Chapter 17: Scheming Within Schemes (2)

Yun Zui seemed to recall something and said, "Since Yun Qiang reported the wrongdoing, she need not be punished."

A nine-year-old girl, thirty lashes—she would not survive even five, surely.

With that casual remark from Yun Zui, Yun Qiang suddenly became the object of wrath; Dou Saiqi, Yun Xi, and Yun Mo immediately glared at her with hatred, blaming her for speaking out of turn.

Yet Yun Qiang was oblivious and curiously asked, "Mother, I did a good deed by reporting? What did I report?"

In truth, she had not meant to report anything; she had merely mentioned who had called Yun Zui a wretch.

Yun Zui curled her lips into a satisfied smile and continued, "I have important matters to attend to, so I shall not supervise your punishment."

With that, she turned to leave but suddenly remembered something, walked up to Dou Saiqi, and, before Dou Saiqi even realized what was happening, plucked several golden hairpins from her head.

Dou Saiqi immediately tried to snatch them back, but Yun Zui was swift and handed them to Chi Yuan, saying, "Keep these safe, they are worth more than a hundred taels."

Yun Zui deliberately left her words vague; she did not explain the origin of the hundred taels, but she trusted Chi Yuan understood her meaning. Dou Saiqi and the others were left in the dark, watching as the hairpins were pressed into Chi Yuan’s hands. Dou Saiqi was heartbroken and wanted to reclaim them, but she lacked the courage.

Yun Zui cast a contemptuous glance at Dou Saiqi and then, with a flourish, departed.

In truth, Yun Zui quietly kept one of the three gold hairpins for herself.

She did not have much silver, and the hairpin would surely fetch a good price at the pawnshop.

She had to look out for herself.

As she left the Prime Minister’s residence, every servant she passed cried out, "Ghost!" but Yun Zui walked on lightly and calmly.

She did not linger because she knew the Prime Minister—her so-called father—would soon return from court. For a man to achieve such a position, Yun Tai was no fool, so it was best for Yun Zui to disappear quickly.

She did not seek Chi Mie’s help to enter the palace, for once inside its depths, she would be powerless and penniless, prey for any who wished to torment her. It was wiser to find an inn for now.

As for Chi Mie, though she did not know his intentions in helping her, she saw no reason to refuse assistance when offered.

Seeing Yun Zui depart, Chi Mie rose immediately, and Chi Yuan was quick to follow, but Chi Mie said, "You know how to punish them."

He meant Chi Yuan should handle Dou Saiqi and the others himself…

Chi Yuan halted, nearly in tears. Why had he come along today?

He wanted no part in offending others!

He could only lament in his heart, not daring to voice his complaint.

Chi Mie had come to the Prime Minister’s residence without carriage or sedan, preferring to walk. He did not want the shrewd Yun Zui to notice any sign of a visitor outside. He wanted to see how she would handle herself.

After a few steps, Chi Mie caught up with Yun Zui. Seeing him follow, Yun Zui said, "Prince Mie, are you here to plead for mercy?"

"No," Chi Mie answered curtly.

Yun Zui’s clear eyes darted, and she asked, "Then why are you following me?"

If he was not here to plead, then he had no business with her.

"You are a princess dowager, your status is special. To prevent you from being disturbed, I have come to protect you," Chi Mie replied, somewhat fatigued.

Most young ladies would pursue him eagerly, requiring no excuse on his part; now, having to fabricate a reason to follow her was exhausting.