Yuanyang, a Maid, Dies for Her Mistress and Ascends to the Great Void; A Swinish Slave Deceives Heaven and Summons a Band of Robbers

When Xifeng heard the little maid’s words, she was angry, frantic, and heartbroken. Suddenly she spat out a mouthful of blood, fainted, and collapsed to the ground. Ping’er hurried to support her and called for help. They carried her slowly back to her own room and laid her gently on the kang. Xiaohong was told to bring warm water to Xifeng’s lips. Xifeng took a sip and then lay unconscious. Qiutong came over, glanced at her casually, and walked away. Ping’er did not call her. Feng’er stood nearby, and Ping’er told him to go quickly and report to Lady Xing and Lady Wang that Second Mistress had vomited blood and fainted and could not go on managing the funeral. Lady Xing thought Xifeng was pretending to be ill and shirking work. Since there were many women in the inner quarters, she did not say much, but in her heart she did not believe it. She only said, “Let her rest.” The others said little. That night guests came and went. Fortunately, several close female relatives helped look after things. When the servants saw Xifeng had collapsed, many seized the chance to......