The Prince's mansion's accounts are usually managed by Master Bai, but at this moment everyone in the mansion is confined to their rooms, and the steward is a trusted person, so naturally he can get them.
The housekeeper brought the ledger first, and Gu Xin took it and started flipping through it.
She read very quickly. The book she was looking at was the income and expenditure record of the Prince's shop in Taizhou Prefecture two years ago. She noted down the matters handled by Master Bai.
After she jotted down a few important notes, news came from outside that Master Bai had arrived.
Gu Xin put down the ledger and had someone invite Master Bai in.
After Master Bai came in, he didn't look at the account book next to Gu Xin at all.
After Gu Xin and the others bowed, they started talking about the Bai family's shop in Fucheng, as if they were having a casual chat.
This Master Bai was able to answer fluently, but when asked for specifics, he would calmly say that it had been a long time and that his family owned many properties, so he couldn't remember.
Throughout the entire process, Master Bai did not glance at the ledger once.
After asking all these questions, Gu Xin began to ask where Master Bai was at the time of the incident.
Master Bai replied, "On the first day of the month, my younger sister returned with her husband, nephew, and niece. I entertained them at home and did not go out. Everyone in the family can testify to this."
Gu Xin then asked, "Where was Second Master Bai on the night of April 30th?"
Master Bai replied, "I received the letter and learned that my younger sister and the others would arrive on the first day of the month, so I went to bed early that night. Oh, by the way, I also sent someone to look for my father and third brother. That night, my third brother was out drinking."
Gu Xin nodded: "On the first day of the Lunar New Year, was there someone who could confirm your location at every hour and every point?"
Master Bai frowned: "Does the princess suspect me because of the memorial requesting the appointment of a crown prince?"
Gu Xin wasn't angry at his harsh tone. She calmly replied, "It's just a routine inquiry. I asked the Princess the same thing just now. What, Second Master Bai, is it that you can't find anyone to testify for you at a certain time of day?"
Master Bai looked at Gu Xin and said, "My younger sister and her family arrived around noon. After they arrived, I accompanied them to the Buddhist hall to see Mother. Then, I chatted with my brother-in-law, went back to my study to read books and review account books, then had dinner, and finally went back to my room to rest. There are witnesses to all of this!"
Gu Xin moved her hand. "You didn't see the account books next to me the whole time. You said you were looking at the account books that day? You probably don't even know what your own account books look like."
Gu Xin smiled and asked, "What about before Princess Baozhu arrived?"
Master Bai pursed his lips and said, "Before my little sister came, I arranged for someone to clean her yard, just like usual. It was just a bunch of household chores."
Gu Xin noticed that his forehead seemed to be sweating, and she couldn't tell if it was from the heat or from fear. She continued, "Be more specific. What trivial things did you do that day? Who was by your side who could vouch for you—which maid, which servant, or the Second Madam?"
Master Bai's eyes lit up: "Yes, my wife helped me with all of this. She can vouch for me. The princess can ask her later."
Gu Xin then asked, "Has Second Master Bai ever considered becoming the heir of this royal family?"
Without hesitation, Master Bai said, "Of course I want to. My elder brother is gone, so it's my turn in order. But my elder brother has a son, so I won't compete with him."
Gu Xin: "Oh, Second Master Bai is such a good uncle. Alright, I've finished asking my questions, Second Master Bai, please!"
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