Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 12 : The Rule of Survival

Beneath the octagonal mountain lay numerous traps, tricks, and stratagems, passed down through generations of the Zhuge household.

Today, the great family of the lavish young son gathered at the Zhuge household. The Merlin generation was strictly guarded, maintaining an air of peace and reservation. Chu Qiao, a small child, wandered through the Merlin, occasionally harvesting plums. There was never a day she didn't enjoy this simple task.

"Hey! Come here!"

She heard a loud voice, sounding both childish and overbearing. Chu Qiao looked up and saw a boy, no more than ten years old. He was dressed in a green robe, with a fine golden spine line skirt, and a white duffle coat trimmed with mink fur. His jade-like face was clean and bright, his small nose wrinkled slightly, and his eyes stared intently at her as he shouted, "I'm calling you!"

Chu Qiao frowned, not wanting to stir up trouble. She politely bowed and coldly said, "Slaves always have tasks to attend to. I cannot stay long." Then she walked away.

The boy was momentarily stunned, not expecting this response from a mere slave. His nose wrinkled in frustration, and he waved a whip, shouting, "Dog slave!"

Chu Qiao, still within earshot, felt her mood shift. She turned around, stretching out her white hands as if ready to receive the blow, but her attitude was mocking. She seemed entertained by the boy's antics.

The young Zhuge son found the maidservant sturdier than he expected, but by now, it was too late to back down. He couldn't even move Chu Qiao an inch. Furious, he pointed the whip at her lips and shouted, "Are you afraid of death? I'll kill you!"

Chu Qiao smirked and looked directly at him. In a swift movement, she grabbed the boy's hand and twisted the whip out of his grasp. Though she was small and appeared no older than eight, her petite frame held surprising strength. Her cheeks were pink and tender, but her eyes betrayed no trace of childishness.

Calmly, she walked toward him and said in a flat voice, "A whip is for horses, not people."

Then, she struck the boy's horse with the whip, causing it to slowly walk away with its young master still mounted.

The boy watched, impressed by Chu Qiao's skill and composure. Though smaller than him, she carried an air of confidence that intrigued him. As she walked away, he became anxious but couldn't find the words to stop her. He whipped his horse and caught up with her, blocking her path.

"You serve the Zhuge household. Which yard are you from? Do you know who I am? I don't think we've met before," he said, trying to regain control of the situation.

Chu Qiao looked up at him indifferently, pushing his arm away with disdain. "Beat someone else, not me, or I'll find someone to see what you're really capable of."

The boy shook with anger, frustrated that he couldn't get a straight answer from her. He watched her small figure walk away until she disappeared into the Merlin, leaving him standing there in a daze.

Back at Castle Peak, Chu Qiao heard voices as she entered the Xuan Hall. Zhuge Yue lay lazily on a soft couch, watching her through half-closed eyes.

Chu Qiao carefully placed the fresh plum blossoms she had picked into a green jade vase. She then knelt beside Zhuge Yue, tending to a small incense burner with the same blossoms. As the sweet aroma filled the room, Zhuge Yue's mood relaxed, and he gradually closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep.

Time passed quietly until a burst of noise from outside disturbed the peace. The young master, slipping into a dream, opened his eyes in annoyance.

"Fourth young master, someone from Zhuge Huai's household sent a message. Jin Jiao was caught carrying a basket of snakes stolen from the villagers," a servant reported.

Zhuge Yue narrowed his eyes. "Jin Jiao is domineering but timid. Would she really dare carry snakes? What's the explanation?"

The servant hesitated, casting a glance at Chu Qiao before whispering, "She claims she was framed by the star child, seeking revenge for the Jingjia children who died at Zhuge Huai's hands."

Zhuge Yue, disappointed but calm, turned to Chu Qiao and said, "Explain yourself."

Kneeling, Chu Qiao replied calmly, "Star child did not do it."

"Where were you?" Zhuge Yue asked, his tone measured but probing.

"Star child was picking fresh plum blossoms for the incense burner," she replied.

"Do you have a witness?"

Chu Qiao thought for a moment. "I met a young master from the Zhuge family, almost ten years old, wearing a green robe with a mink tail. I don't know his name."

Zhuge Yue nodded. "Very well."

The servant, still puzzled, asked, "And Jin Jiao?"

Zhuge Yue, half-closing his eyes, said slowly, "If a servant is at fault, you know the rules. Take her to be punished."

The servant carried out the order, and the room returned to its peaceful state, the scent of plum blossoms drifting in the air like a soft cloud.

"Star child, do you hate the household that killed your loved ones?" Zhuge Yue asked suddenly, his voice tinged with a sadness he didn't fully understand.

Chu Qiao, her head bowed, replied, "Master, star child has no right to question her master. Because of you, I sleep in a warm bed, eat hot meals, and wear warm clothes. I was very young when my loved ones passed, and my heart is too small to carry such heavy burdens. Star child only wants to serve the master well and live in peace."

Zhuge Yue nodded. "You are young and wise. After this, go to the Xuan Hall and receive your reward."

"Thank you, fourth young master." She bowed deeply, and before leaving, she asked, "Master, do you believe Jin Jiao framed Jin Chen?"

Zhuge Yue, gazing at Chu Qiao, replied, "Jin Jiao lacks the courage for such a plan. It's likely Zhu Shun is involved. He's an old schemer, and he may have set her up. But he shouldn't have brought his scheming to my courtyard. Don't forget what I told you today."

"Why won't the young master help big sister? Won't the punishment kill her?"

"If she didn't do it, I'll save her. But if she's foolish enough to fall into a trap, she has no place in my household."

The noon sun shone brightly, casting light through the windows. Chu Qiao sat on a small stool, her eyes narrowing as she thought. Time was slipping away, and she didn't want to waste it.