C17 I will Have to Take Responsibility for This!

"My maid didn't stop you; she merely mentioned I wasn't in the courtyard. Is that reason enough to beat someone so severely? Sister, you're the daughter of a prime minister's family. Why can't you show a little tolerance? Are you going to be this unreasonable after you get married too?"

Lo Qiuli's voice carried a hint of grievance, but mostly it was filled with injustice. However, to others, her words took on a different tone. The old lady's gaze towards Lo Qiushui grew colder, and she glanced at Nanny Qu. Nanny Qu quickly left and soon returned with Limo, who was gravely injured, bringing her to the main residence.

"Nanny Qu, is she here?" the old lady asked softly as Nanny Qu approached. The old lady looked at Limo on the stretcher, feeling more inclined to side with Lo Qiuli. After all, she had known Lo Qiushui's temperament for many years.

"Who did this to you?" the old lady asked, casting a warning glance at Lo Qiushui, who was about to defend herself but lost the courage, choosing instead to watch the events unfold silently.

"Ma'am, I dare not say," Limo began, ready to accuse Lo Qiushui, but after catching Lo Qiuli's eye, she changed her mind and started to sob quietly, appearing deeply wronged. The old lady understood what was happening and looked at Lo Qiushui with even more disdain, seeing her as truly troublesome.

"Speak freely; I won't tolerate deceit. If I find out you're lying, you'll be out of this house!" Though the old lady already had a good idea of the situation, she wanted to hear it from Limo's mouth. Lo Qiushui had often disregarded her status as the legitimate daughter, and the old lady intended to use this opportunity to teach her a lesson about who truly held authority in this household.

"Yes, yes, it was someone close to the young lady." Limo hesitated to speak, glancing at Lo Qiuli for reassurance. Seeing her nod slightly, Limo pretended to be frightened as she revealed the culprit, then quickly lowered her head, fearing retaliation from Lo Qiushui's people.

"Lo Qiushui, what do you have to say for yourself?" The matriarch took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on Lo Qiushui, filled with anger. She had always believed that the head of the family should lead with virtue, yet here was a spoiled and arrogant young woman causing trouble. This wasn't the first time she had been mocked because of Lo Qiushui's behavior, and it seemed the girl had no intention of changing her ways.

Because her mother was the sister of a prominent general, the matriarch couldn't discipline her too harshly. Each time, she could only give a mild reprimand. If this continued, she would lose all authority in the household. She needed to come up with a solution. With this thought, her eyes grew even sharper.

"Granddaughter..." Lo Qiushui couldn't deny the accusations. Her face paled further at the matriarch's reprimand, her tearful appearance evoking sympathy. Yet, her gaze towards Lo Qiuli was filled with malice; it was because of Lo Qiuli that she had been scolded twice by her grandmother.

"If you can't fulfill your role as the family's young lady, someone else will. You'd better restrain yourself, lest people say our family's young lady lacks virtue!" Knowing Lo Qiushui had nothing to say, the matriarch didn't press further, mindful of the influence of her family. Without their backing, she wouldn't have any standing in the household.

"Everyone disperse! All this noise is giving me a headache!" The matriarch stood up, supported by Nanny Qu, and retreated to her quarters. Limo was carried back to Orchid Fragrance Garden by the servants. Outside, the sky was ominously dark. The blood on Lo Qiuli's forehead had dried, but the wound still looked gruesome, though it was hard to see clearly in the dim light.

"Lo Qiuli, don't get too cocky. I'll make sure you pay for this!" Lo Qiushui seethed with resentment, her hatred for Lo Qiuli growing even more intense. If she could, she'd strangle her with her own hands to vent her anger.

"Sister, it's late. You should get some rest," Lo Qiuli said, unfazed by Lo Qiushui's animosity. Her lips curled into a mocking smile, obscured by the night. The evening breeze tousled Lo Qiuli's hair, and her bloodstained dress fluttered in the wind.

Lo Qiushui stared at the bloodstains on Lo Qiuli's clothes, untouched and uncleaned, and felt a chill spread through her body. She couldn't quite grasp what kind of person Lo Qiuli was. The cold aura she exuded made Lo Qiushui want to flee.

"What kind of person are you?" Lo Qiushui stepped back, tripping over a stone and nearly falling. Fortunately, Nanny Yang caught her just in time, saving her from embarrassment. Steadying herself, Lo Qiushui asked Lo Qiuli in a trembling voice.

"Why ask such a question, sister? I'm your sister, Lo Qiuli," she replied, not bothering to look at Lo Qiushui's frightened expression. She turned and walked away. The bloodstains on her dress had turned black, like a stubborn stain that couldn't be ignored, even in the dark. As Lo Qiuli glanced at the marks, a chill crept over her. Lo Qiushui, this debt is yours to pay.

"What do you think of Lo Qiuli?" In the comfort of her room, the old lady hadn't yet gone to bed. She recalled the look in Lo Qiuli's eyes earlier and sensed there was something unusual about her. Yet, her humble demeanor left the old lady somewhat disappointed. After spending so much time in the family home, she didn't expect much spirit from her. As long as she didn't disgrace the family, that was enough.

"She's quite something," the old lady thought. "How can a girl who has never been formally taught be so well-mannered and knowledgeable?" Nanny Qu was usually spot-on when it came to judging people, but she found Lo Qiuli a bit of a mystery. There was clearly much more to her than they knew.

"You've always had a keen eye for people. Keep a close watch on the Orchid Fragrance Garden for me. I want to see what kind of person she really is," the old lady said as she removed her outer garment and settled into bed, pondering for a moment before speaking.

"Yes, ma'am. It's getting late; you should rest," Nanny Qu nodded, refraining from further conversation. She blew out the candle in the room and quietly stepped outside. The crescent moon hung in the sky, occasionally obscured by clouds, dimming its light. The night breeze was chilly, and Nanny Qu sighed. She had a feeling that peace would not last in the Lo family estate, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why.