However, apart from him, Ji Xinhe couldn’t think of anyone else.
The sudden intervention of the county magistrate to suppress his own confidant, Zhou Shiye, made it impossible for Ji Xinhe to believe it was a manifestation of his conscience.
Apart from this reason, what could be the other reasons? Yu State is not small, but it’s not very big either, and she led a reclusive life, barely making any acquaintances.
The servant hesitantly asked, "Madam, since someone has resolved this matter, does this mean we no longer have to worry about it?"
Xin He nodded, "Indeed, no need to worry about it anymore. Now that everything has been resolved, no matter who did it, at least one problem has been solved."
Although she didn’t know whether the person who took action had ulterior motives.
"You don’t need to worry about this for now. Now that someone has stepped in, Madam Chen should be able to handle it. Keep a close eye on those troublemakers from before and find out who’s backing them!" Ji Xinhe ordered solemnly.
"Yes."
Little Firewood said, "Then I will go to find out who the person is that helped us this time. This person’s identity and intentions are not clear, and we need to investigate thoroughly."
Xin He nodded, "Take care."
Little Firewood is quite young, but capable and acts in a steady and savvy manner. Xin He trust him to handle matters, especially since she doesn’t have many capable people at her disposal now.
Although Xiaoyu and Shulan are her trusted aides, they are close to her all the time, and they can’t always be sent to handle external tasks. Not to mention they are girls and can’t manage some affairs as conveniently as men.
Fuquan and Li Saner, the two confidants she gained in the capital city, are now helping her manage the winery and the Qinghe shop in the capital. Now that she has returned to Lian’an Town, she doesn’t have any handy helpers left.
This is one of the reasons why Xin He holds Little Firewood in high regard and cultivates him diligently, hoping he can assume great responsibility in the future.
——
Hua Man Lou.
Facing the sudden arrival of the county magistrate, Officer Lou, Madam Chen was surprised, initially thinking it was someone arranged by Ji Xinhe. How could it be so soon?
But Madam Chen didn’t have much time to question the situation. She quickly put on a friendly face and warmly entertained the county magistrate.
Just now, the county magistrate appeared and directly ordered the arrest of Zhou Shiye, accusing him of abusing his personal power and doing many evil deeds. He claimed Zhou was involved in this matter because he was bribed and then fabricated slanderous rumors.
After Zhou Shiye was arrested, who would believe the evidence Zhou had provided earlier?
Madam Chen seized this opportunity to revive the warm atmosphere, and then let the girls go on stage to prepare for the bidding.
With the issue about Zhou Shiye settled, everyone remembered the talents of the girls and the enthusiasm soared instantly. This round of bidding even called out a sky-high price which made Madam Chen grinning from ear to ear.
At this moment, the hall was lively, and most of the private rooms upstairs all had their windows open, watching the girls on stage and instructing their servants to bid.
Only a few private rooms remained quiet without any movement. They must be accompanied by headliners such as Hua Rao.
Already having a beauty at side, why would they care about other girls?
In one of these quiet private rooms was Ah Lian.
"Are you satisfied now?" A gentle male voice asked, filled with tenderness.
Ah Lian smiled slightly, her seductive eyes easily showing a charming demeanor even without deliberate attempts. She carefully poured him a cup of wine, and then raised her own cup and laughed, "Why wouldn’t I be satisfied? I have to thank Your Highness for your help."
The man looked at her smiling face, feeling a moment of dizziness. After staring at her for a long time, he took her hand and said, "Do you know how much I’ve missed you since you left the capital for half a year?"
Ah Lian still smiled, "Being missed by Your Highness is a blessing I’ve earned over several lifetimes."
"Did you miss me?"
Ah Lian’s eyes flickered, her lips curling in a smile, "Of course."
"It doesn’t seem like it. You would rather come to this remote and poor rural area than stay in the capital where I could see you at any time. It seems like you are a heartless person." The man seemed somewhat dissatisfied.
Ah Lian seemed oblivious to this, she just poured wine with her head down and smiled, "Your Highness, you rarely visit. Why spoil the mood with such words?"
Indeed, the man was easy to please. With her soft and tender words, his attention was shifted and he did not pursue the question of whether Ah Lian truly missed him.
Just then, a slightly thin male voice came from outside the door. Listening closely, it turned out to be a eunuch.
"Your Highness, Officer Lou is here and would like to see you."
Leng Qingyuan immediately felt spoiled, and said impatiently, "No!"
A mere county magistrate wants to see him? Does he really think that by doing him a small favor, he’s something special?
"Yes."
The eunuch complied and then coldly told Officer Lou, "Did you hear that? Now leave at once!"
Officer Lou hurriedly nodded and laughed, "Yes, yes, I will leave immediately. I certainly won’t dare to disturb His Highness!"
While speaking, he even winked suggestively as if he understood everything.
As Officer Lou was about to leave, the eunuch suddenly stopped him and said sternly, "You must not reveal today’s matter!"
"Of course, put your heart at ease, Eunuch!" Officer Lou promised solemnly.
——
It was already very late, but Mu Mansion was not silent, instead, it was brightly lit.
The matter at Hua Man Lou had not been resolved yet, Marquis Mu Houchu hadn’t returned, and Xin He naturally could not sleep. She sat under the light, reading some relaxation books, while waiting for news.
Shulan entered the room quietly, and replaced Xin He’s tea with a warm one, "Madam, why not go to sleep first? My lord should be home soon. If he knows you haven’t slept so late, he might get angry."
Xin He didn’t lift her head, the warm candlelight making her face appear even softer. She lowered her gaze to flip through the book, seemingly idle, "No need. I can’t sleep anyway. If he knows, he will scold me at most." It can be easily mollified.
Of course, Xin He did not feel the need to share this thought with Shulan.
Shulan thought to herself: Probably only Madam would think the consequences of upsetting my lord are to be taken lightly.
Shulan said, "Madam, I just passed by the Bright Moon Pavilion and it seems that their lights are also on. It appears that Madam Song and Miss Song must be up too."
Xin He was startled, "They are also awake?"
"Maybe because of the fifth young lady’s case? They say she is still missing up to now. I reckon Madam Song must be anxious too." Shulan speculated.
Xin He slightly furrowed her eyebrows. She could guess that Song Ya Lan must have run back to her maternal grandfather’s house. Madam Song couldn’t possibly not guess it. Why would she be so worried? It probably wasn’t because of this.
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