Chapter 80: Willing to Be a Ghoul’s Companion
Upon hearing Granny Yang’s words, Sang Er’s already bloodless face turned even paler.
She knew she wouldn’t be spared lightly if discovered, but she had never imagined it would be such a humiliating and terrifying ordeal.
She had only thought of death at most before, but she never imagined she would die so painfully.
“Sang Er, we aren’t trying to scare you. You should know that wealthy families value reputation the most. You’ve damaged the Master’s reputation, which means you’ve damaged the entire Ru Yang Bo Mansion’s reputation. You, a mere maid, still expect to remain whole?” Consort Song could see she was truly frightened, and feeling quite pleased, she further enticed her, “However, speaking of which, who told you I’m a kind-hearted person? I always can’t bear to create evil. Alas, if it weren’t for this, I wouldn’t have been defeated by Wen Mingqian time and time again.”
Hearing this, Sang Er felt as if she had seen a lifeline. She crawled on her knees to Consort Song, grabbed her leg, and pleaded, “Little Madam, you are the merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva! Please spare our lives!”
“Sang Er, do you know about the grudge between Madam and me?” Consort Song suddenly brought up Wen Mingqian.
Sang Er shook her head blankly, “I haven’t been in the mansion long, so I don’t know what entanglement you have.”
“Heh heh! Everyone in the mansion is tight-lipped about this matter, so naturally, you wouldn’t know,” Consort Song sneered. “To tell you the truth, Wen Mingqian and I actually have an irreconcilable hatred.
I originally gave birth to the eldest son of the second branch, but Wen Mingqian, out of jealousy, actually ordered her trusted maid to poison my child to death…”
“Ah?!” Sang Er was shocked. “Madam… she… how could she?”
“This is absolutely true. Otherwise, why would she have gone to Shuangxi’s hometown for no reason? And stayed there for seven years before returning. You know about this, right?” Consort Song looked at Sang Er with a meaningful gaze. “Everyone knows about this; it’s not like I’m spreading rumors.”
“Back then, she killed the third young master, but because she was also pregnant, and family shame should not be spread, the Master sent her back to her hometown.
You served her for so many days, so it’s clear the Master entered her room and lived with her, right?” Granny Yang also chimed in, “If she hadn’t committed a major offense, would the Master have treated her like this?”
Sang Er lowered her head and remained silent. Although she didn’t speak, she clearly believed some of Consort Song’s words.
“Sang Er, if you want me to let you go, you must agree to help me,” Consort Song finally revealed her objective.
“Really?! Little Madam, can you really let me… and my cousin go?”
“As long as you do as I say, I will not only not expose your affair, but I will even help you and your cousin leave here.” Consort Song’s words were full of temptation, and Sang Er’s eyes couldn’t help but light up.
“Then… then what do you want me to do?” Sang Er seemed eager to try, as Consort Song’s offer was truly tempting.
“You just need to…” Consort Song lowered her voice and whispered in Sang Er’s ear.
“Ah?!” After hearing her words, Sang Er was so frightened she sat on the ground. “No, I… I dare not!”
“Wen Mingqian has returned this time with the full intention of retaliating against me. I cannot just sit and wait for death,” Consort Song said with a cold face. “She has regained the Mistress of the Household position and wants to take a concubine for the Master. If it were you, would you greet your child’s murderer with a smile and let her push you step by step into a desperate situation?”
“Sang Er, you need to think clearly. Madam is unreliable,” Granny Yang reminded her. “If you don’t make a decision soon, then a mountain of knives and a sea of fire await you.”
“Little Madam, you said you want me to help you, but I can’t…” Sang Er was at a loss. “I’m scared…”
“Sang Er, don’t worry. What I ask you to do is definitely something you can do. As long as you do as I say, I guarantee it will be foolproof,” Consort Song said with great confidence. “At that time, I will prepare everything thoroughly, and you will only need to be a witness.
As long as you hold firm and say what I’ve taught you in public, I will not only protect you but also ensure that you and your cousin can finally be together.”
“Don’t hesitate anymore. Even if the Little Madam didn’t offer you these benefits, just based on us catching you meeting someone in secret, can you have a good life for the rest of your days?” Granny Yang asked her sternly. “Child, I advise you not to refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit.”
“Little Madam, can you really do what you promised me?” Sang Er asked again.
“Of course, I can. Otherwise, why would I promise you? As Granny Yang said, even if I forced you, you would have to comply, wouldn’t you?” Consort Song put on her usual gentle facade again. “You are young and inexperienced, just starting to fall in love, and everything is beyond your control. How could I bear to tear apart such a pair of ill-fated mandarin ducks?
Besides, I am only doing this for self-preservation. Is there anything wrong with that?
Do you think you’ll have a good life under Wen Mingqian? People like her always treat concubines like pigs and dogs. Now she’s using you to win over the Master. Once she truly establishes herself, your lives will be no better than mine.”
Consort Song and Granny Yang took turns speaking, leaving Sang Er no choice but to listen.
However, she was still young and had never harmed anyone, so she appeared lost and hesitant to agree.
“Alas, forget it! No one chases after something they can get for free,” Consort Song sneered and stood up. “Granny Yang, let’s go! We’ll tell the Master about this later and have them tied up to await judgment.”
“Little Madam is right. We don’t need to waste our breath here,” Granny Yang said, supporting Consort Song as they walked out, not forgetting to add a sarcastic remark, “You’re about to be ground into mud, and you’re still dreaming of spring and autumn!”
“Little Madam… Little Madam, please wait!” Sang Er mustered her courage and said loudly.
But Consort Song ignored her and continued walking outside.
Sang Er had no choice but to get up and, taking two steps at a time, blocked her path. “Little Madam, please wait!”
“What are you doing? I can see you’re in a difficult position, and I don’t like to force people,” Consort Song knew why Sang Er was stopping her, but she deliberately put on an act.
“Little Madam, I’ve thought it through…” Sang Er said, panting. “I agree, as long as you can finally let my cousin and me go.”
“Don’t worry! I value my promises the most. What I can promise, I can do, and what I cannot do, I will never promise,” Consort Song said. “Not only that, but after the matter is settled, I will also give you a sum of money so you can settle down and not worry about making a living.”
At this moment, Sang Er had reached the door. She looked at her cousin, who was tied up in the courtyard, and her last bit of hesitation vanished.
“Little Madam, I have no other choice but to trust you. I hope you will keep your word.” Sang Er had a look of resignation. “If you deceive me, I will not let you go even as a ghost!”
