The courtyard fell silent in an instant.
Then, everyone separated by gender and formed two groups.
The official waved his hand. "Take them away!"
Just then, a voice suddenly called out from behind Gu Fei. "My lord, I... I have something to report!"
Gu Fei looked back. It was Zhenzhu.
The official pointed at Zhenzhu. "You. Step forward and speak!"
Zhenzhu stepped forward with her head lowered and knelt before the official with a THUD. She timidly raised her head. "My lord, I... I wish to make a report."
When Gu Fei heard this, her heart sank. She was suddenly overcome with a terrible premonition.
But at that moment, with the soldiers glaring menacingly, she didn't dare move a muscle.
Zhenzhu's voice rang out. "My lord, the Second Young Miss and Jadeite—they've hidden a lot of jewelry and silver on their persons."
The official narrowed his eyes. "Is that true?"
Zhenzhu kowtowed repeatedly. "I wouldn't dare lie to you, my lord."
The official sneered. "Second Young Miss, and you, Jadeite. Step forward!"
Everyone stared at the two in terror. Some of them had also secretly hidden valuables on their person. What would happen if everyone was to be searched?
'It's all because of Zhenzhu, that treacherous wench!'
The Second Young Miss was trembling from head to toe, her teeth chattering. Gu Fei gritted her own teeth and helped her step forward.
The official looked at the pair, lifted his chin, and ordered, "Search them!"
The Second Young Miss's face went deathly pale. These soldiers were all men. If they searched her in public, her honor would be ruined. She would have no choice but to kill herself on the spot!
Gu Fei suddenly broke free and threw herself to her knees before the official. "My lord, the Second Young Miss and I haven't hidden anything. This girl, Zhenzhu, has always secretly resented the Second Young Miss. She's only doing this to ruin her honor!"
At this, Gu Fei gritted her teeth and began to kowtow, her forehead hitting the ground with a series of thuds. As she did, she steeled herself. 'This is nothing. I've endured far worse to stay alive.'
"I beg you, my lord, show mercy! Spare us poor women a shred of dignity and have a woman search us instead."
The official stared coldly at Gu Fei and sneered, about to speak, when another, kinder-looking official beside him noticed bloodstains faintly seeping through the back of Gu Fei's white undergarment. Unable to bear the sight, he said, "Lord Liu, this girl is loyal to her mistress. I think we should grant her request."
Lord Liu snorted. "And where are we supposed to find a trustworthy woman to search them on such short notice?"
The kinder official's gaze shifted, landing on Zhenzhu, who was still kneeling on the ground. "Then let this girl do the search. Since she is the accuser, she surely won't be biased."
Lord Liu glanced indifferently at Zhenzhu. "Fine."
The kinder official pointed to Zhenzhu. "You search them. It'll be fine if you find something. But if you don't—" He finished with a cold laugh.
Zhenzhu scrambled to her feet. "My lord, I guarantee I'll find something. I saw them hide it with my own two eyes!"
At this point, the Second Young Miss could barely remain on her feet.
She gritted her teeth as she watched Zhenzhu approach. "Why? I know I've always treated you well!"
Zhenzhu scoffed. "All you ever see is Jadeite. You trust her with all the clothes, jewelry, and silver. I'm one of your senior maids, too! Why do you despise me so much?"
A twisted smile spread across Zhenzhu's face as she headed straight for Gu Fei.