Rebirth: The General's Illegitimate Daughter

Chapter 12 Moving House

"Your Highness, Steward Li may have been overwhelmed with the mansion's affairs and overlooked this concubine. It’s understandable." Chu Lianruo's voice was gentle and captivating, making the two kneeling men quickly agree. But then she changed her tone, "However, such negligence should be mildly punished as a warning. While this was a minor issue, if similar carelessness occurs in more significant matters, it could be disastrous. Therefore, I suggest punishing Steward Li with twenty strokes to serve as a lesson." She paused, then asked, "Steward Li, do you accept this?"

Li An repeatedly said, "I accept, I accept!" He had feared that losing his lucrative position would be the least of his worries, so this punishment felt like a relief.

Chu Lianruo then turned to Prince Ling, "What does Your Highness think?"

Prince Ling, finally ending his amusement, smiled broadly, "My concubine is kind-hearted; how could I be the villain? Let it be as she says." He then instructed Xiayang to take the two men away for their punishment.

"The Yanxiao Pavilion seems a bit small. Tomorrow, you will move to Qianqiu Pavilion," he added before gracefully rising and leaving the room. Chu Lianruo hurriedly stood and, with her two maids, said, "This concubine sees Your Highness off."

After he left, she clutched her chest and let Siwei help her to the inner room to rest. This body was incredibly frail; even a small amount of exertion left her exhausted. She thought that perhaps her rebirth came with a price.

Once she sat on the couch, Siwei brought her a cup of tea and began to massage her shoulders. Chu Lianruo took a deep breath and smiled, "You did well today." This had all been a calculated performance.

She took off her jade bracelet and gave it to Siwei. Overjoyed, Siwei said, "Thank you, Concubine! I will serve you well from now on!" Siwei had hoped to secure a good future. Initially, she thought that being a dowry maid to the concubine would bring little fortune. But since that night, the once timid illegitimate daughter had transformed, earning her admiration.

Chu Lianruo smiled indifferently. She thought of her former maids, Green Luo and Green Shang, who had served her loyally until she became Empress. She treated them well, yet Green Shang had conspired with Shi Yuyin to frame her, accusing her of ordering Green Shang to poison Gu Yuyin, causing her miscarriage. The night before she was sent to the cold palace, Green Shang knelt before her, claiming she had no choice. A decade of service reduced to a feeble excuse was both heartbreaking and laughable.

Green Luo, she had heard, gained favor and rose quickly after Chu Lianruo’s fall.

These people used her as a stepping stone, trampling and humiliating her. Did they ever have nightmares in the dead of night? She used to believe there was no justice in the world, but now she believed otherwise. Heaven had given her a chance to make them pay dearly for their wrongdoings.

Qianqiu Pavilion overlooked Jinghu Lake, providing a scenic view of the lake in different weathers and times of day, adding to its charm. It was spacious and elegantly furnished, making it a desirable residence within the mansion.

The next morning, after breakfast, Madam Feng, along with several servants, came to Chu Lianruo, smiling respectfully, and informed her that Qianqiu Pavilion was ready. Chu Lianruo instructed Siwei and Siyu to pack some small items, and the servants brought by Madam Feng moved the rest. With her ample dowry, it took several trips to move everything to Qianqiu Pavilion. Chu Lianruo directed Siwei to assist Madam Feng while she and Siyu headed to the inner chamber of Qianqiu Pavilion.