"Who else have you given my incense to?"

  Qinglian was lying on the ground, sobbing. Upon hearing Bai Qingqing’s cold voice, she froze for a brief moment, then looked up with tear-filled eyes. “Miss, I don’t understand what you mean. I have never done such a thing.”

  “It doesn’t matter if you refuse to admit it. You and your parents will be sent to the estate.”

  Qinglian’s head snapped up, and she crawled forward on her knees. “Miss! Why are you doing this to me? I have always been loyal to you. How could you…”

  “How could I?” Bai Qingqing interrupted coldly. “You, and your parents, are all servants of the Duke’s household. Where you serve is up to me. Your food, clothing, and daily needs have always been better than those of daughters from small households. But all of that was given by me, and I can take it back.”

  Qinglian stared at her in stunned disbelief, tears trembling on her lashes. She didn’t understand—Bai Qingqing had always been soft-hearted, never strict with her servants, never one to punish. Why had she suddenly become so cold and ruthless?

  The estate? No, she couldn’t go!

  She had been there before—it was a remote place with few people. Everyone had to work, and the food and clothing were far worse than in the main house. The servants there didn’t even dare touch fine silk, fearing they might snag the threads.

  She was the personal maid of the Duke’s daughter! Even the smaller tasks were handled by the junior maids. With her status, she could pick any husband she pleased in the future. She couldn’t be sent away!

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  “Miss! Miss, I was wrong! Please forgive me this one time!”

  Qinglian immediately admitted her mistake, thinking that as long as she showed sincere remorse, Bai Qingqing’s kind nature would surely give her another chance.

  Bai Qingqing gazed at her coldly and smiled faintly. “One time? Qinglian, do you think I am foolish and easy to deceive? I rarely hold people accountable, but now that I am questioning you, it means I already know the truth.”

  Qinglian’s heart sank. Her forehead hit the ground with a clear, sharp sound. “I was momentarily blinded by greed! But I swear, I only did it that one time. I would never dare lie to you, Miss!”

  Fearing that Bai Qingqing wouldn’t believe her, she quickly explained everything.

  She hadn’t intended to sell Bai Qingqing’s incense for money. But that particular batch was unique—its scent made people feel light-headed, as if their blood was rushing, and it even seemed to embolden them.

  By coincidence, she ran into an old acquaintance who handled purchases, and she casually mentioned the incense. That person immediately showed great interest, insisting on seeing it. Upon witnessing its effects firsthand, he treated it as a priceless treasure and paid far more than Qinglian had ever imagined.

  “Miss, I truly regret it! I was foolish, but I will never do it again. Please, have mercy on me just this once! I will serve you for the rest of my life, doing anything to repay your kindness!”

  Qinglian looked as pitiful as could be, crying so hard she could barely breathe, on the verge of fainting.

  After a long silence, Bai Qingqing finally spoke. “Enough. Get up. And after that?”

  “I never had any further dealings with him, and he never came looking for me again.”

  Bai Qingqing nodded slightly. “Go back for now. I need to think.”

  Qinglian left reluctantly, glancing back with every step. She didn’t dare ask about the purchasing duties again. But did this mean Bai Qingqing wasn’t going to punish her? That she would still be the personal maid of the Duke’s daughter?

  As long as she kept that position, she could deal with whatever came next.

  The door closed and then reopened. Zidai stepped in quietly.

  Bai Qingqing, feeling weary, spoke. “I will not keep Qinglian any longer. Go inform my mother. Have her find replacements for both Qinglian and her parents. I don’t want to see her in my household ever again.”