In the Ministry of Justice prison, all women were kept together. White Concubine was the first to be taken away, followed by Yu Yi, who was sent to the education house but did not see White Concubine. Now, unexpectedly seeing White Concubine at Chen Shu’s residence, Yu Yi suddenly felt a chill.
White Concubine was dressed luxuriously, accompanied by two maids and an old nursemaid, appearing to have just returned from outside.
Yu Yi could hardly bear to think about the implications, yet how could she not?
Her mind in turmoil, Yu Yi followed the guiding woman, walking more than ten steps. Just as they were about to leave the Shu residence, she forced herself to calm down and casually asked: “Was that the Shu’s wife who just returned? She looks very young.”
“
“No, how could the mistress be so young? The woman who just came in was White Concubine. But the master truly dotes on her. In less than a year, she’s already risen above the mistress! Being young and beautiful does have its advantages…” the woman said disdainfully in a low voice.
Yu Yi asked, “Not even a full year yet?”
“Yes, she only came at the beginning of this year. I heard she was originally someone’s concubine, and later that family got into trouble, and she even sat in prison… Although it’s not said openly, how can such things really be kept hidden?” the woman muttered, leading Yu Yi to the side entrance of the Shangshu Mansion.
Yu Yi took out a few copper coins and gave them to the woman as thanks for guiding her. The woman had initially thought she was a poor girl, alone, without a carriage or servants, and dressed plainly, but unexpectedly received a tip.
Yu Yi had three half-sisters who had been sent to two different households. Their mother, Qin Yianniang, was physically weak. After being imprisoned in the Criminal Ministry’s jail, which was damp, cold, and lacking in clothing and medicine, combined with her inner fear, she fell seriously ill.”
By the time Yu Yi was taken to the Jiaofa House, Qin Yianniang was already on her deathbed and passed away shortly after.
