Chapter 15: Into the Water Together

Qing He immediately widened her eyes. She thought that after serving her master for three years, even if she were punished, at worst, she would be sold or given a caning. She never expected that Madam would be so ruthless as to order her immediate execution by beating.

Panicked, she hurriedly crawled over, "Madam, Madam, you can't do this to a servant. You know, I am wronged. That Joyful Powder was actually..."

"What are you waiting for, take her away, Mama Li."

Liu Shi immediately interrupted Qing He's words, giving a signal with her eyes.

Mama Li instantly understood, and immediately moved to cover Qing He's mouth with a cloth.

But, perhaps due to her age and poor eyesight, as she bent down, she stumbled slightly. This delay gave Qing He a chance to breathe.

She looked at Liu Shi in terror. Since you're going to execute me, don't think anyone will have it easy. So as Mama Li came to cover her, she shouted out, "The drug I administered was actually under your direct orders, I am wronged! You obviously dislike the Young Master holding the Princely Heir's title, wishing for his death... mmm..."

Mama Li ignored the pain from the stumble, hurried over and stuffed Qing He's mouth forcefully, then harshly said, "What are you all staring for? Take this wretch away. She's full of lies, even at the brink of death she falsely accuses Madam, an unforgivable crime, execute her immediately by beating."

Qing He was muffled and dragged away, struggling fiercely.

Everyone was instantly in an uproar, because of Qing He's words that it was clearly under your orders.

Indeed, the intrigues in a great household run deep.

Everyone looked at each other, knowing that this would be the topic over tea tomorrow.

Liu Shi was so angry she wanted to strangle Qing He. Such a useless thing.

In a rush, she came forward to explain, stating that Qing He was fabricating nonsense, probably biting randomly in desperation. She also confessed to not recognizing people well, never expecting that Qing He would be so malicious, almost harming Cheng'er. Her words were filled with disappointment, pain, and relief, her acting genuinely impressive.

However, despite such good acting, Shen Juncheng directly responded with shock, coughing, and a series of acute reactions, then simply fainted as if he didn't hear, wasting Liu Shi's heartfelt performance and the effort of squeezing out two tears. Ultimately, her explanation was in vain.

The servant had already carried the Young Master back to the room, with Doctor Lu following to provide treatment.

In an effort to salvage her image of kindness, Liu Shi could only stay and offer another round of explanations to those who had come to watch.

Nevertheless, everyone gave her face, expressing understanding. Who doesn't know the common practice of masters having maids take the blame?

It's just a scapegoat; everyone knew but said nothing about it.

Someone even came up to curry favor and offer comfort at this moment.

Liu Shi maintained a stiff smile, hinting as she left that although today's event was unexpected, it was also a family scandal. A maid attempting to harm her master, if spread, might say the Marquis Mansion lacks discipline. Family scandals shouldn't be aired, hoping the audience would understand.

Everyone got it, getting the point that it's about fearing the damage to reputation, and happily promised not to spread rumors.

Only then did Liu Shi nod, with Mama Li supporting her back to the room.

Once in the room, she shed her kind image, angrily slamming the table,

This Qing He is indeed useless, unable to handle a small matter and getting counterattacked, damaging her reputation.

Even though everyone expressed their belief, how could Liu Shi not understand? It's merely because she is the Lady of the Shen Family, and they didn't want to offend her.

The good name she painstakingly built was almost ruined by this wretched maid. Even execution by beating is too lenient for her.

Mama Li hurriedly comforted, "Madam, please calm down. Although Qing He was foolish this time, she still served some purpose."