Chapter 24: Why Won’t You Help?

A Heated Confrontation

At Chunrong’s words, Wu Qingchan, who had just stormed into the courtyard, bristled with fury.

“You insolent maid! How dare you speak to me like that? Have you no respect for hierarchy or decorum? This is no place for your impudence!”

“Miss, you barge into your sister-in-law’s courtyard, addressing her by her surname with no respect. Is that decorum?” Chunrong shot back coldly. “If anyone’s being impudent, it’s not this maid.”

Wu Qingchan, stung by the retort, was both furious and flustered, ready to lash out.

But Chunrong gave her no chance, glancing at the maids in the courtyard. “Why are you standing there? Don’t you want to serve Madam anymore? If so, you might as well go with the young miss—save yourselves from being an eyesore here!”

Her words reminded the maids of the situation. The Marquis was imprisoned for embezzlement, a grave crime, and his punishment was certain. Wu Qingchan, as his sister, was the one most likely to be implicated.

Xie Jiu, on the other hand, had a powerful father, the Prime Minister, a first-rank official, who could likely protect his daughter. Plus, who didn’t know about Xie Jiu’s connection to the palace?

Despite Wu Qingchan’s bluster, she was here to plead. It was clear who could be crossed and who couldn’t.

With this realization, the maids didn’t hesitate. They swarmed forward, pushing Wu Qingchan and her attendants out of the courtyard.

Chunrong, seeing the courtyard quiet again, spoke up. “Miss, think carefully about how to approach someone for a favor. The Marquis didn’t consider this yesterday, and now he’s in prison. Don’t make the same mistake. Madam needs rest, so come back when you’ve figured it out.”

With that, she turned, entered the room, and closed the door behind her.

Wu Qingchan’s Frustration

Humiliated in her own family’s estate, Wu Qingchan was livid.

Yet Chunrong’s words had shaken her.

Without her brother, she was terrified. Her earlier outburst was fueled by anger, but now, deflated, she felt fear take hold.

Young and inexperienced, she was easy to handle.

Inside, Xie Jiu paid Wu Qingchan no mind. Served by Qingfang, she lay down to rest.

There was no rush—whatever needed addressing could wait until she was well-rested.

She awoke at dusk.

As Qingfang helped her up, she whispered, “Madam, the young miss has been waiting to see you.”

“How long?” Xie Jiu asked, her tone calm, eyes narrowing slightly.

“About two incense sticks’ time,” Qingfang replied, handing her a cloth to wipe her face. “She was driven out by Chunrong earlier but came back, much more behaved this time.”

Xie Jiu took the cloth. “In that case, I’ll see her.”

Qingfang nodded, swiftly arranging Xie Jiu’s clothes and hair.

A Tense Meeting

When Xie Jiu emerged, Wu Qingchan was visibly restless, pacing and glancing toward the inner room.

Seeing Xie Jiu, she sprang from her chair.

She opened her mouth but stopped herself, curtsying first. “Sister-in-law.”

Her manners had indeed improved.

“Sit,” Xie Jiu said, waving a hand and taking a seat herself. “Serve tea.”

Chunrong promptly brought two cups of tea.

But Wu Qingchan had no patience for tea. Her face anxious, she pursed her lips and, after Xie Jiu took a sip, spoke hurriedly.

“Sister-in-law, I was thoughtless earlier. I apologize. Please don’t hold it against me.”

“You’re young and impulsive. I don’t blame you,” Xie Jiu said, setting down her cup with a smile.

She looked every bit the gentle elder sister-in-law.

But Wu Qingchan, who loathed her, saw only hypocrisy. Her forced politeness was born of necessity, deepening her resentment.

Still, she hid it, seizing the opportunity.

“Sister-in-law, you’re magnanimous, I know that. I lost my composure because of my brother’s imprisonment. I’m desperate, so I’ve come to beg you to save his life. They say a day as husband and wife means a hundred days of grace, and a lifetime’s bond is fated. That’s no small thing…”

“You needn’t say such things,” Xie Jiu interrupted, unwilling to hear more.

Wu Que had caused her death once, erasing any bond. She’d never felt love for him, only hatred now.

Wu Qingchan faltered, anger rising, but she suppressed it, her face flushing.

“Your brother’s imprisonment was ordered by the Emperor himself before the court, for the grave crime of embezzling military funds. Saving him is no simple matter,” Xie Jiu said calmly.

A Plea Ignored

Wu Qingchan’s face flickered with displeasure, but she didn’t erupt. Forcing a stiff smile, she pressed on.

“I know it’s not easy, but you’re the only one I can turn to, the only one who can speak to the Emperor. I’m shamelessly begging you—please help.”

Xie Jiu’s expression cooled, her eyes lowering. “You’re not the one who committed a crime. Why beg me? Your brother was defiant yesterday. I warned him kindly, but he didn’t listen. Now it’s too late. How could I sway the Emperor’s decision?”

Her words weren’t entirely false.

Xie Jiu didn’t want Wu Que to die easily—death was too light a punishment. She wanted him to live in torment.

But if Zhao Xingjin decided to execute Wu Que swiftly, she couldn’t force otherwise.

Wu Qingchan, seeing Xie Jiu’s aloof demeanor, felt her anger surge.

Gritting her teeth, she said, “Sister-in-law, I’ll take all the blame. If you save him, I’ll make my brother apologize to you.”

Her words were polite, but her eyes betrayed her hatred.

Xie Jiu saw through her and grew tired of the pointless conversation. “Go back for now.”

An Outburst of Resentment

That single sentence snapped Wu Qingchan’s restraint.

“You’re favored by the Emperor! A word or two from you, and he’d surely spare my brother. It’s just a matter of opening your mouth! I’ve humbled myself to beg you—why won’t you help? How can there be such a heartless person?”

Xie Jiu hadn’t wanted to argue, as Wu Qingchan hadn’t been part of Wu Que and Xie Mingchen’s scheme and wasn’t her enemy.

Her earlier insults, while rude, were understandable from her perspective—her brother had been betrayed, prompting her impulsive outburst.

But now, Wu Qingchan’s words ignited Xie Jiu’s anger.

To outsiders, she was the Emperor’s illicit favorite. Yet Wu Qingchan expected her to plead for another man—her nominal husband.

Did Wu Qingchan not consider that this could displease Zhao Xingjin?

Of course not. Her tone made it clear: she’d lowered herself to beg, so Xie Jiu should immediately agree and do everything to help. Refusal made her utterly deplorable.

“Just open my mouth?” Xie Jiu’s eyes narrowed, her face icy. “Why don’t I take you to the palace now? With your bold words, a few sentences from you should suffice. Why bother begging me?”