Volume One, Chapter 10: It's Time for You to Pack Up and Leave

Qin Lang furrowed his brows tightly. He naturally did not trust anyone from the Graceful Courtyard, so he instinctively glanced at the maid Cui Zhu beside him. Without uttering a word, the pressure emanating from her master made Cui Zhu too afraid to lie.

“Miss Yan’er also came to deliver the white jade flute to Fourth Miss, that’s why...” Cui Zhu spoke no more, nor did she deny Wan Shuang’s words, which meant that what Wan’er said was true.

It proved that he had only judged her superficially and wrongfully just now.

For some reason, knowing the truth only fueled Qin Lang’s anger further. Even if she was wronged, couldn’t she explain it properly? Why must she put on a cold face, leave after uttering just one sentence? Who was she trying to impress?

The drowning incident had happened many days ago, and everyone had already forgiven her, yet she stubbornly refused to let it go. Perhaps today he had misunderstood her, but what about last time? The drowning incident was not a misunderstanding!

Seeing Qin Lang’s expression grow increasingly grim, Su Yan’er grew frightened in her heart. She timidly presented the white jade flute in her hands and explained, “Second Brother, please calm your anger. Today’s matter is entirely my fault. I took the initiative to deliver the jade flute on behalf of Big Brother, but I did not expect Fourth Sister to refuse it. I thought she was angry with me, which caused you to misunderstand. Please, Second Brother, do not be angry. It’s all my fault!”

As Su Yan’er spoke, tears fell freely. Even though Qin Lang’s heart burned with anger, he could not vent it on a crying woman.

Glancing at the white jade flute in Su Yan’er’s hand, Qin Lang snatched it away and called out toward the inner room.

“If she doesn’t appreciate it, there’s no need to force it. This jade flute is a fine instrument; if she doesn’t understand flute music, giving it to her is a waste!”

Qin Lang knew his words would reach inside; he was deliberately speaking to her.

Was it really necessary to be so angry over a punishment?

Why couldn’t this matter be let go?

Qin Wan hid in the inner chamber, truly unwilling to have too much interaction with them. From beginning to end, no matter what she said, it was seen as an excuse in their eyes, so she might as well say nothing.

If only they could listen to her once, the incident at the Empress’s birthday banquet would not have fallen on her head; she would not have died miserably at Leishan Temple in the previous life, nor would she be punished in this one.

The pain in Qin Wan’s heart was sharp, her body aching as if torn apart.

When the voices outside ceased, Qin Wan knew they had left. Wan Shuang came in, looking at her mistress with a sudden surge of dissatisfaction.

“Miss clearly didn’t force Su Yan’er just now, yet the Second Young Master came and insisted that you forced her to kneel. Why don’t you explain?”

Su Yan’er was certainly deliberate; she must have known the Second Young Master had returned and intentionally knelt before Miss to cause misunderstanding. Did she really think that staying temporarily in this Marquis Manor made her its lady?

Wan Shuang stood up for Qin Wan, but as a mere maid, her ability was limited.

Qin Wan shook her head. “Enough. This isn’t the first misunderstanding. They don’t believe whatever I say, so why waste words?”

Now Qin Wan’s heart was set on leaving this devouring Marquis Manor. The most important thing was to save enough money and, while still in the manor, to properly care for her grandmother. As for the rest, let them misunderstand—it was futile to explain.

As Qin Wan turned to continue counting her belongings, she saw Wan Xia step forward.

She had almost forgotten about this disloyal maid who needed dealing with.

Before Qin Wan could speak, Wan Xia knelt before her. “Miss, please calm your anger. I didn’t expect things to turn out this way. I followed your instructions to return the jade flute, but since the heir has already left the manor, I had no choice but to give the flute to Miss Yan’er, and that’s why...”

Qin Wan didn’t want to hear her explanation; her heart was no longer here. If she wished to change masters, so be it.

Qin Wan interrupted, “Wan Xia, you have served me since entering the manor—seven years by now. We are master and servant. I don’t wish to be harsh, but the snow outside has lessened somewhat. Pack your things and leave the Graceful Courtyard. Whether you seek another master or Uncle Wang arranges you another task, you must no longer serve here.”

Her words struck Wan Xia like thunder crashing upon her head, leaving her stunned.

She thought Miss was joking about dismissing her but never expected she was serious.

She did not want to leave Graceful Courtyard. Now she was Miss’s personal maid; hard work would no longer fall on her. If she left, she would be the one to do all the labor.

“Miss, it’s all my fault, a thousand times my fault. Please don’t send me away. If I leave Graceful Courtyard, where else can I go? A maid sent away by her master would not be taken in anywhere else, Miss...” Wan Xia sobbed.

Had this been before, Qin Wan might have felt pity and withdrawn her order. But this time, no. At Leishan Temple, she had cried so long without anyone caring for her. Why should she care for others now?

Qin Wan’s mind was made up. “Wan Shuang, take her away!”

Wan Shuang did not understand why Miss was so harsh, but having just witnessed Miss’s grievance and Wan Xia’s silent response, she was angry herself. Still, as a maid, she obeyed without question and led Wan Xia out.

Wan Xia’s heart was no longer with Graceful Courtyard. She wanted to serve in the West Wing. She wanted to be Su Yan’er’s personal maid—not for anything else, but because Su Yan’er was gentle, and she only wished to serve a gentle mistress.

After crying for a while, Wan Xia left without hesitation.

She had already wanted to leave and had been looking for the right moment. Now, this was the perfect opportunity.

Wan Shuang thought Wan Xia would plead to stay, but when she saw her gather her belongings and leave without a backward glance, she was stunned.

Returning to Qin Wan’s side, Wan Shuang recounted what she had witnessed.

“Miss, Wan Xia really left. I thought she would…”

“Thought what? That she would kneel in the snow for three days and nights, begging to retract the order? That she would prove with her death that her heart was still with Graceful Courtyard?” Qin Wan sneered as she kept sorting her belongings—her entire savings. “Her heart has long left here; she no longer wishes to serve me.”

Wan Shuang found it hard to believe. “Miss, Wan Xia always gave you advice and helped you solve problems. How could she no longer want to serve at Graceful Courtyard?”

“Human hearts are unpredictable.”

Even family of over ten years can say they no longer love you. How much more a maid? If she’s unwilling, why keep her by my side? It only harms both her and me.

This Marquis Manor is the same. If they do not love me, why should I stay? Perhaps they even hope I leave.

“Enough. Let’s not speak of this anymore. Give me the box from the cabinet!”

“Yes!”

...

By evening, the snow continued to fall, showing no signs of stopping.

Qin Ye returned to Maple Leaf Courtyard. Upon opening the door, he saw Qin Lang already seated inside. On the table lay a white jade flute, which he recognized as the one he had given Qin Wan during the day, though he did not know why it was now in Qin Lang’s hands.

“Why is this jade flute with you?”