Bi Yuan simply couldn't believe that Song Lin could be so ruthless.
And then there's his gentle and considerate childhood sweetheart, Gu Yurong.
Scenes of their tender moments flashed before his eyes; she recounted the humiliation she suffered in the general's mansion and begged him to take her away.
How could they, mother and son, be so cruel as to kill themselves?
Recalling the scene of Song Lin arriving with a knife that day, Bi Yuan covered his head, in great pain.
Seeing is believing. If the patrol soldiers hadn't arrived just in time, he would have been killed by his own son!
And the conversation I overheard that night in the general's mansion, every word pointed to Gu Yurong and her son.
These days, for his own safety, he dared not show his face, but asked people to inquire about the Song family, hoping that everything was a misunderstanding.
Unexpectedly, I heard that Song Lin had gained the Emperor's favor and had even been promoted.
He had no connections in the capital, so he naturally couldn't find out about Teng Ge Lao's situation. However, he knew that Song Lin had done wrong and was disliked by the royal family.
There must be more to the story behind his sudden appointment to an official position.
Sure enough, the news brought by Zhu Ying confirmed his guess.
"Young Master Bi, are you alright?" Zhu Ying asked softly when she saw the pain on his face.
Bi Yuan looked up and met the maid's concerned gaze.
Actually, he had his doubts about Zhu Ying.
This unfamiliar maidservant risked her life to rescue her from the mansion and arranged suitable accommodations for her, showing great thoughtfulness.
He was all alone; if she wanted to kill him, she wouldn't have needed to do it.
unless…
Bi Yuan sighed: "Too many things have happened lately, and I am mentally and physically exhausted. Only in front of you can I speak a few words from the heart."
He looked at the bamboo shadows and spoke earnestly.
"Miss Bamboo Shadow, there is one more thing I would like to do. I wonder if you could help me?"
"Please speak, sir."
Bi Yuan said firmly, "I want to know the contents of the letter that the jailer gave to Song Lin, which you just mentioned."
His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of ruthlessness.
If Song Lin really did follow Song Ziyu's orders and wanted to kill him, then... he wouldn't need to show any mercy.
Even if it costs me my life, I will seek justice from Gu Yurong and her son!
But right now, he needs to confirm the matter to avoid falling into someone else's trap of sowing discord.
Zhu Ying looked troubled: "This... I'm afraid it will be difficult. The letter is with Young Master Lin, this servant..."
Bi Yuan handed her something: "I have some silver deposited in Tongda Money Exchange. You can withdraw it with my seal. No matter how much silver it costs, please help me get this done!"
"After the deed is done, the remaining silver will be your reward."
Zhu Ying hesitated for a long time, but eventually gave in to Bi Yuan's insistence and reluctantly agreed: "Alright, I'll give it a try, but I'm not sure if it will work."
She reached out and took the seal.
Bi Yuan gave her some more instructions before Zhu Ying pushed open the door and left.
After leaving the courtyard, the innocent and childlike look on her face faded. She weighed the seal in her hand, and a hint of coldness appeared in her round almond-shaped eyes.
Soon, the seal appeared on Jiang Wan's desk.
"Bi Yuan wants to see that letter?"
"Indeed, Pavilion Master."
Zhu Ying bowed and stood before Jiang Wan, reporting.
Jiang Wan chuckled lightly: "He's cautious enough to not shed a tear until he sees the coffin."
Zhu Ying suggested, "There are many skilled calligraphers in the pavilion who can imitate handwriting, perhaps we could..."
“No need.” Jiang Wan took a sip of tea. “Have you ever thought about why Bi Yuan asked you to do this and even handed over the seal to you?”
Zhu Ying was taken aback, and after a moment she realized: "He suspects his subordinates?"
Jiang Wan nodded: "You led him to escape along the way, and everything that happened along the way points to Song Lin, so it's normal for him to be on guard."
"If you were to send him another letter at this point, proving that Song Lin assassinated him, he probably wouldn't believe it. Instead, he would be even more suspicious that he had fallen into a trap."
Zhu Ying lowered his head and apologized, saying, "Master, it is my fault for not performing my duties well."
"It's not your fault."
Jiang Wan said.
“You have done very well. It’s just that Bi Yuan has been traveling the world for many years and has seen all kinds of people. He must be very wary.”
She placed the tea on the table and chuckled softly.
"It's alright, if he wants to see the letter, we'll show it to him."
Bi Yuan's request for this letter suggests that he must have already devised a way to verify its authenticity.
If a fake letter is sent, Zhu Ying's identity will be immediately exposed, and her plan will completely fall apart.
"You go down first. Tomorrow, take the seal to the bank to withdraw fifty taels of silver. I'll figure out the rest."
The bamboo shadows receded.
Jiang Wan sat by the window, silently pondering for a long time.
The next day, the weather was unusually clear and sunny.
News came early in the morning that Pei Xi was coming to the general's mansion today.
After breakfast, Jiang Wan went to the front yard and saw servants busy sweeping the courtyard and decorating everywhere. Red silk was hung at the porch and moon gate, making it look very festive.
Several eunuchs and nannies from the palace stood aside, directing the gardeners to prune the flowers and plants.
The magnolias in the flowerbed were transplanted from the palace; their petals were full and delicate.
Firstly, Emperor Jingyuan had already issued a decree that Song Yu's investiture banquet should be held according to the standards of a palace banquet, and the servants, having received the decree, naturally had to be meticulous in every aspect.
Now, the banquet at the General's Mansion is not only Song Yu's private matter, but also represents the face of the royal family.
Therefore, these servants were extremely dedicated, striving to do their best in every detail.
Secondly, Song Yu personally visited them a few days ago and brought them valuable gifts, which gave them a great deal of face.
The lackeys were even more willing to do their work.
Upon seeing Jiang Wan enter the courtyard, the eunuchs and maids all took the initiative to greet her and say auspicious words.
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