Madam Linâs question was one Xie PanâEr had an answer for long ago; this was her only way out.
"Thatâs right. As long as you return my motherâs bond of servitude to me, I will beseech the Princess to release your son and daughter!"
Upon hearing Xie PanâErâs words, Madam Lin couldnât help but burst into hearty laughter.
"HAHAHA! It truly is divine will! My daughter is destined to be one of the elite! You lowly wench! Since you can ask the Princess to release them, why didnât you do so sooner?"
Madam Lin laughed wildly. Not only did she not offer to return Madam Luoâs bond of servitude to Xie PanâEr, but she even blamed Xie PanâEr for not asking the Princess to release them sooner!
Upon hearing this, Xie PanâEr was so angry she almost laughed.
"First Aunt, you truly are shameless! Do you think the Princess is someone I can command? That she would release them just because I ask? Once we agree on the terms, I will naturally have to go and plead for her favor. First Aunt, you donât have much time left. Yes or no, give me a clear answer!"
"Fine! I agree. Now you can ask the Princess for help, canât you!"
Madam Lin was surprisingly agreeable, so much so that Xie PanâEr suspected she was hearing things.
"First Aunt, are you serious?"
Madam Lin sneered and directly produced Madam Luoâs bond of servitude. "Naturally. The bond of servitude is right here."
An expression of delighted surprise appeared on Xie PanâErâs face. She hurried forward and took Madam Luoâs bond of servitude from Madam Linâs hand.
"This is real! This is really my motherâs bond of servitude!"
Xie PanâEr smiled, like a child enjoying a sweet treat.
"The bond of servitude has been given to you. Now, quickly ask the Princess to release my daughter!"
Xie PanâEr looked towards Xiaosuisui.
"Princess! I beg you, please release my female cousin and male cousin from our clan!"
Xiaosuisui looked at Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo XingâEr. "Second Aunt, Third Aunt, can you release them now?"
"Alright, later your aunt will take you into the Palace to petition His Majesty!" Zhu Xiuxiu nodded. She then picked up Xiaosuisui and held her close, but Xiaosuisui stretched her arms out towards Huo XingâEr.
Huo XingâEr reached out, took her into her arms, and started playing with her.
"In that case, Iâll go back first and wait for their return."
Before this, Madam Lin had still harbored some suspicion, but after hearing Zhu Xiuxiuâs words, even that lingering doubt was dispelled.
After Madam Lin left, Xie PanâEr could no longer hold back her tears. Ignoring everyone in the Courtyard, she dashed into Madam Luoâs room.
Madam Luo was painstakingly making her way out of the room.
"Mother!" Xie PanâEr rushed forward to support her. "Why are you out of bed? Your legs need to heal properly!"
"I heard the Princessâs voice. Did she come to cause trouble for you?"
Madam Luoâs voice was very soft, her eyes filled with a touch of pity as she looked at Xie PanâEr.
"First Aunt did come, and she gave your bond of servitude to me."
Xie PanâEr excitedly showed Madam Luo the bond of servitude that Madam Lin had given her.
Upon seeing the bond of servitude, Madam Luoâs expression changed drastically. "Why would she give this to you? Did you do something to anger her?"
Hearing Madam Luoâs words, Xie PanâErâs soaring spirits were instantly dampened.
"Mother! With this, the main branch of the family canât do anything to you anymore. I guess Brother will be back soon. When he returns, Iâll talk to him and have him find Eldest Uncle. Weâll separate from them, be removed from the clan registry, and establish our own Ancestral Hall. From now on, you wonât have to endure First Auntâs torment anymore."
Madam Luoâs body swayed precariously, her face several shades paler than before.
"We canât take it! We mustnât accept this bond of servitude. Give it to me; Iâll return it to your First Aunt."
Madam Luoâs reaction made Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo XingâEr look at each other in dismay.
"Second Sister-in-law, isnât this Madam Luo a bit of a fool? Who in their right mind would voluntarily return a bond of servitude?"