Shulan, though not clever, was far from foolish. At this moment, as she listened to her lady’s words, she vaguely understood the underlying message and asked suspiciously: "Madam means that Miss Yi Ling is also highly suspicious?"
Xin He took a deep breath: "In the end, this matter is still too strange. With no evidence, I can only say that everyone has suspicion, but according to ordinary people’s thoughts, most would lean towards protecting Yi Ling."
The reason for today’s loss was her cautious and sensitive nature, and her insight into the minds of women.
If it were an ordinary man, especially a grand elder, they would not care about the trivial details and probably would have directly sold Qiao Qiao after hearing Yi Ling’s lamentations. Who would have delved deeper into the investigation? And because of this, Xin He felt suspicious.
Although Chen’s man who was supposed to keep watch did not take it seriously, causing Yihong Courtyard to send out the girls and Jinghua’s reputation to spread, Xin He was somewhat annoyed, but there was nothing she could do about it now. She could only reluctantly cope with it.
The current situation was very chaotic. Not only was there a mess in the Flower House, but Yihong Courtyard was also preparing for action. She had no idea what schemes lay hidden, so it was a case of internal and external troubles. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎
However, Xin He had an acute mind and knew that amidst the pressing matters, the most important thing was the traitor in the Flower House!
There was no turning back for Yihong Courtyard, and it could only be considered that a significant deal had been given away to them for free.
"Madam means to find out who the traitor is first? What about Yihong Courtyard? Isn’t that giving them advantages for free?" Shulan said indignantly.
If it was anyone else, it would be fine, but the person in question was Sun Yaowen! That useless fool had upset her lady several times, and it only took a few moves to beat him half-dead and expel him from the Sun Family. Who would’ve thought he’d return after just a few days and take advantage of the situation?
The benefits Yihong Courtyard had gained this time were all thanks to Sun Yaowen. That fool must be gloating right now.
Thinking of this, Shulan felt very stifled.
Xin He sneered: "Give them advantages for free? I am not that generous. The benefits they gain today will certainly cost them tenfold in the future!"
Listening to this, Shulan felt goosebumps and quickly agreed.
As the matter at the Flower House had not been resolved, Xin He naturally wouldn’t leave. She rested in the private room, waiting with her eyes closed.
When Xiaoyu entered the room, she saw Xin He seemingly resting on the soft couch and did not dare to disturb her.
However, Xin He spoke without opening her eyes: "Is the matter settled?"
Xiaoyu hesitated, having barely made a sound just now, yet her lady had noticed?
"I have temporarily ordered it, but it will take some time to implement. After all, the contract is quite novel and the girls need to think and consider it. As for Yi Ling and Qiao Qiao... it all depends on how madam wishes to deal with them." Xiaoyu said.
Only then did Xin He open her eyes, showing no previous turbulence but appearing contemplative. She asked, "What’s happening on Madam Chen’s side?"
"Madam Chen has sent someone to investigate thoroughly, interrogating not only Yi Ling and Qiao Qiao about their actions in the past few days but also questioning the other girls in the Flower House. After questioning them all, Madam Chen believes that Qiao Qiao is the most suspicious," Xiaoyu reported solemnly.
Xin He furrowed her brows but said nothing.
Unable to resist, Xiaoyu asked, "What does madam think?"
Glancing at Xiaoyu, Xin He knew she must be thinking the same as herself. This clever girl was sharp and probably had some insights into the situation.
Shulan whispered from the side: "Madam said there might be something fishy about this matter."
Xiaoyu felt slightly more relieved, thinking that it made sense. If she found the situation strange, how could her sensitive lady not realize it?
Xin He’s eyes flickered, and she suddenly thought of something. "Since Madam Chen also says that Qiao Qiao is the most suspicious, let’s deal with her first."
Xiaoyu’s eyes widened in surprise: "Ah?"
Xin He’s lips curved into an enigmatic smile: "Since we’re groping in the dark and can’t figure anything out, let’s at least try to turn the tables. Before, we were passive because the enemy was hidden and we were exposed. Now, let’s see what tricks they’re playing."
Xiaoyu’s eyes brightened, as if understanding something, and laughed: "Madam is wise."
"Order them to get rid of Qiao Qiao for two-timing the Flower House. Madam Chen can directly sell her. As for Yi Ling, since she is one of the victims this time, I can’t let her suffer. Xiaoyu, you go and comfort her in person," Xin He instructed coldly.
"Yes." Xiaoyu’s expression had returned to normal as she obediently complied.
The moment Xin He’s orders were passed down, the long-suffering girls of the Flower House began to discuss openly.
"I knew that Qiao Qiao was no good! She tried to deceive our boss and almost succeeded. I knew she would betray us sooner or later!" One girl sneered.
Hua Rao’s face was also very ugly: "Qiao Qiao and Yi Ling’s relationship was never good. Now that this has happened... it’s somewhat understandable."
"What’s understandable? I think Qiao Qiao is just a disaster! Have you forgotten how she treated Yi Ling before she made a name for herself? Now, with this sudden move, she not only pleases Yihong Courtyard but also blocks Yi Ling’s path. It’s like killing two birds with one stone. She deserves to be sold! Poor Yi Ling."
Qing Lei lowered her gaze, as she usually didn’t speak much.
Ah Lian never participated in such discussions. She was older and more experienced than the other girls, so she knew better than to get involved in these matters. There were some things she didn’t have to or simply didn’t want to handle.
In the midst of the various gazes and gossip, Yi Ling was released, and Qiao Qiao was directly sent to the kidnapper by Madam Chen. This sale would likely lead to a life of hardship.
Qiao Qiao cried hysterically, claiming innocence as she was dragged away.
Xin He came out of the private room onto the veranda and looked down at Qiao Qiao being dragged away, not showing much emotion. She instructed Shulan: "Go back to the mansion and find a reliable servant. Watch Qiao Qiao get sold and then immediately redeem her from the kidnapper’s hands. Lock her up in the firewood room."
Shulan nodded: "Yes."
She then turned and hurriedly commenced the task.
Xin He looked at Yi Ling, who was being supported by several maids and women from the firewood room in the hall, surrounded by people offering sympathy and comfort, feeling a bit cold.
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