Chapter 9 Past Life Good Friend Loyal Servant

Chu Yin, her only good friend in her previous life.

The day when Zhan Lan was thrown into the Cold Palace by Si Jun.

Chu Yin actually used the excuse of visiting the Grand Princess to secretly go and rescue her from the Cold Palace, only to be strangled to death by a eunuch with a white silk scarf.

Her family was also implicated by the Zhan Family, with her father, Chu Xiong, being exiled from his second-rank Minister position to the borders.

Zhan Lan smiled at Chu Yin—it was wonderful to see her little warmer again, the cheerful and clear-cut Chu Yin.

Having lived again, Zhan Lan came to understand a truth: Don't look at who toasts you when you shine, rather see who lends a hand when you're down. Sending charcoal in snowy weather always warms the heart more than adding flowers to brocade.

In this life, Zhan Lan would never implicate Chu Yin again.

In their previous life, they had met as children, when Chu Yin was surrounded by a few ruffians in an alley who wanted to rob her of her silver.

At that time, Zhan Lan, who knew a bit of kung fu, happened to pass by and helped Chu Yin break free from the encirclement.

Since then, the two slowly became close friends. Chu Yin never despised her for being an adopted daughter, and even stood up for her when the Zhan Family's grandchildren bullied her.

It's good that such a lovely girl is living so brightly in this life.

If it wasn't for her father Chu Xiong forcing her, Chu Yin would not have come to the Book Forest Conference at all; she had always been sitting in the back rows.

Until she saw Zhan Lan's attire, her eyes lit up and she said, "Hey, you look so beautiful today that it kills me! But you came here secretly today without calling me!"

Zhan Lan's throat tightened, she smiled and used her left hand to rub Chu Yin's soft cheek, "Sorry, I'll treat you to something delicious another day!"

"Sure, it's a promise!" Chu Yin smiled with squinted eyes and poked her tongue out playfully. She caught sight of the jealous looks from both Zhan Xuerou and Zhan Liluo and her smile grew even wider.

As if she herself were a proud disciple of the Qingfeng Scholar.

...

Zhan Lan left Yunyin Academy amidst sounds of flattery and jealousy, sitting in the carriage, the maidservant Xiao Tao was chattering excitedly.

"Miss Zhan Lan, if Madam knew that you've become a disciple of the Qingfeng Scholar, she'd be so happy!"

Zhan Lan's expression remained calm, would she? If Lady Li knew that the adopted daughter had overshadowed her own daughter Zhan Xuerou, what would her reaction be?

Xiao Tao looked at Zhan Lan, who was lost in thought, with confusion, "Miss, why aren't you happy?"

Zhan Lan patted Xiao Tao's shoulder and cautioned her, "Xiao Tao, keep this matter low-key in the mansion, don't brag about it everywhere, understand?"

Xiao Tao nodded her head; she felt a bit sorry for her young miss.

Since she was young, Zhan Lan in the General Mansion never sought to outshine others; even if others took credit for her deeds, she would not protest or fight for herself.

Even if she had not done something wrong, she dared not deny it.

Xiao Tao pursed her lips; it was alright for her to be looked down upon as a maidservant, but the young miss living dependently was really too stifling.

How good those people are at acting, when General Zhan and Madam were around they have one face, and another when they are not.

Zhan Lan opened the box of apricot dry fruits that Chu Yin gave her before she left and handed two to Xiao Tao.

Xiao Tao happily took them and ate.

Zhan Lan looked at the innocent smile of the little girl and smiled along.

In her previous life, she brought two maidservants into the palace, one Qinglian and one Xiao Tao.

Qinglian was sweet-talking on normal days, but in the end, personally served her a bowl of poison and switched allegiance to Zhan Xuerou.

Xiao Tao, at a crucial moment, did not flee but instead took a knife for her.

In this life, Xiao Tao, the little girl, cannot die so tragically.

Zhan Lan knew all too well: before she regained her identity, she could not let Xiao Tao fall into the hatred of others.

In the General Mansion, some people were overbearing. If Xiao Tao went around flaunting her favor, even if some couldn't kill Zhan Lan, they could make a little maidservant disappear in an instant.

...

Upon returning to the backyard of the General Mansion, Zhan Lan saw Qinglian pacing in the courtyard.

"Miss Zhan Lan, you're back!" She quickened her pace and approached.

Zhan Lan leisurely went into the room, sending Xiao Tao away, she took off her cape and looked at Qinglian who followed in.

"Qinglian did a good job, have some water." Zhan Lan, as usual, treated the servants kindly and handed Qinglian a cup of water as usual.

"Qinglian was wrong, Qinglian swears to stay loyal to Miss until death!" Qinglian said with a face full of remorse.

Zhan Lan grinned slightly; she took out paper, brush, ink, and inkstone, "Qinglian, I believe you were just confused for a moment. You're clever, literate, and logical – you're my best assistant. I just need you to keep your mouth shut."

"Write it down. Write down what Zhan Qingqing forced you to do and make a promise, and I'll give you the antidote." Zhan Lan took out a brown pill.

With tears in her eyes, Qinglian realized that Zhan Lan was indeed still the same Zhan Lan, still so soft-hearted.

Qinglian took the brush and carefully wrote down what Zhan Qingqing had made her do, along with her own remorse.

After taking the antidote, Zhan Lan spoke more heartfelt words to her, and Qinglian was moved to tears.

Not long after, Xiao Tao pushed the door open and said, "Miss, Aunt Ji Yue's maid, Liu Xi, is here. She says there's something that she needs Qinglian to help with."

Zhan Lan lifted her gaze to Qinglian, "You go, and remember what I've told you."

Qinglian nodded her head and left.

Zhan Lan watched their retreating figures, deep in thought.

Xiao Tao tilted her head and said, "Miss, look at Aunt Ji Yue's maid, Liu Xi, she's so beautiful, not at all like a maid!"

"Yes, indeed, she's quite unique," Zhan Lan said with a smile.

...

In Aunt Ji Yue's room, Zhan Qingqing was lying on the bed made of nanmu wood, still not awake due to the heavy dose of medicine, talking nonsense in her sleep.

"Don't, don't come closer, ah, don't touch me!"

Aunt Ji Yue sat at the bedside, holding her daughter with tears streaming down her face, she dared not let anyone know about Zhan Qingqing's condition.

If the matter were to spread, her daughter wouldn't be able to live on.

"Qinglian pays her respects to Aunt Ji Yue," Qinglian said, stepping in with small paces led by Liu Xi.

Aunt Ji Yue wiped away her tears, laid Zhan Qingqing down, and quickly approached.

Slap!

A resounding slap hit Qinglian's face, causing a burning pain. She fell to her knees with a thud.

"Aunt Ji Yue, I had no idea this would happen, something unforeseen occurred."

Aunt Ji Yue glared at Qinglian fiercely.

"You wretched thing, it's all your fault, my daughter is ruined because of you! Liu Xi, sell her to some lowly brothel, let her taste the humiliation at the hands of men!"

Qinglian was shocked; although she knew Aunt Ji Yue would punish her, she did not expect such harsh punishment.

If she was sold to a lowly brothel and forced to entertain clients every day, she would be tortured to death by those vulgar men within half a month.

At this thought, all the caring words that Zhan Lan had said to her felt like empty clouds.

Liu Xi stepped forward to grab Qinglian, but Qinglian desperately clung to Aunt Ji Yue's legs, pleading bitterly, "This servant admits that all of this is..."

"Ah!" Suddenly, Qinglian's throat became incredibly hoarse, and when she tried to speak again, she could only make a noisy sound like a duck.

"Was it that bitch Zhan Lan? It was her, wasn't it!" Aunt Ji Yue shook Qinglian's body with a fierce expression.

Qinglian's body shook like a sieve; she didn't understand what had happened to her voice all of a sudden.

In her anxiety, the maid Xiao He rushed in, whispering into Aunt Ji Yue's ear.

"Aunt Ji Yue, it's terrible! Uncle has been detained at the Jucai Gambling House. They say if you don't personally bring the money, they'll cut off Uncle's hand!"

Aunt Ji Yue anxiously knocked over the teacup. She ordered, "Liu Xi, tie up Qinglian and lock her in the west cottage's firewood room. And don't let strangers disturb Qing'er here."

After speaking, she went into the inner room to get the silver, counted it, and found one ingot missing.

It had been stolen!

But at the moment, searching for the thief would surely reveal Zhan Qingqing's disgrace. It was better to investigate after the storm had passed.

Thus, Aunt Ji Yue left through the back door, sneaking out with a small parcel.

Locked in the firewood room, Qinglian shivered uncontrollably. A rat scurried across her feet, but sadly her throat could no longer emit a scream.

The dilapidated window creaked, startling Qinglian and making her body stiffen.

She looked up and saw someone climbing in through the window.