Chapter Sixteen: A Fleeting Path to Happiness

Recalling the time when she first entered the Marquis’s residence, Cai Ping had been Qian Mengyun’s maid. Yet, whenever she thought of how heartlessly Qian Mengyun had treated her, a deep resentment still lingered in her heart.

“At the time when I was seriously ill with a severe cold, Qian Mengyun treated me like a wild beast, utterly indifferent to whether I lived or died. She showed no trace of the bond between mistress and servant and threw me onto the bridal carriage meant for the young lady’s wedding. I nearly lost my life. If not for the young lady’s mercy and timely rescue, I would not have survived to this day.”

Chu Xi lowered her eyelids, her thoughts involuntarily drifting back to those years. Back then, she had been tightly bound and placed upon the bridal sedan chair. Meanwhile, a maid was carried out of the Marquis’s mansion and tossed into the carriage behind.

Each time these memories surfaced, an indistinct mixture of hatred and sorrow welled up in her heart, a sour, suffocating ache that made it hard to breathe.

After finishing her grooming, Chu Xi changed into the light blue cotton robe that Mo Zixiao had brought her the day before, draping a fox fur cloak over her shoulders. The winter chill was severe, and despite the layers, the frail Chu Xi shivered involuntarily as she stepped outside.

At that moment, Wang Mu entered the courtyard. Seeing her and Cai Ping dressed thus, he asked in surprise, “Miss, where are you off to?”

Cai Ping, laced with dissatisfaction, replied, “The madam said she wants to take the young lady out for some experience.” With that, she beckoned Wang Mu over and whispered something into his ear.

Upon hearing this, Wang Mu’s expression turned grave, and he nodded, “Understood.”

Only then did Cai Ping sigh, following closely behind Chu Xi.

In the front hall, Lady Liu was already waiting. Upon seeing Chu Xi accompanied by Cai Ping, a tender smile spread across her face. “Xi’er, you look truly beautiful today.” She then stepped forward and took Chu Xi’s slender, icy-cold hands in hers.

Instantly, a warm current flowed from Lady Liu’s palm into Chu Xi’s fingertips, spreading through her entire body, kindling an unfamiliar warmth in her heart.

So this was what it felt like to be held by one’s own mother—the soft, intimate touch was a sensation Chu Xi had never experienced before in her life.

Lowering her head obediently, Chu Xi allowed Lady Liu to lead her into the carriage. That brief journey was the warmest, happiest moment of her eighteen years.

The sudden surge of happiness overwhelmed her, and she even dared to believe that life might slowly improve from now on—that she would eventually receive the love and care of her biological parents.

After all, isn’t blood thicker than water? Even if the bones are broken, the sinews remain connected.

Yet Chu Xi had no inkling of where this mother was leading her, nor the dangers that lay ahead.

Inside the carriage, Lady Liu’s gaze remained tenderly fixed on Chu Xi.

“After all, she is the Marquis’s own flesh and blood. Look at those brows and those thin lips—they are just like the Marquis.”

Chu Xi lowered her eyes, a faint smile touching her lips. Compared to when she had just returned to the Marquis’s residence a few days ago, she now appeared serene and obedient, endearing and lovely—enough to please Lady Liu’s eyes.

The carriage rumbled along until it reached the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence, where a footman had been waiting since early morning.

Lady Liu and Chu Xi were helped down by the maids one after another, and the footman led them inside.

All the while, Lady Liu held Chu Xi’s hand tightly, as if fearing that at any moment, if she let go, some monster would snatch her away.

The deep fear in Lady Liu’s heart was unmistakable, and even Chu Xi, standing beside her, could clearly sense the tension and unease radiating from her.