"Who did you give my incense to?"
Qinglian prostrated herself on the floor, crying. Upon hearing Bai Qingqing's cold voice, she froze for a moment, then, with tearful eyes, said, "What are you saying, Miss? Qinglian doesn’t understand, I’ve never done such a thing."
"It doesn’t matter whether you admit it or not. Go to the manor with your parents."
Qinglian suddenly raised her head, crawling forward a few steps. "Miss, why are you doing this to me? I have always been loyal to you, how could you…"
"Of course I can. You and your parents are servants of the Duke's household. Wherever you serve, I have the say. You live more luxuriously here than daughters of small families. This is something I’ve given you, and I can take it back."
Qinglian stared blankly at her, tears hanging on her face, pitiful beyond words. She couldn’t understand—Bai Qingqing was soft-hearted, always indulgent, never punishing the servants. Why had she suddenly become so cold-hearted?
Go to the manor? No, that can't be!
She had been to the manor before. It was desolate, and everyone had to work. The food and clothes were nothing like in the household. The servants there couldn’t even touch fine satin without ruining it, pulling threads from the fabric.
She was the head maid by the Duke's daughter’s side—there were little maids to take care of the small chores. With her status, she could easily find a husband. She couldn’t go to the manor!
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"Miss! Miss, I was wrong. Please forgive me this time!"
Qinglian immediately admitted her mistake, thinking that as long as she sincerely repented, Bai Qingqing, with her kind nature, would surely give her another chance.
Bai Qingqing looked at her coldly and smiled slightly. "One time? Qinglian, do you think I’m foolish enough to be deceived? I have never been one to hold others accountable, but now that I’ve asked you, it means I already know."
Qinglian’s heart sank. Her forehead struck the ground with a loud thud. "I was bewitched, but I swear I’ve only done it that one time. I dare not lie to you, Miss!"
Afraid Bai Qingqing wouldn’t believe her, Qinglian confessed everything.
She hadn’t intended to trade Bai Qingqing's incense for money. It was just that the incense from that one time was exceptionally unique. Smelling it made one feel light-headed, stirred with excitement, as if even courage had been magnified.
By chance, she ran into someone she knew from her usual purchasing work, and she casually mentioned it to him. That person, upon smelling it, was so impressed that he bought it at a price far exceeding what Qinglian had imagined.
"Miss, I really know I was wrong. It was just a moment of foolishness. I won’t dare again. Please forgive me this time, I will repay your kindness with my life!"
Qinglian looked utterly pitiful, crying so hard she could hardly breathe, almost fainting.
After a long pause, Bai Qingqing’s voice was heard. "Alright, get up. After that…"
"I haven't had anything to do with him since then. He hasn't come looking for me either."
Bai Qingqing nodded. "Go back for now, I’ll think it over."
Qinglian left, looking back three times. She no longer dared to mention the purchasing work. But did the Miss’s words mean she wouldn’t be pursued for this matter? Was she still the head maid by the Duke’s daughter’s side?
For now, she’d hold on to that position, and the rest could be dealt with later.
The door closed and then opened again. Zidai entered nimbly. Bai Qingqing, looking a bit weary, spoke, "I won’t keep Qinglian anymore. Go tell my mother, we’ll find someone to replace her parents' work. I don't want to see her in front of me again."