Chapter 15: Heirloom

"Madam, have mercy! It was my greed that clouded my judgment for a moment." Peach Hong wept while knocking her head, leaving a bruise on her forehead.

"Any punishment you choose for me, any task assigned, I beg you, do not hand me over to the authorities," she pleaded earnestly. She was genuinely frightened. If Su Yuxin reported her, she would undoubtedly end up in prison. Her life would be over—once a servant who betrayed her master and had been imprisoned, there would be no one willing to buy her again. Unpurchased servants were typically sent to lowly brothels, available for a trifling sum, a sad fate indeed.

"I have other matters to attend to right now, I can't bother with you. Detain her for now," Su Yuxin gestured toward two older maids, instructing them, "Lock her up in the woodshed. Watch over her carefully, don't let her harm herself. I'll deal with her upon my return."

"Yes, Madam," the two maids were thrilled, seizing Peach Hong's arms and disregarding her scratches.

They were the tough, senior servants in Yimei Garden, strong enough to handle this. Earlier, they had refrained from retaliation due to Peach Hong's status as the head maid.

"Madam, have mercy. Consider the consequences…" 

"You're being too noisy," Su Yuxin frowned, prompting the maids to silence Peach Hong and haul her away.

"Let me see." After dealing with Peach Hong, Su Yuxin examined Qingque and the young maid's injuries. Qingque had only a minor scrape on her forehead, nothing serious.

"I'm fine," Qingque shook her head. "But Maisie has suffered multiple blows; her forehead is bleeding."

As Qingque lifted Maisie's sleeve, several purple bruises, four fingers wide and various shades, marked her delicate arm. It was evident she had endured numerous beatings before.

Su Yuxin sighed, feeling somewhat guilty. She had previously allowed Peach Hong to act recklessly, causing suffering for these servants and maids.

"Ziyuan, take Maisie to Mrs. Xia's place to have Dr. Sun take a look. Don't let any illnesses take root in her head," Su Yuxin instructed.

"I'm fine," Maisie's voice was faint and timid.

"Be obedient, go and see the doctor. That will put my mind at ease," Su Yuxin softened her tone, showing a hint of warmth.

"Let's go; don't worry the Madam," Ziyuan took Maisie's hand.

"Thank you, Madam," Maisie hurriedly expressed her gratitude.

Once Ziyuan and Maisie left, Su Yuxin rose and spoke as she walked into the room, "Qingque, come with me."

Qingque complied and followed.

"After my adulthood ceremony, Madam Luo gave me a small box, inside it lies an heirloom from my mother. Do you know where it's kept?" Su Yuxin inquired.

"I know, Madam. You brought it with you when you got married. It's stored in the small storeroom," Qingque nodded.

"Retrieve it; I have a use for it," Su Yuxin opened the hidden layer of the dressing box and handed the storeroom's key to Qingque. "You will be responsible for it from now on."

"Yes, Madam. I will not betray your trust," Qingque bowed, expressing her earnestness.

Shortly, Qingque brought it. Wrapped in red silk cloth was an exquisitely carved sandalwood box adorned with intricate patterns.

Opening it revealed a piece of bluish-green stone, similar in size to a pigeon egg.

"What is this?" Qingque asked curiously.

"It's potash," Su Yuxin took it out and spread it in her palm. Though it should be cool, it carried a trace of warmth.

"What a strange name; I've never heard of it before," Qingque scratched her head.

"This was a gift from my uncle to my mother during her adulthood ceremony," Su Yuxin explained. "It's not an ordinary stone; when soaked in water, it turns water into fine wine—a priceless treasure. My uncle obtained it during his travels."

"I had no idea it was so precious; no wonder Lady Shangguan was so desperate for it," Qingque realized.

"This was left for me by my mother; she couldn't take it away," Su Yuxin sneered.

In her past life, after driving away Mrs. Luo, Peach Hong had secretly given this box to Su Yuxiang. Later, Su Yuxiang had used this box to invite the eccentric physician, Song Jie, who was addicted to alcohol, to treat the Crown Princess. This had established her as an esteemed guest at the Crown Princess's manor and elevated her status.