Lu Youtiao’s gaze fell upon the two guards standing before her. Yang Fang’s current attitude towards her was well-known throughout the household. These two men had originally been recruited by her. It was likely due to their assistance that Qiu yue and Dong shuang had been able to visit her during this time, indicating they had not forgotten their loyalty.
The two brothers exchanged glances, clenched their teeth, and stepped aside to let her pass.
Over the past days, the master had forbidden doctors from being summoned, food from being delivered, and anyone from approaching the courtyard. It was clear he had made up his mind to see Madam dead.
The servants of the estate were not blind. They had seen everything.
Normally, as servants, they would turn a blind eye to such matters. But Madam had always treated them well, and they hadn’t forgotten her kindness. That was why they had taken on the responsibility of guarding the courtyard at night, secretly allowing Qiu yue and Dong shuang to visit Madam in her room.
If Madam escaped, they might be beaten to within an inch of their lives, or worse, lose their heads.
But if Madam stayed, death was certain.
They weren’t well-educated, but they understood one thing: there weren’t many masters as kind-hearted as Madam in the capital. And it wasn’t right for a kind-hearted person to be treated so cruelly.
The elder of the two brothers couldn’t help but offer a warning, “Madam, once you leave the estate, don’t look back.”
Gu Xingzhao, observing from the side, was somewhat surprised. She glanced at the two brothers and then at Lu Youtiao. It seemed that over the years, this Lady Yang had earned quite a bit of loyalty from her servants.
The little old man’s granddaughter truly had many good qualities—except her poor judgment in men. If only she had better discernment, Gu Xingzhao wouldn’t have had to intervene today.
Qiu yue and Dong shuang both sighed in relief. They could fight for their mistress if need be, but they knew they were no match for the Fang brothers.
Ever since discovering her husband’s true nature, Lu Youtiao had lost all affection for the Yang household.
Seeing that the fang brothers genuinely wanted to help her now moved her heart. “Thank you,” she said softly.
The brothers exchanged bitter smiles. Allowing Madam to escape meant they would likely be punished by the master, perhaps even beaten to death.
Lu Youtiao retrieved a wooden box from behind her and handed it to them.
Gu Xingzhao’s curiosity piqued. That wooden box was the same one Lu Youtiao had asked her to retrieve from a locked room beneath a bed while writing her divorce letter earlier.
What could be so important that Lu Youtiao would remember to take it even as she was fleeing? Was it filled with silver notes?
Qiu yue and Dong shuang recognized the box and were taken aback, looking at their mistress in surprise.
The two brothers looked equally confused. “?”
Lu Youtiao spoke in a low voice, “Inside are your contracts of indenture. You may decide whether to stay or leave.”
Before entering the Yang household, servants had to sign indenture contracts. These contracts were divided into two types: “live” contracts, which allowed for the possibility of redemption, and “dead” contracts, which were recorded by the government, binding the individual and their offspring to a lifetime of servitude.
These servants had been bought with her dowry, and she had no intention of leaving them to the Yang family.
She had initially planned to use their contracts to secure their loyalty, but seeing their sincerity, she decided to return their freedom outright.
Upon hearing this, the Fang brothers’ eyes lit up with joy. They immediately knelt and kowtowed, “Thank you, Madam, for your great kindness!”
Both brothers had signed “live” contracts. By retrieving their contracts, they would be free men.
They took the box, opened it, and searched for their own contracts. Though illiterate, they recognized their names. After retrieving their documents, they returned the box to Lu Youtiao, their faces beaming with happiness.
Lu Youtiao tucked the box away, and with her two maids, prepared to leave the courtyard.
Suddenly, the Fang brothers spoke up, “Madam, the two of us are strong and capable. We’ll escort you out of the estate tonight!”
Qiu yue and Dong shuang were overjoyed. That was wonderful news!
Gu Xingzhao, observing from the side, couldn’t help but smile at Lu Youtiao. Though her judgment in men was poor, she was smart enough to hide these indenture contracts away, giving her leverage over the Yang household’s servants.
The group moved swiftly, guarding Lu Youtiao as they exited the courtyard and headed toward the front of the estate.
The Fang brothers had initially intended to escort her out through the back gate, but Lu Youtiao insisted on leaving through the front. Though anxious, they dared not argue and simply followed.
Lu Youtiao was nervous inside, but with the ancestor by her side, she forced herself to remain calm.
As the servants realized Madam was leaving the courtyard, they hurried to spread the word.
While the news spread, Yang Fang was with Fu Liang, gently caressing her slightly rounded belly, his eyes full of tenderness.
“liang’er, I know you’re concerned about Lu Youtiao. Once you give birth to a son, I’ll elevate you to the position of official wife. She’s seriously ill and won’t last long. When the time comes, the entire household will be under your control.”
Fu Liang’s eyes lit up with joy. “Truly?”
Yang Fang nodded, comforting her.
At that moment, a servant rushed in, breathless. “Master, something’s wrong! Madam is trying to leave the estate with a few servants. We couldn’t stop her!”
Yang Fang leaped to his feet, his expression darkening instantly. “liang’er, rest for now. I’ll handle this.”
Fu Liang obediently nodded, watching him leave.
In the courtyard, Yang Fang unleashed his fury on the servants. “Useless fools! You can’t even stop a sickly woman!”
His eyes were filled with icy anger. He hadn’t expected Lu Youtiao to survive the poisoning and starvation. Not only was she still alive, but she was now causing a scene.
Inside the room, Fu Liang listened as the footsteps faded into the distance. She walked over to the window, her smile widening slightly as she sipped her tea.
It seemed those two loyal maids had ensured Lu Youtiao didn’t starve to death and were now helping her escape.
A young maid entered to change the water and noticed the faint smile on Fu Liang’s lips. She was surprised, but when she looked again, the smile was gone.
Fu Liang stared at the water in her cup, recalling the first time she had met Lu Youtiao. She had never seen someone so foolish. Born into wealth and beauty, yet clinging to the idea of true love, she had allowed herself to be deceived, reduced to her current pitiful state.
If she had been born into the same privilege as that old grand official’s granddaughter, she wouldn’t waste it on becoming some lowly wife. She would have her sights set on becoming the empress of the imperial palace.
But alas, she hadn’t been born into such fortune.
Meanwhile, in the front yard, all the maids and servants had gathered to block Lu Youtiao’s path. Yet, none of them dared to truly obstruct her. They half-heartedly put on a show, pushing her group until they reached the front hall—nearly at the gates.
Just then, Yang Fang arrived with several guards. “Madam!”
The surrounding servants immediately stepped aside.
Lu Youtiao’s body tensed. She hadn’t seen Yang Fang in half a month. She motioned for Qiu yue to turn her around to face him.
Gu Xingzhao looked at the man striding over and raised an eyebrow. He had the appearance of a gentleman—no wonder Lu Youtiao had fallen for him back then.
Facing Yang Fang, Lu Youtiao clenched her teeth, her eyes filled with barely concealed hatred. She gripped the arms of her chair tightly, forcing herself to remain calm.
Yang Fang approached, his voice gentle. “It’s late, Madam. Where do you intend to go?”
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