The two walked side by side, and after walking slowly for a few minutes in the breeze, they finally arrived at their destination - the place where Lian'er once lived.

Lian'er's family background is quite prominent. Her father is one of the indispensable and important management figures in the mansion, and her mother also has a certain status in the mansion.

Therefore, their home environment is naturally luxurious yet elegant, reflecting the owner's nobility and taste everywhere.

According to custom, there is usually no need to hold a grand farewell ceremony when an unmarried woman dies.

But now there is an atmosphere of mourning in Lian'er's home: white banners are fluttering everywhere, countless lanterns are hung high in the sky, and a simple mourning hall has been built so that relatives and friends can express their condolences here.

These details all reflect the parents' deep love for their daughter.

At this time, Lin Liqun appeared in front of everyone with a haggard face and a gaunt look.

He had obviously become much older because of the loss of his beloved daughter; his wife beside him had red and swollen eyes with tears still on her eyes, and looked very miserable.

Seeing the scene in front of him, Wen Zhu couldn't help but feel emotional.

"Master Lin, Madam Kang, please accept our sincere condolences. Madam Kang was also deeply saddened upon learning of this matter, and specifically instructed Qing and I to come ahead and deliver some money and gifts to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Miss Lian'er. Please accept our sincere condolences."

Hearing this, Kang smiled coldly, her tone full of obvious sarcasm: "Logically speaking, shouldn't the young lady come to offer condolences in person?"

His words were filled with reluctance.

But she was quickly sternly rebuked by her husband: "Shut up! Young Madam is of noble status, how can you so easily come to such a place?"

Afterwards, Manager Lin suppressed the immense pain in his heart, took the money and gifts from Qingti with trembling hands, and handed them to the maid behind him. He nodded slightly at the two of them and said, "If the two young ladies are willing to light incense for Lian'er..."

His tone was low and full of sorrow, as if he was asking them to help complete a final ritual.

"I don't deserve it."

Madam Kang suppressed her inner sorrow, shook her head and said, "We are of low status. Even if we die, we are only second-class maids in the mansion. How can we trouble such noble people as you to come and pay our respects?"

Despite being obstructed by some people, Lin Liqun's persistence finally allowed Wen Zhu and Qing Ti to successfully enter the simple tent.

The tent was simply furnished, but filled with a solemn and heavy atmosphere.

They walked in and looked at the remains lying quietly in the simple wooden coffin. They saw that the deceased's face looked peaceful, but it was still difficult to hide the regret brought by the death.

Wen Zhu's eyes instantly became moist. He walked forward gently, slowly lit a stick of incense, and bowed deeply several times to the young girl who had unfortunately passed away to express his grief.

Just as the two were about to turn around and leave, they suddenly heard a childish and somewhat puzzled voice ask from the side: "Why doesn't Auntie play with us anymore? When can she wake up?"

The person asking the question was a little boy who looked about five or six years old. His eyes were full of confusion, and it seemed that he had not fully understood the concept of life and death.

Upon hearing this, the little maidservant's tears immediately rolled down like a dam breaking, but she did not say anything. She just silently wiped the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief.

Another slightly older boy standing nearby gently comforted him, "Silly brother, you don't really know the answer... That aunt will never wake up, because she's left us forever... Perhaps this is a lesson we all must face sooner or later."

Although his tone was calm, he sounded particularly vicissitudes of life, as if he had experienced many ups and downs in life.

The child's innocent words were like a sharp knife that pierced into Wen Zhu's soft heart, giving her a deeper understanding and feeling of the fragility of life.

Just as she was about to say goodbye, she suddenly seemed to remember something and took out two small silver ingots from her purse. She handed them to the bewildered Steward Lin who was standing nearby. "This is how Sister Qingti and I express our gratitude for our late colleague. Please accept them."

The sudden action made everyone present look surprised, especially Manager Lin and Mrs. Kang, whose eyes were filled with complex emotions of gratitude and touching.

Seeing this, Qingti immediately began to explain further, "Lian'er often met Wenzhu and me in the garden when she was alive. She was gentle and kind. Now that she is gone, we are all deeply saddened. Please accept this gift from us two sisters."

Listening to Qingti's sincere speech, Manager Lin lowered his head to hide his moist eyes, and reached out to take the handful of silver handed over by Wen Zhu.

After leaving the Lin Mansion, while walking on the way back, Wen Zhu and Qing Ti looked at each other. The latter wanted to give some of the silver he had just received to the former as a thank you, but the latter politely but firmly declined.

Then the two of them fell into a long silence and walked together towards Qifangyuan, where a detailed report about their outing would be waiting for them.

Su Qiulu was lazily leaning back in her chair at the moment, a subtle smile playing on her lips. She looked at the two people who had just walked in and asked gently, "How's it going? Did the other party express any dissatisfaction or complaints about our family?"

In response to this question, Wen Zhu and Qing Di exchanged glances and answered almost simultaneously: "No."

There was a firmness and sincerity revealed in his words.

"I wouldn't dare do that, even if I thought about it."

Su Qiulu gently tapped the armrest of her chair, frowning slightly as she spoke, "But I understand there's bound to be a lot of resentment lurking within. After all, under circumstances like this, no one would easily accept change. Manager Lin isn't under my direct jurisdiction, but regarding his wife...it's best to remove her from her food purchasing duties. Perhaps assigning her to the laundry would be more appropriate."

Being transferred from a higher-paying job to a poorer place might make Mrs. Kang resent the matter even more, but it is also a warning and lesson.

"Young Madam, the Lin family has just lost a daughter. Would it be considered inconsiderate to change the scope of his duties under such circumstances?"

Wen Zhu suggested cautiously. She knew Su Qiulu's character very well and was afraid that her words would displease her.

"Then there's no need to rush the adjustments. Let's take it easy. We'll talk about it later, and then you can inform us about this matter."