Concubine Liu hurried over to Madam Xia’s residence, but stopped abruptly just outside the courtyard gate. What exactly was she supposed to say to the Madam? Should she confess that she had uncovered Madam Xia’s conspiracy?

Or perhaps beg the Madam to spare her daughter, Wan Yu? Or should she use the threat of exposure to force the Madam’s hand concerning her daughter? As for why Concubine Liu didn't consider reporting the matter to Master Xia, it was because everything was mere speculation; she possessed no concrete evidence.

If she tried and failed, not only would she be unable to bring down the Madam, but she might also suffer a counterattack, considering that past incident years ago had never been fully investigated. Furthermore, she was merely a concubine, powerless and utterly out of favor with the Master. Who would possibly side with her?

Moreover, since the Madam had acted with such confidence, it meant she was not easily exposed, and even if a flaw were found, the Madam would surely have already prepared an escape route. Thinking this, Concubine Liu realized her only recourse for the present was to humble herself before Madam Xia, hoping for the Madam's magnanimity to spare her daughter this time. Concubine Liu’s hesitation did not go unnoticed by a busy maidservant in Madam Xia’s courtyard, who hurried over to inquire about her presence.

Concubine Liu quickly stated her desire to see the Madam. Before long, the maid led Concubine Liu inside. As Concubine Liu entered, Madam Xia was sipping tea.

After setting down her cup, Madam Xia spoke, “The gate attendant mentioned you requested an audience. State your business.” Concubine Liu hesitated, unsure how to begin, but upon seeing the Madam’s expression, she immediately knelt down. “Madam, this servant just checked on the Eldest Miss, and judging by her appearance, her illness has not fully subsided.

I beg the Madam to show mercy and treat the Eldest Miss!” Madam Xia listened, then feigned deep confusion. “Oh? Not fully recovered?

Yet, the people in Wan Yu’s quarters reported to me that Wan Yu’s illness has completely vanished. How is it that it has become ‘not fully recovered’ by the time it reaches you? Whose word am I to trust?” Concubine Liu grew flustered.

“Perhaps the Eldest Miss does not wish to cause worry for the Master and Madam, and so she claimed recovery prematurely. I implore the Madam not to blame her.” “If the Eldest Miss exhibits filial piety, I naturally will not hold it against her.” Madam Xia replied coolly. “This servant dares to beg the Madam to save the Eldest Miss!” Concubine Liu kowtowed again.

“Concubine Liu’s words are rather peculiar. I am not a physician, how can I save her? Besides, I have never prevented anyone from sending for a doctor,” Madam Xia said slowly, without rushing.

Hearing Madam Xia’s response, a feeling of despair washed over Concubine Liu. In a moment of impulse, she blurted out, “Madam, this servant has seen this illness before. It afflicted a concubine in our household previously.

The physician treating her advised vigorous recuperation, but the more she nourished herself, the weaker she became. The symptoms the Eldest Miss is currently experiencing resemble that former concubine’s affliction.” The moment Concubine Liu finished speaking, the entire room fell silent, and an invisible pressure seemed to gather around her. Concubine Liu instantly sobered, overcome by terror.

She had actually revealed that matter; she feared this situation would not end well. Madam Xia watched Concubine Liu’s panic, then, after a brief moment, she burst into laughter. “What exactly do you mean by that, Concubine Liu?

The more I listen, the more confused I become! A concubine in our household previously? Should I summon the Master to listen to this as well!” Concubine Liu knew that even if the Master knew, it would be of no use.

Instead, it might lead the Master to suspect her involvement in the previous concubine’s serious illness. Thus, this matter could only be resolved by pleading with the Madam. Therefore, Concubine Liu quickly began to kowtow repeatedly to Madam Xia.

“Madam, I beg you to save the Eldest Miss, I implore you!” “Enough. I shall speak to the Master about summoning a renowned physician to the residence. After all, the Eldest Miss is the legitimate daughter of this house.

We absolutely cannot allow anything to happen to her. You may return now!” Madam Xia declared. Concubine Liu was not satisfied with this outcome.

She knew that even if a doctor arrived, it would be useless. Resigned, she decided to risk everything. “Madam, this servant knows the Eldest Miss made a past mistake, and she truly regrets it now.

Please forgive her! If the Madam truly cannot forgive the Eldest Miss, then let this servant bear the punishment in her stead!” “Oh? You will bear the punishment for her?

Concubine Liu, those words sound quite novel. Setting aside whether the Eldest Miss did anything wrong, even if she did, how exactly do you intend to take the blame for her?” Madam Xia mocked. “Whatever punishment the Madam wishes to inflict upon the Eldest Miss, this servant will accept it.” Concubine Liu finally raised her head to look at Madam Xia.

Madam Xia immediately understood Concubine Liu’s meaning: she was offering her own life to save her daughter’s. But she did not want that! How could she let that bastard child go so easily?

Moreover, once such a matter was set in motion, how could it possibly be stopped just by saying so? That medicine had no antidote. As for Concubine Liu’s life, Madam Xia truly did not care for it; she held no regard for the woman at all.

“The Eldest Miss has done nothing wrong, so I shall not punish her, and there is no need for you to take the blame. Nanny Gu, see Concubine Liu back to her quarters.” Madam Xia dismissed her. Concubine Liu grew frantic and tried to speak further, but Nanny Gu, whose strength was considerable, instantly grabbed her and began dragging her out, shouting for two other maids to assist.

One maid immediately covered Concubine Liu’s mouth to silence her. After Concubine Liu was dragged away, Madam Xia was heard giving orders: “Concubine Liu has shown disrespect to the principal wife. Punish her with one year of confinement for reflection.

Send several old wet nurses to watch her courtyard and ensure she does not leave. Let her reflect thoroughly.” “Yes, Madam.” The maid received the orders and went off to make the arrangements. Meanwhile, upon learning that her concubine had been confined, Concubine Liu struggled violently.

Madam confining her? How could this be allowed? She hadn't even secured the Madam's forgiveness for Wan Yu, nor had she warned Wan Yu about the Madam's scheme; how could she be locked away?

Alas, no matter how hard Concubine Liu fought, she could not overcome the combined strength of several strong wet nurses, and she was eventually forced back into her own courtyard. In utter despair, Concubine Liu could only weep and pour out her woes to her personal maid. Hearing the account, Concubine Liu’s head maid felt a chill of lingering fear.

She hadn't realized the Madam’s methods were so ruthless. At the same time, she felt relief that the Madam had not targeted the concubine directly, otherwise, the concubine’s fate would likely have been grim. As for the Eldest Miss, she was merely a maidservant, and now she too was confined.

Though aware the Eldest Miss was in trouble, the personal maid felt utterly powerless. Over in her own quarters, Xia Wan Yu, upon hearing that her concubine mother had been confined, merely assumed the Madam couldn't deal with her directly and had resorted to taking revenge on Concubine Liu. Thus, she quickly forgot the matter, giving it no significant thought or suspicion.

Setting aside the internal power struggles within the Xia residence’s inner quarters, Wang Qingchen and his companions had grown increasingly restless over the past few days, as the provincial examination results were soon to be posted. They felt a palpable mix of apprehension and hope, perhaps only Li Yuntai and Zhao Jing remained relatively composed, as neither of them held much expectation for this particular examination. When Wang Qingchen noticed his anxiety growing unmanageable over these days, he took out brush and paper and began practicing calligraphy.

As he wrote, his mind gradually settled. When Liu Hao and the others saw Wang Qingchen possessing the composure to practice calligraphy at such a time, they couldn't help but admire him. Of course, Wang Qingchen was not the only one writing; Zhao Cheng was doing the same.

However, Liu Hao and the others felt no admiration for Zhao Cheng copying texts, as such behavior was commonplace for him, rendering it unsurprising. On the day the provincial examination list was to be posted, the group agreed to arrive early to view the results. Even Li Yuntai and Zhao Jing accompanied them.

Although they held little hope for this exam, they felt they had to look before completely giving up. Wang Qingchen and the others arrived quite early, but upon reaching the location, they realized they were already considered latecomers. They exchanged glances, unsure whether they should try desperately to push through to the front or first find a place to sit down, have some tea, and wait until the crowds thinned before attempting to look.

Liu Hao, for once, did not offer a suggestion. While he was confident in his ability to navigate crowds, the gathering here was far more formidable than what they had seen in the county seat. If he tried to push through, he might barely succeed.

However… Liu Hao glanced at the companions beside him and decided against it! Wang Qingchen frowned as he surveyed the masses; it seemed impossible for them to force their way through now. But if they decided to find a place to sit first… Wang Qingchen checked the nearby inns and teahouses, all of which were, without exception, completely full.

Even if they went now, they likely wouldn't find a seat. Yet, they couldn't just stand there indefinitely. Finally, with no other recourse, the group decided to return home.

Madam Huang had also been extremely nervous that day, frequently gazing out toward the courtyard gate. Seeing the young men return so quickly, Madam Huang was immediately puzzled—had they finished viewing the results already? They hadn't been gone long!

Observing that none of the young men looked happy, Madam Huang felt a sudden jolt in her heart—could it be that there was no good news? Had they all failed? Thinking this, Madam Huang felt a pang of sadness, but looking at the "dejected" youths, she forced a strained smile onto her face.

“You’re all back. You must be tired; let me fetch you some tea.” With that, Madam Huang went to the kitchen. Wang Qingchen and the others entered the residence and sat down in the main hall.

At that moment, no one paid attention to Madam Huang’s expression; all their thoughts were consumed by the provincial exam roster!