The night remained deep, and the hustle and bustle within the Duke's mansion seemed to have subsided into tranquility after that false alarm.
In the Lotus Courtyard, although the lights were off, Zhao Yun and her servant Yu Ming, both resisting waves of drowsiness, huddled together tightly.
"Yu Ming, did you hear those cat meows?" Zhao Yun asked, looking towards the study. "It seemed to be coming from the direction of the study."
"Miss, I heard it." Yu Ming nervously grasped Zhao Yun's hand and whispered, "You suspect that the cat's meow was faked by a person?"
Zhao Yun covered her mouth and yawned, changing the subject: "Yu Ming, go to sleep. There shouldn't be any other disturbances tonight. Tomorrow morning, go and ask who was on night patrol tonight, and make sure they keep quiet about what happened tonight. Otherwise, take the money and leave!"
Yu Ming softly agreed, removed the cushion behind Zhao Yun, and helped her lie down slowly.
Zhao Yun quickly fell asleep, but Yu Ming was too worried to sleep.
What can she use to silence her servants? She has almost no money left.
As is customary, summer clothes should have been made for everyone in the manor a month ago, but due to this sudden change, everyone in the manor is still wearing last year's old clothes.
Li Zan was already getting impatient with Zhao Yun, but considering his status as the Duke, he couldn't directly send his two daughters-in-law, Zhao Yun and Zhao Rou, away.
The next day, Li Afu got up early and went to the Lotus Courtyard to pay his respects to Zhao Yun.
Although Li Afu, after washing up, had an ordinary appearance, his eyes were bright and alert, not like someone who hadn't slept all night. However, Zhao Yun's suspicions about him did not disappear.
"Afu, did you hear anything unusual last night?" Zhao Yun asked casually as she straightened her sleeves, her gaze gentle yet scrutinizing.
Li Afu bowed and replied in a steady voice, "Young Madam, everything was fine in the manor last night. I did not hear any unusual noises. Perhaps it was because it was late at night and quiet, that even the slightest rustling of the wind was particularly clear."
Zhao Yun nodded slightly, pondering to herself.
She felt that Li Afu's appearance was too coincidental, but since he said so, perhaps the meowing of the cat really was just a coincidence, or perhaps there was another hidden story that had nothing to do with what happened tonight.
"Yes, that's good. Go and tell the steward to start preparing summer clothes today. Although the household is a little strapped for cash these days, we can't let anyone suffer."
Zhao Yun raised her voice, her words revealing both the authority and compassion of the matriarch.
Upon hearing this, Li Afu quickly agreed and then took his leave.
After Li Afu left, Yu Ming leaned close to Zhao Yun and whispered, "Miss, our household is already short of money, what about this summer clothes..."
Zhao Yun smiled slightly, a determined look flashing in her eyes: "Yu Ming, don't worry. I have a plan. We can cut back on expenses, choose high-quality and inexpensive fabrics, and get the women in the household to sew together. That way we can save some money."
Importantly, Shen Hanshan promised to send someone to deliver some silver to her today.
Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse. Now that her mother-in-law is not in the mansion, she is the mistress of the house, and she cannot allow the other noble ladies of Lingyang City to laugh at her. These summer clothes still need to be made.
Upon hearing this, Yu Ming's eyes lit up, and she repeatedly praised Zhao Yun for his thoughtful consideration.
At noon, Shen Hanshan indeed sent a servant to deliver a box from the side gate. Yu Ming had Li Afu take the box to the Lotus Courtyard, dismissed everyone, and carefully opened it in front of Zhao Yun. Inside, it was indeed a box full of silver.
“Miss, Prince Rui really kept his word. He said he would send the silver today, and he did!” Yu Ming couldn’t hide her joy, but Zhao Yun’s face showed no smile.
The money had been delivered, but she hadn't taken any action yet. She hadn't even scratched the surface of any evidence of Li Zan's selling of official positions!
She wearily pinched the bridge of her nose. Seeing this, Li Afu asked, "Is something troubling you, Young Madam? I'm your person now, so please feel free to send me to do anything!"
Zhao Yun looked at him thoughtfully, thinking to herself, "Right now, it seems that besides Yu Ming, there is no one else I have who is capable. But Yu Ming is a woman after all, and there are many things that are inconvenient for her to do directly."
Zhao Yun's gaze lingered on Li Afu for a moment, as she silently considered her options. She spoke slowly, her voice carrying a hint of probing and consideration: "Afu, you must have heard about the changes in the Duke's mansion. Right now, the young master has not returned for a long time, and I do need a capable assistant. However, this task may be a bit tricky; it requires someone who is meticulous and can keep their mouth shut."
Upon hearing this, Li Afu's expression hardened, and he immediately knelt down, his expression sincere: "Young Madam, although I am not talented, I swear to serve the Duke's Mansion to the death. If you have any orders, I will do my best to fulfill them and live up to your trust."
Zhao Yun nodded slightly, already having made up her mind.
She helped Li Afu up and said softly, "Alright, Afu, I need you to secretly investigate something. This matter is of great importance. You must act carefully and not alert the enemy."
"Please give your instructions, young mistress." Li Afu's gaze was firm as he awaited Zhao Yun's instructions.
Zhao Yun pondered for a moment, then beckoned him closer and whispered, "What I want you to investigate is my father-in-law Li Zan's sale of official positions. This is no small matter; you must do it discreetly and without letting anyone notice. In addition, you need to keep an eye on the movements of everyone in the household, especially those who have been behaving strangely lately."
Upon hearing this, Li Afu was shocked. It turned out that Zhao Yun was also investigating this matter!
He remained expressionless, only nodding heavily: "Young Madam, rest assured, Afu will live up to your expectations and is determined to find out the truth."
Zhao Yun nodded in satisfaction, took out a silver ingot from the box, and handed it to Li Afu: "This is a reward for you. If the matter is resolved, I will reward you even more!"
Li Afu wanted to refuse, but fearing that Zhao Yun would become suspicious, she gratefully accepted the silver ingot with both hands, saying, "Thank you, young mistress!"
“Miss, Li Afu has only been here for one night, why do you trust him so much?” Yu Ming asked worriedly.
Zhao Yun shook her head, watching Li Afu's figure gradually disappear into the distance, and slowly said, "Yu Ming, although Li Afu's identity can withstand scrutiny, the timing of his appearance is too coincidental. I suspect that his goal may be the same as ours, which is to investigate Li Zan."
"Miss, this is... a counter-strategy?" Yu Ming suddenly realized.
Zhao Yun ignored her and turned to walk towards Pear Fragrance Courtyard.
It has been almost a month since Li Huai'an left Lingyang City for Chaoyang County. Her third younger sister is the prince's darling, and now it's her turn to do her part.
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