Chapter 5: Goodbye

Madam Er was eager to invite Miss Qi to her side, not to take credit, but because she was genuinely kind-hearted. She knew that Miss Qi was difficult to serve, and she was afraid that if Miss Qi suddenly caused trouble, it would embarrass Madam Er. She also feared that Miss Qi, who had a small temper, would hold a grudge.

Miss Qi had never been a likable mistress in the Duke Dingbei's mansion. Even though other mistresses treated the maids as playthings, they knew their limits. But Miss Qi didn't see it that way. In her mind, there were only two types of people: those who bullied her and those who didn't. If someone bullied her, she wouldn't say it to their face, but she would find ways to make them miserable behind their backs.

How could such a girl be likable?

In the past, Miss Qi didn't realize that she was like a hedgehog, always pricking and annoying people. But after experiencing life and death, she understood the principles of life. Everyone has their own difficulties and grievances. To be likable, one must treat others as human beings. Otherwise, even if one exhausts all means, no one will like them.

She had already mastered the art of smiling when meeting people. When she saw Xianqiao entering, before Nanny Wang could speak, she smiled, widened her eyes, and called out to Xianqiao.

Miss Qi's appearance was not as repulsive as her temper. In fact, when she smiled, even the maids who disliked her couldn't bring themselves to embarrass her. Xianqiao was surprised. She didn't expect that after being scolded by Madam Er and being confined to the disciplinary courtyard, Miss Qi could still speak kindly. The prepared script was no longer needed. After hesitating for a moment, Xianqiao smiled and greeted her, then gently invited her to the front courtyard.

Nanny Wang, who had previously criticized Miss Qi, now knew she had to teach her how to behave. She helped her up and whispered, "Don't be stubborn. If you have something to say, say it nicely..."

Children without their parents around are always at a disadvantage. Miss Qi had been at a disadvantage for many years, which had led to her habit of exploding when provoked. Nanny Wang sighed, feeling both distressed and sorry. She didn't really want her young mistress to endure silently, but what else could she do? When under someone else's roof, one must bow their head. After all, the things were found on Miss Qi's bed. If a conflict arose, it would be her who suffered.

Xianqiao pretended not to hear and led Miss Qi out, guiding her through the dilapidated disciplinary courtyard, past the lush grapevines and the flickering fireflies. She stood in the corridor, watching Miss Qi enter, and suddenly realized something was amiss.

Not only did Miss Qi not throw a tantrum, she even smiled. This was truly... unbelievable.

Madam Er also found it strange. She regretted saying that Miss Qi should apologize. Did she really expect this girl to apologize? She couldn't distinguish between right and wrong. She could read people's expressions, but the key was that while others did so to please and avoid being wronged, she did it to make others uncomfortable. She stared at people's unhappy places and poked and prodded until they were thoroughly hurt. She felt satisfied only when she had vented her anger.

With such a temperament, even though the family members took care of her because her parents were not around, they couldn't help but dislike her.

Now, seeing that Miss Qi wasn't glaring or making sarcastic remarks, Madam Er couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Then she waved to Miss Qi, pulled her close, and said, "You're learning the Four Books now. You should know better. Apologize to your aunt, and we'll consider the matter settled."

If the item was really taken by Miss Qi, Madam Er's handling of the situation was fair to her—neither scolding nor praising, nor exaggerating the facts, nor taking advantage of the situation. Instead, she persuaded Lady Fang, saying that as long as Miss Qi apologized, it would be settled.

There was no such easy way out anywhere else. Madam Er was giving her a way out, considering that she hadn't been taught by her parents and the old lady didn't discipline her much.

In the past, Miss Qi couldn't understand the hidden meaning behind these actions. But now she could see it. Even if she hadn't taken the jade ruyi, she still accepted Madam Er's kindness and, with pursed lips and raised eyes, weakly admitted her mistake to Lady Fang.

The young girl, with her rosy lips and white teeth, inexplicably dispelled all the gloominess. Her clear and open expression made people's hearts soften. She shook her head with a smile, and the words "let it go" were stuck in her throat. Then Miss Qi said, "It was my fault for confronting the elders before. But please, Aunt, and Lady Chen, believe me, I didn't take the jade ruyi."

Although Madam Er and Lady Fang didn't want to make a big deal out of it and tried to cover it up as a sisterly joke, things were never that easy. In her previous life, she had screamed and refused to apologize or admit her mistake, insisting that she didn't take the item. Lady Fang was so angry that she fainted, but she still didn't relent and suppressed the matter.

The truth cannot be concealed forever. Rumors have spread that the seventh Miss of the Duke of Dingbei's family has allegedly stolen the jade ruyi given to the daughter of the Imperial Censor Chen, and she is believed to be a habitual offender. She has a history of theft and has been treated like a thief by others when visiting their homes. For someone with such a reputation, how can she expect others to view her differently?

She is unable to defend herself, and the more people talk, the more damage is done. Over time, she became an outcast in the social circles of the capital, feared by others like a plague. Even a simple conversation with her seemed to cause embarrassment.

She doesn't understand why fate has led her to live a life stained with blood and disliked by others, and she feels unworthy of such an opportunity for a second chance. However, since she is alive, she feels she must live with some dignity.

If fate has given her a second chance and deliberately brought her back to where all the tragedies began, there must be a reason. She feels she must do something to not let down the efforts of fate.

When heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it must first torment their mind, exhaust their strength, and wear down their body. In her previous life, even the princess and her husband died at her hands. If she wants to live a good life this time, she might be able to do so. She doesn't ask for much, but she must make amends for her past mistakes. She must treat those she has wronged well, and at the very least, she cannot bring shame to her parents or leave her siblings without a burial place.