Love at First Sight – Chapter 44: Beaten to Death in the Backyard

Wen Yueqing learned the truth from Tong’er and was utterly shocked. This was truly a case of disaster striking from the skies while one lay in their own home. Lady Li, pregnant with Zun You’s first child, had been dealt a winning hand. If only she had been content and behaved herself, she could have lived a life of wealth and privilege. In the future, if Zun You were granted a princely title, it was entirely possible she would be given the rank of a concubine. Yet she insisted on stirring trouble, and in doing so, she lost Zun You’s favor entirely.

“I never expected it. I have no deep grudge against her, yet she used such cruel means to harm me,” Wen Yueqing said, rising to her feet, wanting to step outside for some air. The atmosphere inside was making her uncomfortable.

“This Lady Li truly doesn’t know what’s good for her. She doesn’t even care to accumulate a bit of merit for her own child,” Tong’er said angrily.

As the two stepped into the courtyard, Jinzi came running over. Wen Yueqing picked it up, stroking its head affectionately and smiling, “Good Jinzi, I hear this was all thanks to you this time.”

Tong’er patted it as well. “That’s right. If Jinzi hadn’t torn open that blanket, who would have thought there were bedbugs hidden inside?”

Jinzi seemed to understand, closing its eyes in pleasure and lifting its head high.

“Ha, good boy. You’ll get extra chicken tonight,” Wen Yueqing said, rubbing her face against it.

At that moment, Liu Yi walked over. “Miss Wen, are you feeling better?”

“Yes, much better now. Thank you for your concern,” Wen Yueqing replied.

“That’s good. His Highness asks you to come over,” Liu Yi smiled.

“Alright.” Wen Yueqing and Tong’er went together.

Upon entering Zun You’s study, she saw Cui’er, bloodied and kneeling in the center, her face gaunt and exhausted. Her clothes were torn, filthy, and her hair hung in disarray. Seeing Wen Yueqing arrive, Zun You gestured for her to sit by his side.

“Cui’er, do you confess your guilt? Was anyone instructing you?” Zun You asked, expressionless.

Cui’er kept her head lowered and said nothing.

“His Highness is speaking to you! Repeat what you said in the interrogation room,” Liu Yi shouted loudly.

“I confess. It was all my doing. I stole the duck feathers and placed the bedbugs,” Cui’er replied weakly.

“Are you certain?” Zun You’s face remained unmoved.

Cui’er nodded heavily. She had been tortured for days—just a fragile girl, unable to withstand such torment. She had already confessed yesterday.

“This matter is yours to decide. Tell me, how should she be dealt with?” Zun You looked to Wen Yueqing.

Wen Yueqing considered for a moment and asked, “Cui’er, if you’re willing to tell the truth, I can spare you. After all, as a servant, sometimes you have no choice.”

Cui’er lifted her head and looked at her. “No one instructed me. I acted alone.”

“Think carefully. Why would a maid like you want to harm me?” Wen Yueqing pressed, word by word.

Cui’er bit her lip, thought for a moment, and sighed.

“It was truly all my doing. Because we’re both maids, yet you are favored in this household and always overshadow my mistress, I thought of this idea. Lady Li had no knowledge of it.”

Wen Yueqing sneered coldly. “Very well. Since your heart is so vicious, wishing me dead, then I will not show mercy.”

She stood, gave Zun You a ceremonial bow, and declared, “Your Highness, I request that Cui’er be executed by beating in the rear courtyard. All members of the household must witness it. Lady Li is pregnant and may remain in her room to rest.”

She was no saint. Anyone who sought her life was an enemy, and she would never show leniency to an enemy. Moreover, she intended to use this opportunity to make an example, so that everyone in the household would know Wen Yueqing was not one to let grudges go unavenged. For if she wished to survive safely in this residence, such events could never be allowed to happen again.

“Liu Yi, take her to the rear courtyard for execution. Inform everyone to attend,” Zun You commanded.

A crowd soon gathered in the rear courtyard. Cui’er was laid across a bench, filled with regret. It was her own carelessness—she had only wanted her mistress to be more comfortable, which was why she made that cushion. She never expected it would become key evidence. They were so close to succeeding, just a hair’s breadth away from removing the greatest threat.

“I’ll give you one last chance. Do you still wish to keep your life?” Wen Yueqing shouted, her words meant for everyone present.

“It was all my doing. No one else was involved. Your Highness, please don’t wrong Lady Li—she truly knew nothing,” Cui’er cried out with all the strength she had left. Her life could be lost, but she must protect her mistress.

“Begin,” Wen Yueqing commanded, inwardly admiring this maid’s loyalty.

The guards struck hard. After only twenty blows, Cui’er lost consciousness. They beat her until her body was mangled and bloody, and finally she breathed her last.

The maids watching had never seen such a gruesome scene—some vomited on the spot, others fainted outright.

Tian Liangren had also been brought to witness the execution. Seeing a person beaten to death before her eyes, she trembled uncontrollably and secretly pondered, “Wen Yueqing truly is ruthless. She’ll be difficult to deal with.”

Lady Li remained confined in her room, but when she heard the news, she collapsed onto her bed, sobbing uncontrollably. She knew how devoted Cui’er had been to her.

“Cui’er, rest assured—I won’t let your death be in vain. Wen Yueqing, one day you will pay with your life,” she vowed fiercely, stroking her slightly rounded belly.

“Good child, your mother will depend on you from now on,” Lady Li wailed in sorrow.

That night, everyone was deeply affected.

Through this event, they finally understood Wen Yueqing’s strength. Though she appeared gentle, always amiable and harmless in daily interactions, if you crossed her, the consequences were unimaginable.

That evening, Zun You and Wen Yueqing dined together, neither mentioning the day’s events. Though they both knew the true culprit was Lady Li, since Cui’er had taken the blame, they could only accept this outcome.

Wen Yueqing understood that even if Cui’er had implicated Lady Li, Zun You would never truly kill her. This was better: it left a trace of guilt in his heart, for Lady Li was his woman and had almost cost Wen Yueqing her life.