Qian Yan had accompanied his master to watch polo. He had barely brought the carriage to a stop when he spotted Chu Youning from behind, chatting merrily with a man.
His pupils practically suffered an earthquake on the spot. He stared accusingly at Chu Youning for a few seconds before his face suddenly lit up with wild delight.
His hands trembling slightly, he hurriedly called into the carriage, "Master! I wish to report Chu Youning for carrying on an illicit affair and seducing an unrelated man! Such conduct is utterly deplorable. We should have less to do with her from now on!"
Having caught her cheating in person, surely Master would give up on her today?
Surely Master would find a gentle, virtuous, gracious mistress for the household in the future?
At the thought, Qian Yan felt his heart, which had been dormant for far too long, suddenly begin beating with renewed vigor.
Inside the carriage, Qing Qianxue opened the door with a slight frown, her cool voice betraying no emotion.
"An illicit affair? Seducing an unrelated man?"
"Yes, Master! Right over there!"
Qian Yan pointed with righteous conviction, his voice ringing out loud and strong.
Yet Qing Qianxue did not turn to look. Instead, she watched him and said flatly,
"To slander someone's reputation is the speech of a petty villain.
Go back. Thirty strokes of the rod, plus a month scrubbing chamber pots and six months washing socks."
"..."
Qian Yan instantly turned to stone where he stood.
The next second, he dropped to his knees. "I spoke out of turn. I'll return at once to accept my punishment!"
"Apologize to the Elder Princess first."
Qing Qianxue removed her cloak, set down the hand warmer she was holding, and slowly stepped out of the carriage.
Her gaze drifted