Chapter 677: Chapter 677: The Empress Dowager’s Birthday Feast Chapter 677: Chapter 677: The Empress Dowager’s Birthday Feast Xiao Ting’s wailing was grating on Situ Yongjie’s nerves, giving him a headache. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he said expressionlessly to the two guards behind him, “Take her out and administer the caning.”
The two guards stepped forward, dragging Xiao Ting away. They were men who had fought alongside Situ Yongjie on the battlefield and, in the General’s Mansion, took orders only from him.
“Madam, madam, please save me. I have slaved for you for over a decade, loyal and devoted. You mustn’t abandon me!” Xiao Ting, held firmly on either side by the guards, was dragged toward the door. She struggled desperately while loudly pleading for Lady Tang’s help.
Lady Tang’s complexion turned grim. Judging from Situ Yongjie’s tone, he had no intention of sparing Xiao Ting. Despite the slim chances, she felt compelled to try.
“Old Master, the reason Xiao Ting erred was due to excessive loyalty. Can’t you overlook this, for Qinger’s sake, and let her off just this once?” Knowing she couldn’t persuade Situ Yongjie, Lady Tang brought her daughter into the plea.
Although Situ Yongjie was cold-hearted towards her, he was very fond of his daughter, Situtu Qinger.
Xiao Ting was her personal maid and had raised Qinger from childhood.
Consequently, Qinger was highly dependent on her–a fact of which Situ Yongjie was well aware.
Situ Yongjie fell silent and said nothing.
Seeing a hint of relenting in his demeanor, Lady Tang quickly pressed further, “Xiao Ting grew up alongside Qinger. Qinger’s affection for her is nearly as deep as mine. For the sake of our daughter, can’t you let her go this time, Old Master?”
Upon hearing this, Situ Yongjie’s heart ached for his daughter, “Then don’t expel her from the General’s Mansion. Let her stay and recover from her injuries.”
“Thank you, Old Master!” Lady Tang was overjoyed, knowing that Xiao Ting would not be cast out and, once healed, would be another valuable asset in the mansion.
Observing the triumphant Lady Tang, Situ Yongjie sneered inwardly.
“In a few days, we have the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet. The Emperor has requested Xuexue’s attendance specifically. Have someone prepare several beautiful dresses for her. Most of the attendees will be from the Imperial Family, and we must not disgrace our General’s Mansion. The quality of the fabric and all other aspects must be top-notch.”
“Rest assured, Old Master, I understand what to do.” Lady Tang’s elation was immediately subdued by this news but then she cautiously inquired, “Has Qinger been invited to the Imperial Palace as well?”
Situ Yongjie shook his head, “The Emperor made no mention of her.”
“Old Master, don’t forget, Qinger is also your daughter. You can’t give everything to Xuexue out of remorse and neglect Qinger’s needs. She’s also of marriageable age. With many princes and sons of high officials and nobles in attendance, such a splendid opportunity–why won’t you secure an invitation for Qinger as well?”
“When the Emperor himself has requested her, where is there room for me to speak? What would you, a woman of the household, understand about these matters?” Situ Yongjie replied impatiently, flipping his sleeve disdainfully before turning and walking out.
Lady Tang was seething with indignation. She had always looked for opportunities to introduce her daughter to the Children of Royalty, the gateway to accessing the Imperial Family.
“If you won’t create opportunities for Qinger, I’ll find them myself. I refuse to believe we can’t attend the banquet,” murmured Lady Tang to herself, her mind whirling with strategies on how to seize Xuexue’s place at the Imperial Palace.
A maid hurried in, “Madam, Sister Xiao Ting has been beaten to a bloody pulp. Should we call a Doctor to attend to her?”