*
The Chu residence.
Liu's eyes were as red as peaches from crying. Her husband had been kidnapped by the Black Eagle Mountain stronghold, and she felt like her world had collapsed.
The old nanny gently suggested, "Madam, why don't you send a message to Miss? After all, she is the young mistress of the Xu family. She can get through to the government."
With tears in her eyes, Madam Liu shook her head: "No, Jinjin has only been married for one day. Let's talk about it when she returns home for her wedding."
The old woman didn't insist any further. She walked to the door and carefully observed the outside. Only after confirming that no one was around did she whisper, "Madam, don't just focus on being sad. I heard that the eldest and second young masters have both returned and stayed in the first madam's room for a long time. They mentioned your name."
Liu let out a sob and replied perfunctorily, "Oh, why bring me up?"
The old woman stamped her foot in frustration: "My lady, you are so naive!"
Madam Liu nodded in agreement: "Yes, that's what Master said too."
The old woman: "......"
Actually, naivety also has another meaning—stupidity.
The old woman suppressed the urge to vomit blood and patiently analyzed, "Madam, think about it. With the master in this accident, he definitely won't be back for a while. Who will manage the business? Who will be in charge from now on?"
Chu Zujian had three sons, the eldest and second sons were born of the same mother, and the third son was born of a concubine. He also had four daughters, including Chu Jinjin, three of whom were already married.
The old woman was interrupted just as she was getting into the mood and giving some background information.
Madam Liu looked panicked: "Ah, you want me to fight for control of the household? No way, I'm too dizzy to do that."
Granny: "......."
“Madam, let me be frank.” The old woman almost knelt down, saying each word clearly, “Master loves you the most, while the other wives have long hated you to the bone. Now that Master is in trouble and Miss is getting married, there is no one to protect you anymore.”
This time, Madam Liu finally understood. She stood up anxiously, ate several pastries in one go, and drank a cup of tea to calm her nerves. Then, she patted her chest and asked earnestly, "Granny, what should I do?"
The old woman said with a serious expression, "I support the Third Young Master!"
Swayed by her words, Madam Liu murmured, "The Third Young Master is indeed a good child. He has been intelligent since he was a child, and he stopped wetting the bed when he was one year old."
Granny: "......."
She understood why the master favored Lady Liu so much; even as a woman, she found her somewhat endearing.
Liu's gaze gradually hardened. She stood up, then pushed open the door and saw Chu Jinjin dressed in new clothes.
The old woman was startled and quickly bowed, saying, "Miss."
Liu looked delighted: "Jinjin, why are you back?"
Chu Jinjin looked her up and down a few times, then frowned: "Where are we going?"
Liu's eyebrows danced with excitement: "Go to the eldest son's house and support your third brother in taking over the business."
Chu Jinjin was exhausted. She spun her around like a top, pushed her into the room, and then dragged the nanny in as well. After closing the door, she glanced at the nanny indifferently and asked, "Was this your idea?"
The old woman, who was usually very eloquent, stammered, "Miss, this old servant is only doing this for Madam's sake. Think about it, Master isn't here..."
Chu Jinjin interrupted her impatiently: "In short, you accepted money from the third wife, right? Yes or no?"
The old woman's face turned ashen: "Miss... Miss..."
"Understood." Chu Jinjin waved to Xia Feng, "Have her go to the courtyard outside the city to clean the latrines."
The old woman trembled with fear: "Miss, spare my life!"
At crucial moments, Liu Shi's brain never falters. With one hand on her hip, she said righteously, "You thieving woman, you're eating other people's food while holding my bowl. If you don't clean the latrine, who will?"
The old woman was so shocked by the speed at which she turned on her that she forgot to beg for mercy. She suddenly remembered a saying that the servants often talked about in private: being someone close to Madam Liu was very dangerous, and you never knew when you might die.
Now I believe it.
Once the room quieted down, Madam Liu, like a child who had done something wrong, said weakly, "Jinjin, Mother knows she was wrong. I will never listen to others again, okay?"
Chu Jinjin looked up at the sky and sighed.
Fortunately, they arrived in time.
The old woman was right about one thing: this deep inner courtyard was both a family and a deadly enemy. Her father's fate was unknown, and she was about to become the laughing stock of the entire capital.
"I'm going to rescue Father. You stay home during this time..." Chu Jinjin had just begun her instructions when she heard a slight creaking sound from outside.
That was the sound of a wheelchair, and also the most prestigious sound in the Chu family.
Old Master Chu Jingde just celebrated his 70th birthday this year. He has probably managed things for most of his life and has a good son. He has been living alone in his own courtyard for many years and has not been involved in family affairs.
The one pushing the wheelchair was Chu Zujian's eldest son, while Chu's matriarch, Madam Wang, led the way. This old woman, young man, and woman were the core representatives of the Chu family at this time.
Liu's earlier ambition to support the Third Young Master had vanished. She was visibly nervous, like a student bowing respectfully to her teacher: "Father, Father, what brings you here? I'll make you some tea. Would you like something to eat?"
This was the first time the old man had visited her courtyard in the decades since she married into the Chu family.
Chu Jingde waved his hand lightly, his voice old and deep: "Liu Shi, you may step down."
Liu glanced at her daughter with concern and silently mouthed a message for her to speak carefully.
Chu Jinjin gave her a wink.
She could roughly guess the reason why the old man had come all this way.
Chu Yan spoke first: "Does Wen Dong know that Third Sister is back?"
Chu Jinjin didn't hesitate and told the truth: "The Xu family wants to divorce me?"
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