Chapter 1506: Not Junk, But Her Treasured Collection

The Imperial Guard clasped their fists, coldly saying, "It’s just our responsibility."

Upon hearing Qingmei crying, Bai Zhi’er immediately pushed through the crowd, "Sister Qingmei!"

She rushed to the center surrounded by people, where Qingmei sat on the ground, crying as she leaned in Cai Ying’s arms.

"Your Highness," Qingmei tearfully raised the patchwork clothes in her hands, which had been torn, "The patchwork clothes made by Cai Ying for this servant were ripped by them."

Bai Zhi’er knew that Cai Ying had stayed up for three days to embroider these patchwork clothes.

They symbolized good blessings, and Qingmei cherished them immensely, storing them in a box with the intention of moving both the clothing and the box someday.

Bai Zhi’er angrily pointed at the Imperial Guard present, "You searched without my father’s permission, and this tiny piece of clothing, it’s evident at a glance whether it’s right or wrong, so why did you have to destroy it?"

The Imperial Guard treated Bai Zhi’er with utmost respect and hurriedly explained.

"Please calm your anger, Your Highness. We had just lifted the box out when Miss Qingmei rushed to protect it. Upon opening, she wouldn’t let us touch anything, especially this piece of clothing she held tightly in her arms."

"We suspected she was hiding other items, and wanted to take a look. During the tussle, something might have happened inadvertently..."

After the Imperial Guard spoke, Cai Ying rushed forward and slapped one of them across the face.

"Have you seen it clearly now? Inside this box are all Sister Qingmei’s personal belongings, and they’re items that people like you wouldn’t even glance at ordinarily!"

Jing Jia stepped forward, looking through the box.

Inside, it turned out to contain Bai Zhi’er’s cherished items preserved by Qingmei.

There was a piece of calligraphy Bai Zhi’er had spoiled at the age of four.

Bai Zhi’er vaguely remembered this.

She was diligently practicing calligraphy when a butterfly suddenly flew past her and landed on her brush stand.

The little one couldn’t resist chasing the butterfly, but it flew away, and she accidentally knocked over her inkstone.

The carefully written piece was instantly stained by black ink.

Bai Zhi’er had spent an hour writing it, and she cried loudly as a result.

Upon hearing the commotion, Qingmei hurried in to comfort her, "Don’t cry, Your Highness. This piece isn’t ruined at all; this servant likes it—how about you gift it to me, Your Highness?"

Originally, Bai Zhi’er had forgotten about this.

But seeing Qingmei had preserved her belongings so well brought all the memories flooding back.

Besides calligraphy, there were discarded brushes and clothes she had outgrown.

And numerous pairs of Bai Zhi’er’s little shoes, including a pair of cute socks with holes.

At age six, Bai Zhi’er was still quite mischievous.

She often splashed water barefoot, and Qingmei, fearful she might catch cold, chased after her with shoes and socks. Just putting on the socks, the little one again mischievously splashed in water.

Who would’ve thought, suddenly she slipped!

With a thump, Bai Zhi’er fell but didn’t hurt herself.

Only when she raised her little foot did she realize the sock’s front was torn, and a toe was sticking out.

Qingmei and the little girl laughed heartily by the puddle for a long time.

To their surprise, Qingmei had also kept those socks.

Jing Jia’s eyes were already red.

During those years when she hadn’t been there for the child, Qingmei had recorded Bai Zhi’er’s growth through the collection of items.

Bai Zhi’er wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes.

She stood and looked at Bai Xilie, "Father, Sister Qingmei is innocent; she couldn’t possibly be a murderer."