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墨書 Inktalez
Shen Qingya's life became even more difficult after her mother's death, and Wu Qing's management made the resources in the household increasingly scarce. Although Shen Qingya tried hard to remain strong, Xiaocui could still sense her suffering from her increasingly emaciated figure. Xiaocui decided that no matter the risk, she would ensure that Shen Qingya would no longer be threatened by hunger.
One late night, Xiaocui quietly made her way to the kitchen. Her heart raced, but she had only one thought in mind: to bring warm food to Shen Qingya. She knew this might be the only direct help she could offer Shen Qingya.
Xiaocui carefully opened the kitchen door, trying not to make any noise. She quickly found some food and wrapped it up carefully. However, just as she was about to leave, the kitchen lights suddenly turned on.
"Who is there?" a stern voice called out; it was Wu Qing's confidant.
Xiaocui's heart sank; she knew she had been caught red-handed. She clutched the bundle tightly, unsure of what would happen next.
Under the bright lights stood Wu Qing's confidant, his face filled with anger. Xiaocui realized she could not escape and could only brace herself for the impending punishment.
"What are you doing?!" he demanded loudly.
Xiaocui did not answer; she simply stood there silently, filled with guilt and worry. Her concern was not for her own safety but for Shen Qingya, fearing that this incident would bring more trouble to her.
At that moment, Shen Qingya suddenly appeared at the kitchen door. She looked at Xiaocui with eyes full of concern and determination.
"Let her go," Shen Qingya said, her voice calm yet powerful.
The confidant was taken aback, clearly not expecting Shen Qingya to be there at this time.
"Miss, this girl is stealing food; according to the household rules, she should be punished," he attempted to explain.
"She is mine, and everything she does is for me. If you want to punish her, then punish me as well," Shen Qingya interrupted.
Shen Qingya's determination left the other party speechless, and he could only helplessly release Xiaocui. Shen Qingya took Xiaocui's hand and they walked out of the kitchen together.
That night, Shen Qingya and Xiaocui sat in Shen Qingya's room, sharing the stolen food. Though simple, it was the most delicious meal for them.
Shen Qingya looked at Xiaocui, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Xiaocui, thank you for always thinking of me."
Xiaocui shook her head. "Miss, this is what I should do. As long as it makes you feel better, I'm willing to do anything."
...
After Wu Qing's confidant reluctantly let Xiaocui go, Shen Qingya and Xiaocui returned to Shen Qingya's room together. Although they had successfully avoided immediate punishment, Wu Qing did not let the matter rest.
The next day, she reported Xiaocui's so-called "crimes" to the the Shen Family Head and demanded punishment for Shen Qingya to deter the other servants in the household.
Faced with the pressure from the new mistress and the need to uphold the household rules, the the Shen Family Head ultimately decided to punish Shen Qingya to demonstrate fairness. Shen Qingya was ordered to kneel in the ancestral hall all night as a form of reflection on her actions.
Upon hearing this news, Xiaocui was filled with guilt and self-blame. She knew that if it weren't for her, Shen Qingya would not have been treated this way. On the night of Shen Qingya's punishment, Xiaocui quietly came to the outside of the ancestral hall; she wanted to accompany Shen Qingya, even if only by waiting outside.
As night deepened, the candlelight flickered in the ancestral hall. Shen Qingya knelt on the cold stone floor, facing the ancestral tablets, yet her heart was unusually calm. She understood that this was not only a punishment for her but also a test of her will. Outside the hall, Xiaocui tightly hugged her knees and silently prayed for Shen Qingya.
The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight shone into the ancestral hall, Shen Qingya slowly stood up. Although her knees ached, her gaze was even more resolute. She walked out of the hall and saw Xiaocui leaning against a pillar outside, already asleep.
Shen Qingya gently approached Xiaocui, crouched down, and tenderly stroked her hair. Xiaocui was startled awake and, upon seeing Shen Qingya standing unharmed before her, tears began to flow down her cheeks.
"Miss, I..." Xiaocui choked out, unsure how to express her guilt.
Shen Qingya smiled and shook her head. "Xiaocui, don't blame yourself. We have more important things to do, don't we? We can't let these small matters bring us down."
Xiaocui nodded vigorously; she knew Shen Qingya was right. They had greater goals ahead and more tasks to accomplish. This experience, though difficult, would only strengthen their bond and fortify their resolve.
Shen Qingya extended her hand and helped Xiaocui up. "Come on, let's go home. Today is a new day, and we have much to do."
The two girls held hands and walked toward their future, facing the rising sun.
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