After seeing Wang Xing, the two of them headed home. On the way back, Wang Ying looked up and seemed to see a familiar figure.
Pulling Wang Yan along, she wanted to go take a look. "I think that girl in front looks like Zijuan, who serves the Second Madam?"
Come on, let's go say hello to her."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yan glanced in that direction, then grabbed Wang Ying and quickly hid in the alleyway to avoid being seen by Zi Juan.
Although the several matrons suppressed the news of the assassination of Concubine Yang, the second wife of the household, most people were unaware of it.
But Wang Yan knew the truth, Pan Xia! Aunt Cui's daughter had gone home on vacation with Wang Yan.
They met at the hanging flower gate and walked out together towards the side gate.
No matter how tightly the news was kept under wraps, the members of the second branch of the family still had a vague understanding of it.
Pan Xia glanced at her, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke up to remind her.
"I heard that Aunt Yang was assassinated for some terrible sin! And also,"
Pan Xia walked alongside Wang Yan, talking quietly as she patted her leg, "Guess who came to assassinate her?"
Wang Yan was terrified. An assassin? Good heavens! "Stop beating around the bush, what happened?"
"She's my aunt's own sister-in-law, but I don't know why. Tell me, what kind of deep-seated hatred could cause this!"
I wonder who else Aunt Yang offended besides her own sister-in-law?
"If you're heading towards the second branch of the family's house these days, be careful on the way. What if another murderer comes along?"
Wang Yan didn't reply, but her heart was in turmoil. Pan Xia just assumed she was scared out of her wits and didn't feel any dissatisfaction.
Not to mention Wang Yan, she herself was terrified.
It was Jiang Lanling! It was Yang Mei's mother! Wang Yan was shocked; she had met Yang Mei's mother before.
Didn't my sister embroider a birthday picture for the old lady back then? She met that old lady once when she came in to look at the bayberries.
He looks a bit fierce, but speaks in a gentle and soft voice with a slight Jiangnan accent.
Seeing them distribute the pastries they were holding one by one, Wang Yan, who looked young, was given an extra candied hawthorn (sugar figurine).
There were only two at the time, and they were originally intended to give them both to Yang Mei, but after seeing her, Yang's sister-in-law gave her one without hesitation.
How could someone like that commit assassination? Wang Yan was completely baffled.
……………………………………………………
But isn't Yang Meiniang standing here with Zijuan right now?
Why would a relative of Consort Yang be walking with a maid from the Second Madam's courtyard? And why is she suspected of being an assassin?
Wang Yan didn't have time to think about that right now; she just wanted to avoid the situation with her sister for the time being.
Zijuan looked around, then turned to Jiang Lanling and said solemnly,
"Whether it is or not, you know perfectly well. I won't say more. If you change your mind, send this letter to the second branch of the Marquis's mansion."
Remember to go to Mingxiang Pavilion and have the manager there deliver it; it's a shop under our madam's name.
Jiang Lanling accepted the letter and nodded silently.
Zijuan sighed again, "I hope our second wife is wrong, and I also hope you won't need this flowery stationery."
Jiang Lanling's eyes welled up with tears, and she turned and left. With things escalating so much, Yang Mei naturally couldn't stay at the mansion any longer.
But she couldn't go home, so the second wife sent Zijing to work at one of her teahouses.
Let's keep it for now. This is an unexpected bonus; who knew there might be a chance of separating the family now?
…………………………………………………………
Three days later, Wang Yan returned to the Marquis's residence and helped Granny Sun make some crispy rice crust, spicy strips, and mint cakes to take on the journey. They were leaving tomorrow.
Uncle Zhong, who was standing in front of the second patriarch, stomped his foot, sat down in his chair, and threw a tantrum, clearly unhappy.
"Master, I don't want to go to escape the heat. I'm not afraid of the heat. How about I talk to Rong Dayou and ask him to go with you?"
The second old master glanced at him, but before he could say anything, Uncle Zhong disappeared in a flash.
After running out of the courtyard, he stopped, pondered for a moment, and slowly walked over to Steward Rong.
"Great potential!"
When Manager Rong turned around and saw Uncle Zhong, he immediately told his errand boy to brew a pot of the finest tea and then personally came over to move a chair for Uncle Zhong.
He chuckled and asked, "What's up, Zhongzi? What's the matter?"
"I don't want to go to escape the summer heat. It's been so many years. I just returned to the capital, and I haven't even had two days of this carefree life. I haven't even visited many teahouses or theaters yet."
"Go! Go with the Second Master! Take my place."
Rong Da was taken aback, then looked helplessly at Uncle Zhong.
"Your temperament is exactly the same as when you were young. Just ask me what's on your mind!"
Zhongbo's eyes flashed. "Our young master and young lady are being taken seriously? They've only been back a few days, and they're already being taken to the estate by the Lady of the Marquis?"
Lady Hou is truly filial; she even arranged for the two old masters' summer retreat.
Our young master has also written two policy proposals, which he would like to have the Marquis review. Is this permissible?
Rong Dayou glanced at him and tapped the table with his finger. "Young Master Chang has really worked hard. The Marquis and his wife are very satisfied and pleased with the young master's diligence and eagerness to learn."
However, our third young master is very knowledgeable and always wants to discuss and exchange ideas with Young Master Chang.
It was the old lady who spoke up, fearing that the third young master's excessive joy at seeing his brother would interfere with the young master's studies.
It's so hot, I specifically got approval for my own estate by the winding stream. You really aren't going?
That would give me a free and easy life, I'd be happy to see that! It's settled then!
"Hey, hey, no, no, I'm going back to pack my bags right now."
Uncle Zhong quickly stood up, patted his sleeves, and ran away as fast as he could.
Rong Dayou called after him, "Slow down, come over here later and let's arrange the carriages we need for tomorrow's trip with a few people."
Uncle Zhong raised his hand and waved it behind his back as a response.
After meeting with Uncle Zhong, Steward Rong returned in high spirits.
He and Zhongzi were two of the four servants of Old Master Hou back in the day. They were the closest of friends, and after all these years, how could they not be happy to see each other again?
Furthermore, the old lady also instructed Steward Rong to subtly remind Gu Xiao of the second branch of the family of his mischief.
Now that this matter is settled, I feel much more at ease. I also feel a great sense of relief.
On his way back, Zhongbo couldn't help but mutter to himself, "To be honest, Gu Xiao is such a scoundrel!"
I've always had this personality when I was young—fawning over the powerful and belittling the weak, bullying superiors and currying favor with subordinates. How come I'm still like this after all these years?
No need to guess, Gu Xiao must have found out about their family's shipping business. That old bastard's got some ulterior motives again! Humph!
After returning home, Uncle Zhong gave a slight nod to the second old master. The second old master felt relieved; as long as it wasn't directed at them and had nothing to do with their family, that was fine.
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