Actually, things didn’t start out this way.
Through systematic inquiries, someone finally said they had seen Hu San being dragged into this house. Qi Yue was the first to arrive here, bringing only seven or eight guards.
She looked up at the high-hanging gate plaque with its simple, bold characters: Wang Residence.
“The Wang family!” The head guard’s expression changed slightly.
“What kind of family is the Wang family?” Qi Yue asked.
“It’s… it’s the former Minister of Personnel…” the guard’s voice trembled a little.
If the genuine imperial relatives and nobles from the capital encountered these court ministers, it might not matter much, but for someone like Marquis Dingxi who was already marginalized, such court ministers – even former ones – could not be easily provoked.
After A’Ru went back to call for people, the steward immediately assembled eight guards according to official protocol. Thinking that the main purpose of fighting was intimidation rather than causing deaths, he thoughtfully had them remove their swords and spears, still equipping them with clubs and sticks.
“Be clever when you go out, don’t disgrace Marquis Dingxi’s mansion,” the steward repeatedly instructed before departure. After all, such incidents were rare, and the household guards lacked experience. “Of course, don’t go too far either, or it’ll be hard to explain later.”
The guards came over with some ease and excitement, only now realizing the situation was much bigger than they had imagined.
This wasn’t a quarrel and fight between young masters – the other party had such a distinguished status!
Since they had such high position, Qi Yue quickly straightened her clothes and politely knocked on the door, explaining her purpose.
Because of Marquis Dingxi’s reputation, the gatekeeper didn’t dare delay and immediately reported to the steward.
“A woman?” Because it was New Year and because it was getting dark, the steward, who was more leisurely than usual, had drunk a few extra cups and was somewhat intoxicated. “Our family has never had much contact with Marquis Dingxi’s mansion. How could there be women coming to the door at night? I’ll go see.”
He wrapped himself in a large fur coat and hat and walked out, looking at the woman standing under the lantern light, and couldn’t help but stare.
Burp… the steward couldn’t help but hiccup from the alcohol… a beauty.
Que Zhi and A’Ru flashed their hands to protect Qi Yue and stepped back a few paces, frowning at the intoxicated man before them.
“Who are you people?” the steward asked with bleary eyes.
“We’re from Marquis Dingxi’s mansion,” Que Zhi spoke up, covering her nose with her hand. “You arrested a doctor today. Quickly release him and this matter will be dropped…”
The steward was completely confused, but seeing this little maid’s unfriendly attitude, he felt annoyed.
Although he was just a steward, as the saying goes, even a minister’s servant is a seventh-rank official. With the Wang family’s status, when he went out, he carried himself with more authority than a county magistrate. To be shouted at by this little maid was simply too insulting.
Little maid…
The steward thought of a tenant farmer’s daughter he had taken a fancy to a few days ago, about the same age, not particularly beautiful, but he liked her fresh vitality. He had intended to take her as a third concubine, but was actually refused.
Really ungrateful – wasn’t it just because she disliked his age?
What was wrong with being older? Really didn’t know what was good for her!
“Ungrateful stinking little maid!” The steward’s anger rose from his heart. He glared and cursed, “Get lost!”
Que Zhi’s eyes widened at being scolded.
My heavens, how long had it been since she heard anyone dare scold her?
Good gracious, and it was an old man. Never mind that he was a steward of the high-ranking Wang family – no matter how high-ranking the household, pointing at her and cursing was cursing Marquis Dingxi’s mansion.
“You rotten old man, didn’t you hear what I said? We’re from Marquis Dingxi’s mansion. Go report quickly and hand over the person…” Que Zhi stood with arms akimbo and shouted.
Qi Yue frowned and reached out to pull Que Zhi back.
“Que Zhi, how can you speak like that? Uncle, I apologize. Please listen to me…” she said, pushing Que Zhi back while stepping forward herself. Just as she turned and opened her mouth, she saw a slap coming at her face.
A crisp slap echoed in front of the gate, followed by instant silence.
Rotten old man! These words completely provoked the steward. This stinking little maid!
The steward struck hard with his slap, feeling the pent-up frustration of several days finally released.
“Young Madam!” Que Zhi screamed, and A’Ru and A’Hao frantically gathered around.
This rotten old man was quite strong…
Qi Yue only felt stars before her eyes, her left ear ringing, her nose warming as something flowed down.
She raised her hand to touch it and looked in the lantern light.
“Blood!” Que Zhi screamed again, seeing the rotten old man standing there with his head raised proudly, and lunged at him with clawed hands.
The steward cried out in pain, his face burning from several scratches.
“Little hussy!” Though he was old, he was still a man after all. He kicked away the maid clawing at him and shouted angrily.
Que Zhi was kicked away. Since they were standing on steps, this kick sent Que Zhi tumbling down.
A’Ru’s face went white with fear as she called out to Que Zhi and ran down.
“Dare to cause trouble at my Wang family’s gate! Don’t want to live!” the steward shouted loudly and spat heavily. “Close the gate! If you dare come cause trouble again, we’ll break your legs!”
Qi Yue held her face with one hand, still somewhat dazed from being hit.
This was the first time she’d been struck since coming here…
“Your grandmother…” she murmured, then lifted her foot and kicked hard at the man who was turning away.
Screw your high-ranking family…
Even if you were the emperor himself, this sister won’t swallow this insult…