MFURCC -Chapter 37 Risking Everything to Protect Her Servant

“I—”

Ruan Yunzheng was about to speak when the Madam grabbed her wrist.

“Yun’er! Don’t drench yourself in filth just to protect this girl!”

Lowering her voice, she continued, “Yun’er, have you gone mad? If you abandon this girl, I can send you another maid—ten maids, a hundred maids, whatever you want!”

Liuzheng, standing nearby, could catch fragments of what the Madam was saying.

When she had been poisoned, neither the Master nor the Madam had paid her any real attention. Their only concern had been that their mistreatment of her might be exposed. Once the matter had been quietly brushed aside, they had returned to their chairs, unconcerned.

Yet now that Ruan Yunzheng was in trouble, the Madam and the Master’s attention had been fully drawn.

The Madam was even patient with Ruan Yunzheng.

In her previous life, she had truly been blind and naïve, failing to see the Madam’s true face. In the Madam’s heart, there was no longer room for her as a daughter.

But Liuzheng was not saddened—she only found it laughable. She no longer longed for the genuine affection of the Madam and the Master.

Prince Su had already lost patience. Frowning, he said, “Such a trivial matter, even the General’s residence cannot clarify it? Do you still need me to intervene?”

“No need!” Ruan Yunzheng gently pushed the Madam aside, straightened her back, and said, “This matter has nothing to do with Su Luo.”

“Yun’er!” The Madam was exasperated. She could not understand why her daughter was so kind and soft-hearted.

Ignoring her mother’s gaze, Ruan Yunzheng continued,

“Mother, this was indeed my arrangement. My elder sister had been away for several days without returning, and I was worried. I had been having nightmares and sleepless nights because of it. Later, I remembered a wandering sorcerer once said that placing silver under a pillow could dispel nightmares. I thought that since the nightmares were caused by my elder sister, I should have Su Luo fetch my elder sister’s silver medallion. I intended to return it once the nightmares ceased, but I did not expect such a misunderstanding to arise…”

Prince Su’s face remained expressionless as he looked at Ruan Yunzheng.

“If that’s the case, why didn’t you say so from the beginning?”

Ruan Yunzheng had long prepared her explanation. She said, “My elder sister accused me of theft and even threatened to cut off my hands. I was genuinely afraid and dared not admit the truth at first. But when I saw her dragging my maid to punish her, my heart could not bear it. So I mustered the courage to tell the truth.”

Ruan Yunzheng was skilled at acting. Her words were confident, her gaze unwavering, showing no hint of guilt or panic, making her story convincing.

Liuzheng quietly observed from the side. If it hadn’t been for that silver medallion—or rather, if she hadn’t had the wet nurse sneak it under Ruan Yunzheng’s pillow—she almost would have believed Ruan Yunzheng’s words.

“Elder sister.” Ruan Yunzheng stepped forward two paces and suddenly knelt before her.

“This was my doing. If you wish to beat or punish someone, do not go after my maid—go after me. I am willing to take the blame. Whether you cut off my hands or even kill me, I accept it. I only ask that you spare this girl. She has grown up with me, like my own sister… I do not wish to implicate her.”

Beside her, Su Luo was already in tears.

Miss Third had always been strict with her; if she made a mistake, she would even be punished by her.

Yet she had never imagined that Miss Third held her in such regard. When she was six, she had a high fever, and no one paid attention—but Miss Third had pity on her, given her medicine, and saved her life.

Since then, she had regarded Miss Third as more precious than her own life. Now, after this incident, it wasn’t just about this one life—she would have been willing to die for Miss Third ten thousand times if necessary.

“Miss! It’s not like that… I stole it. Please don’t blame Miss Third—it’s all my fault, all my fault!”

The maid and her mistress clung to each other, crying.

Many present were moved. Even the Duke of Wei thought the matter could be smoothed over.

The Duke was about to speak, playing the peacemaker, when Liuzheng said, “Since it was only a misunderstanding, and the Third Miss had nightmares because of me, why would I continue to blame her? Third Miss, please get up—anyone unaware might think I bullied you.”

She personally helped Ruan Yunzheng to her feet, a hint of guilt on her face.

Ruan Yunzheng was good at acting—did Liuzheng not have her own skills?

“Elder sister, do you truly wish to forgive me?”

“It was a misunderstanding—what is there to forgive?”

At this moment, the Madam spoke: “Since it was your misunderstanding, you should apologize to Yun’er.”

Liuzheng looked up, her gaze carrying a faint smile that sent a chill down the Madam’s spine.

“You—”

She was about to speak when Prince Su suddenly said, “Even with a thousand reasons, taking something without permission is wrong. Madam Ruan still wants General Ruan to apologize? Are you out of your mind?”

The Madam froze.

Ruan Yunzheng bit her lip hard. She could not understand why Prince Su not only refused to help her but repeatedly stabbed at her in front of everyone.

Didn’t he have feelings for her? She could not have been mistaken about that glance… Was Prince Su mad?

“So… what will Your Highness do?”

“According to me, although this matter is somewhat understandable, it cannot simply be let go. Otherwise, it sets a precedent: anyone could take others’ belongings at will. Third Miss Ruan must be punished.”

He then looked to the Old Madam. “What do you think of my suggestion?”

The Old Madam was silent for a moment before saying, “Prince, what you say is correct. This precedent cannot be set.”

“Mother!” Madam Song spoke anxiously, “Yun’er only acted because of Liuzheng—”

“Silence!” The Old Madam cut her off decisively. “Yun’er, you will accompany your second aunt to the temple for reflection.”

Madam Song widened her eyes.

“No! Mother, Yun’er is still unmarried—a sudden trip to the temple… who knows how people outside will gossip?”

“Tell them she went with her second aunt to pray for Changzheng. She is Changzheng’s sister; outsiders will not suspect a thing.”

“But—”

“That’s enough! This matter is not open for discussion!”

Madam clutched her handkerchief tightly, her gaze filled with resentment as she looked at Liuzheng.

It was only a silver reward plaque. Though bestowed by the emperor, it was practically worthless.

Yun’er was the only daughter of the Nian family.

With their vast wealth, how could they care about such a trifle?

Yet now, they were claiming that Yun’er had stolen it!

How could Yun’er ever care about such a thing?!

She was only covering for her maid.

Poor Yun’er!

Madam’s grief was so intense that even breathing felt difficult.

Ruan Yunzheng steadied her.

“Mother, Yun’er is fine. Once my elder brother recovers, Yun’er will return to see you…”

These words were meant both to comfort Madam Song and to hint at her own return.

The matriarch had never said when she could come back to the estate, so she had to voice it herself.

Sure enough, once spoken, the matriarch did not comment further—likely tacitly permitting it.

Ruan Yunzheng reminded herself that everything was fine. Her elder brother’s leg would recover in at most a month or two, and then she could return.

Unlike the second madam, she would not be barred from this home forever.

When she returned, she would surely repay Liuzheng for today’s humiliation, tenfold!

Ruan Yunzheng carefully concealed her anger in her eyes and, under the matriarch’s orders, began packing her belongings.

The second madam hurriedly accompanied her.

The matriarch paid her no mind and instead bowed to Duke Wei and Prince Su.

“Your Highness, Duke, Young Master Shen, thank you for your assistance today… However, since this was a family matter, I must ask that you—”

Before she could finish, Prince Su interjected, “Matriarch, rest assured. Duke Wei, Young Master Shen, and I will not speak of this matter outside.”

“Do not worry, we are very discreet,” Shen He’an added, making a gesture to seal his lips.

The matriarch thanked them profusely, and Liuzheng also expressed her gratitude.

Master Ruan was a step slower and only then followed with a bow.

Prince Su’s gaze fell on the hair bun atop Liuzheng’s head. He paused thoughtfully, then said, “Once General Ruan fully recovers, visit the Prince’s residence. I have something to ask of you.”

Liuzheng lifted her eyes to meet his.

For a moment, she felt as if he could see through her completely.

Her body stiffened slightly as she replied, “Yes…”

Prince Su swept his sleeve and left.

Shen He’an handed the jade pillow he had been holding to the wet nurse beside Liuzheng.

“This is a token of thanks from the prince to General Ruan. Keep it.”

Without waiting for a response, he quickly followed Prince Su.

Duke Wei also took his leave.

“Once my wife recovers, we shall come together to express our gratitude again.”

“It should be Liuzheng who thanks Duke Wei.”

“Do not forget to visit the estate often.”

“Yes.”

Duke Wei nodded and reminded her to rest well before turning to leave.

Once they were gone, Second Master’s legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground.

He had been truly frightened!

He feared being implicated by the second madam.

The matriarch shot him a look of exasperation, frustrated by his weakness.

“Someone, escort Second Master back to his room!”

“Yes, madam.”

Two servants quickly arrived and helped the second master walk away.

Third Madam and Third Master had remained silent the entire time. They were not involved in the earlier incidents, and with the matriarch present, there was no need for them to speak.

It wasn’t until this moment that Third Madam asked about Second Madam Zhao.

“Which temple did you place her and Yunzheng in?”

“Take them to Changlong Temple, where I often go. I am familiar with the abbot. If you bring them yourself, he will take good care of them.”

“Yes.”

Third Madam went to handle it.

The matriarch then instructed Third Master.

“Your elder and second brothers are both timid… You must supervise the servants in the estate well, and not let them speak recklessly.”

She was genuinely angry at what Second Madam and Ruan Yunzheng had done.

Though she didn’t wish to concern herself with their fates, she could not ignore the reputation of the Ruan family.

“Yes, madam.”

“Not just this matter—move all the imperial gifts to the remote storage room.”

“Don’t worry, mother. I’ll take care of it.” Third Master nodded and set about the task.

The matriarch, exhausted, had to rely on Nanny Shu to stay upright.

Yet she did not forget to warn Liuzheng: “Earlier, with the prince and duke present, it wasn’t proper to have you lie down and rest. Go back and lie down now. The remaining poison in your body is not yet cleared—take care of yourself. Do not assume that being young means you can push through. You’ll only realize the importance of health when you are older.”

She also instructed Nanny Jiang:

“Take good care of the young lady. If anything happens to her, I will not spare you.”

“Yes, madam.” Nanny Jiang bowed respectfully.

Only then did the matriarch let Nanny Shu support her away.

Madame Qian lagged a few steps behind. Once the matriarch had left, she approached Liuzheng.

“Young Lady…”