough!" Old Madam shouted sternly. "Do you think this is some place where anyone can shout and scream? Rong Mama, I see you're getting old; you can't even manage the people in this household anymore. Why don't you set some rules?"
"Yes!" Rong Mama understood and signaled to the two burly women holding the boy.
The two women nodded and released the boy before turning to Xinrong, striking her from both sides. In no time at all, Xinrong's face had swollen up significantly.
"Stop it, please stop!" Mo Xier was both angry and heartbroken as she rushed forward to intervene, but how could she compete with those rough housemaids? Not only did they take the opportunity to pinch her hard a couple of times, but they also slapped her face.
"Miss, step aside, quickly step aside. I am just a lowly servant; being hit a few times is nothing," Xinrong said tearfully, eager to protect her master.
Seeing that she couldn't win the argument, Mo Xier suddenly turned to Old Madam. The fierce and angry look in her eyes made everyone feel uneasy, especially Old Madam, who felt that this gaze was eerily familiar.
"All Old Madam wants is my life; why drag others into this!" Mo Xier threw the jade hairpin from her hair onto the ground. Her long Azure Silk hair cascaded down like a waterfall. As the breeze brushed past, it added a touch of pitifulness to her currently fierce expression. "This life of mine can be disposed of by Old Madam today, but I beg Old Madam to spare the innocent."
"Since you are so resolute, then I will grant your wish. Rong Mama, stop for now," Old Madam sneered.
The two maids halted their actions. Xinrong's face was a mix of tears and blood, looking quite pitiful. "Miss, it's my fault for dragging you into this."
"What nonsense are you talking about? It's not about dragging anyone down."
Mo Xier held back her tears and wiped Xinrong's face. "If anyone is to blame, it's me for dragging you into this. If it weren't for that wooden block bringing you here to take care of me, you wouldn't be caught up in such troubles today."
"Enough." Old Madam waved her hand in disgust. "I have no interest in watching you two exchange heartfelt sentiments. Just tell me what you want."
Mo Xier slowly pushed Xinrong away, stood up, and surveyed the group before her: the venomous-eyed Old Madam, the domineering Liu Xuxin, the scheming Rong Mama, and Cui Er, who had been hiding behind without daring to speak. Finally, there was that trembling little servant who didn't dare look up at her...
"If I die today, I will surely come back as a vengeful spirit to seek revenge on the mastermind behind this!" Mo Xier's voice was light and airy as if it carried no weight.
Liu Xuxin felt guilty and involuntarily swayed slightly; fortunately, Cui Er was there to support her in time.
Old Madam glared at Liu Xuxin with disappointment before turning her cold gaze back to Mo Xier with a mocking smile. It was laughable; she had eliminated countless people in her lifetime. If each one could return as a vengeful spirit seeking revenge on her, how could she have lived until today?
"You can be stubborn all you want; this will be your last chance. I won't bother arguing with you anymore. Since you can't make a choice yourself, let me make one for you."
"Old Madam" spoke loudly, "My son, Night Star, is kind-hearted and has saved the orphan, Mo Xier. Yet, the Demoness repays kindness with malice, cursing me with her wicked arts. I am benevolent and cannot bear to bring her Yun Ying's body to justice before the authorities. Today, I grant her a pot of Poisoned Wine to leave her whole corpse."
Hearing her twisted words, Mo Xier's lips curled into a cold smile; it was truly disgusting how righteous she sounded.
"Aunt, Xiner has something to say." Liu Xuxin's voice was weak and frail.
Seeing that things were going her way, Old Madam felt a bit better and gently said, "Go ahead."
"Aunt is benevolent to grant Miss Mo a whole corpse. However, if today’s events cannot be witnessed by everyone in the manor to clarify the truth, there may be future disputes within the household," Liu Xuxin said softly.
Mo Xier frowned; this person was indeed cunning and ruthless.
She was already willing to submit, yet Liu Xuxin wanted everyone to see her death. What deep-seated hatred could drive someone to be so vicious?
Old Madam considered Liu Xuxin's words and recalled how Night Star had repeatedly clashed with her over this Demoness in recent days, openly defying and being unfilial. If she could kill the Demoness in front of everyone, it would also restore her own dignity.
With this thought in mind, she waved her hand dismissively: "I am tired; you can handle everything from here."
She had her own calculations, pushing this matter onto Liu Xuxin. When Night Star returned, he would surely not let it go easily, but there needed to be someone to take responsibility.
Moreover, Liu Xuxin had become increasingly arrogant and foolish; she needed to understand that only she could be relied upon in Night Manor, making it easier to manipulate her in the future.
"Rong Mama, please gather everyone in the front yard!" Liu Xuxin said triumphantly, her gaze towards Mo Xier growing more cruel. "Miss Mo, will you walk on your own or shall the other maids escort you?"
Mo Xier let out a cold laugh. At this point, she was like fish on a chopping board; there was no point in arguing anymore. She glanced at Xinrong, who was crying almost to the point of fainting. Her heart ached for her but there was nothing she could do.
In the front yard, the sun blazed fiercely.
Night Manor The number of maids, young servants, miscellaneous workers, chefs, and matrons combined amounts to several hundred, yet there is not a hint of noise in the courtyard.
Old Madam sits upright in the main hall, her gaze causing everyone to lower their heads.
Liu Xuxin stands at the front, a smile on her face: "Bring them in."
Soon, several strong men have placed a long bench and torture instruments in front of everyone. Mo Xier walks over slowly, her stunning face showing no fear or anxiety, but rather an air of indifference as if she were floating away.
Liu Xuxin repeats what Old Madam just said, looking at Mo Xier with satisfaction: "Today, in front of everyone, we will administer fifty strikes as a reminder to all of you about the consequences of committing violence in Night Manor. Bring forth the punishment."
The strong men force Mo Xier down onto the bench and raise the Killing Stick high above their heads, striking down hard: one hit, two hits, three hits...
Before long, blood begins to seep from Mo Xier's back, but she grits her teeth and refuses to plead for mercy.
Old Madam and Liu Xuxin watch on with great satisfaction.
"Clang."
A white jade pendant suddenly falls from her body. Old Madam, with keen eyes, nods to Rong Mama.
Soon someone presents the pendant to her. However, upon seeing it, Old Madam's expression changes drastically. She abruptly stands up and strides forward, shouting: "Stop! Quickly stop!"
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