Jiang Shuxiu's carriage drove into the gate of Xingyuan Marquis Mansion, passed through many courtyards, and finally stopped in a secluded place in the back garden.
Inside the carriage, Jiang Shuxiu looked at Guan Yan and said softly with concern, "Did you understand what I just said?"
Guan Yan lowered his head, his voice as soft as a mosquito: "Thank you, Madam."
Seeing him like this, Jiang Shuxiu felt even more pity for him and stopped talking.
After getting off the car, she instructed Zhou Mama and Rui'er, "Take Guanyan to wash and change clothes first, and then come see me."
Mother Zhou and Rui'er took the order and left with Guanyan.
Jiang Shuxiu walked into the pavilion in the garden alone, sat on a stone bench, looked at the rockery and flowing water in the distance, with a thousand thoughts in her mind.
Although she didn't know Guanyan's specific background, she could guess a little bit.
The fact that this child can serve the prince in Zhenbaozhai is probably due to the extravagant trend that is prevalent in the capital nowadays, which is to keep handsome servants.
But at Guan Yan’s age, I don’t know why he ended up like this?
She secretly decided in her heart that no matter what, she would find a good way out for Guanyan so that he could live a stable life.
Soon, Mother Zhou and Rui'er returned to the pavilion with Guanyan after he had washed and changed his clothes.
Guanyan changed into a clean servant's suit, combed his hair neatly, and looked much more energetic.
Jiang Shuxiu looked him up and down, nodded with satisfaction, and then asked softly, "Have you thought about it? Do you want to stay in the Marquis' Mansion or find another adoptive family?"
Guan Yan was silent for a moment, then whispered, "I am willing to stay in the Marquis' Mansion and serve the young lady."
Jiang Shuxiu was delighted when he heard this, but his expression remained calm. He simply said, "In that case, then stay. If you have any difficulties in the future, feel free to let me know."
When Guan Yan heard this, a warm feeling surged in his heart and he quickly knelt down to express his gratitude.
When Mother Zhou saw Hong Yingrong getting off the carriage in the courtyard and walking towards this side, she quietly gave Jiang Shuxiu a look as a reminder.
Jiang Shuxiu then ordered Mother Zhou to take Guanyan away and arrange a place for him to stay, and then she slowly walked towards the center of the courtyard.
Arriving before Hong Yingrong, Jiang Shuxiu bowed respectfully and asked gently, "Mother, are you well? Is everything alright at the farm?"
Hong Yingrong smiled warmly and replied, "It's hard to explain this in just a few words. Shuxiu, you just came back from outside? Is there anything important?"
Jiang Shuxiu's heart tightened, but she remained calm and replied casually, "Mother, there were some minor matters at Zhenbaozhai that needed to be taken care of, so I went out for a while."
"Zhenbaozhai?" Hong Yingrong was quite surprised. She had never expected that Jiang Shuxiu would go there early in the morning.
Hong Yingrong did not speak immediately, but went directly to Xiangyun Hall. Some things should not be discussed in front of everyone.
After arriving in the hall and sitting down safely, she left only Zhao Ma Ma behind and signaled Jiang Shuxiu to let the other maids leave.
"Why did you go to Zhenbaozhai?" Hong Yingrong's tone revealed surprise and confusion.
Jiang Shuxiu didn't want to get involved in Guan Yan's affairs, so without further consideration, she made an excuse and replied, "Yesterday, I went to Zhenbaozhai, but couldn't find the teacup I wanted. I've been feeling a bit uneasy. So, this morning, seeing that everything was fine at the mansion, I went to see Shopkeeper Zhou and asked him to prepare a set of sweet white glaze porcelain for me."
Hong Yingrong listened calmly. It was obvious that Jiang Shuxiu didn't know what was happening at the farm, so when she said she was looking for Manager Zhou, it was undoubtedly a lie.
In Hong Yingrong's mind, Jiang Shuxiu is a well-educated, virtuous and sensible daughter-in-law.
Therefore, when she realized that Jiang Shuxiu, who had always been respectful and filial to her, had made up such a lie, she couldn't help but feel surprised and astonished.
However, a sense of relief also welled up in Hong Yingrong's heart.
She was glad that Jiang Shuxiu had nothing to do with the scandal of embezzling rice on the farm.
If Jiang Shuxiu really knew about this, she would never choose to go to Zhenbaozhai today. After all, Manager Zhou, who was involved in transporting grain, was not in the store at the time. What could he plan by going there?
From this point of view, this matter seems to be related only to Xue Yuanchu.
But Hong Yingrong still had doubts in her mind, why did Jiang Shuxiu make up such a reason?
She knew Jiang Shuxiu's character very well and knew that she would not lie easily, so there must be something hidden behind this.
But this was not the time to dwell on these things. Hong Yingrong turned to Jiang Shuxiu and asked, "Is Yuanchu in the mansion now?"
Jiang Shuxiu replied respectfully, "My husband returned home earlier. He went out for a social event last night and came back a little drunk. He then rested in Lanyue Pavilion."
Hong Yingrong knew her son very well. Once he drank alcohol at a social gathering, he would not sober up until noon the next day.
Even if we call him over for questioning now, I'm afraid we won't be able to find out what's going on.
So, she looked at Jiang Shuxiu solemnly and said slowly: "I went to the farm last night, and something did happen there..."
Hong Yingrong recounted in detail what had happened on the farm, including scenes of fighting with swords and sabers. Jiang Shuxiu looked terrified and secretly worried for her mother-in-law.
"The people in the farm are so bold that they dare to steal rice from the marquis's mansion in broad daylight!" Even the good-tempered Jiang Shuxiu said indignantly.
Seeing Jiang Shuxiu's nervous expression, Nanny Zhao quickly comforted her, "Don't worry, Madam. The old lady is fine. The Second Young Master arrived just in time, and the guards we brought are numerous and powerful. Those thieves are no match for them."
Jiang Shuxiu felt a little relieved when she heard this, but then she frowned again: "Mother, is the damage to the farm serious? Has the thief been captured?"
Hong Yingrong said slowly, "I left Xue Zhong there to deal with the aftermath and asked him to conduct a thorough interrogation. However, among those arrested, there are also people related to the Marquis' Mansion."
"Could it be that, besides the steward of the farm, someone from the Marquis' Mansion is also involved?"
Hearing this, Jiang Shuxiu suddenly felt an indescribable regret and self-blame in his heart.
As the one who is in charge of household expenses and managing the affairs of the mansion, this omission is undoubtedly her fault for not managing the household well.
Hong Yingrong's tone remained as gentle as ever, without a hint of harshness, as she gently asked, "This person is Manager Zhou of Zhenbaozhai."
"Shuxiu, you said you wanted to find him this morning to prepare the porcelain, but he was locked up in the woodshed at the farm. Are you still unwilling to tell me the truth?"
Jiang Shuxiu was shocked when she heard this. She knew she could no longer hide it, so she lowered her head and whispered, "Mother, I didn't find my husband last night, so I found Zhao Bai to question him as you said. I only found out that my husband had a servant a while ago..."
Seeing this, Hong Yingrong's expression became slightly restrained, and even Aunt Zhao beside her frowned.
Truth cannot be hidden, Jiang Shuxiu actually found out about this.
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