In the Rong Dynasty, mistresses had no right to own private property.
If discovered, not only would she have to sign an indenture, but everything she owned would also be forfeited to the legal wife.
Chen shi realized this as well, and her face instantly drained of color.
She had only just won her freedom; she didn't want her fate to be in someone else's hands again.
If she confessed, her life would become even more difficult than when she had been a servant girl.
But if she denied it, she would have to explain the origin of the courtyard and the estate.
As she weighed her options, before she could make a choice, the sharp crack of the Gavel made her jump, and she blurted out in fright.
"Old Master Gu didn't buy any of this! They were all rewards I received for my diligent service to my master at the Duan Mansion."
It was an explanation riddled with holes, something she had concocted in a panic. The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.
