Left with no choice, Yu Yi had to leave the Lei residence. She walked slowly, pondering what to do. She originally didn’t want to beg anyone, but if she forcibly took Yu Xin and Yu Yue away, they would remain slaves and find it difficult to live normally or get married. So she had to find a way to make the Lei residence agree to release them.
Lei Yuan He was a ninth-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue. If she could seek pressure from an official of higher rank, he would have to agree.
Yu Yi found the residence of Chen Gao, her father’s old friend and the Minister of Criminal Affairs, and sought to meet Minister Chen. Unexpectedly, she didn’t wait long before being invited inside.
Minister Chen was extremely moved and deeply apologetic upon seeing Yu Yi: “Your father’s incident happened so suddenly. Although his case was handled by the Criminal Affairs Ministry, I tried my best to help, but despite being the Minister, I couldn’t clear his name…” He sighed deeply.
Yu Yi suppressed her heartache and said, “I know Minister Chen did his best. This case was personally ordered by the Emperor. How could you have changed anything?”
Minister Chen shook his head sadly, and Yu Yi momentarily fell into painful memories.
After sitting quietly for a while, Minister Chen asked, “May I inquire what brings you here today? If you have any difficulties, please speak freely. Whatever I can do, I will certainly do my utmost.”
Yu Yi replied, “I am now a commoner, so please don’t address me so formally. I’ve come about my two sisters, who were bought as maids by the Lei residence’s warehouse official. I want to redeem them, but Lady Liu is unwilling to release them.”
“This is a small matter. I’ll just make a few inquiries,” he responded.
Yu Yi bowed deeply to Minister Chen, “I am immensely grateful to Minister Chen.”
The rest of the passage continues in this narrative style, detailing Yu Yi’s encounter with White Shou and the events surrounding her family’s downfall.
After searching the Hou Mansion, the head eunuch narrowed his eyes and said: “The numbers don’t add up. Yu Binyi, where are your two sons? And your eldest daughter?”
