When beating the dog, you must consider its master.

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That morning, Ning Qian had not yet risen from bed when she heard a commotion outside. “Shuni? Shuni?” she called out several times.

Shuni hurried in. “Madam, you’re awake?”

“Yes. What’s happening outside? Why is it so noisy?”

“Madam, something big has happened.”

“Oh?” Ning Qian was instantly alert, rising from bed. With Shuni’s help, she dressed and washed her face, while Nian Yu had already prepared breakfast.

As she ate, Ning Qian asked, “What happened outside? Why such a disturbance?”

“Madam, it’s said that a thousand taels are missing from the estate. The master is furious and has ordered a search throughout the residence. He’s also instructed everyone in each courtyard not to leave, and to stay put.”

“What? That serious? But isn’t it excessive to search the entire estate?” Ning Qian felt the master was making a mountain out of a molehill. Moreover, his actions clearly showed he didn’t trust even his own sons.

“Madam, what should we do now?”

“Give orders for everyone to stay quietly in the courtyard and not go anywhere.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Hm, this is truly odd. How did the master discover a thousand taels were missing? Does he know where it disappeared? The Yu family is wealthy—there must be plenty of funds in the estate. Has nothing like this ever happened before?”

“Madam, you’re right. Nothing like this has ever happened. The Yu estate is strictly managed. This is the first time such a thing has occurred, which is why the master is so angry.”

“Is there any movement from the eldest and second young masters?”

“For now, nothing unusual.”

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“Good, whatever they do, we’ll do the same.”

As soon as she spoke, a clamor erupted in the courtyard. Nian Yu went to look and quickly returned. “It’s Mingzi, the master’s attendant. He’s brought people.”

Ning Qian pushed aside her bowl. “Shuni, tidy up. Nian Yu, invite them in.”

“Yes, Madam.” Nian Yu stepped out, and soon returned with several people. At the forefront was a sharp-looking young man—not the type of servant one would usually expect. Naturally, those close to Master Yu wouldn’t be ordinary.

Mingzi bowed deeply and stood. “Third Madam, forgive the disturbance. I have come at the master’s orders to conduct a search. I hope you will not take offense.”

“Of course not. You’re only following orders. Do as you must. Nian Yu, assist Mingzi and try to accommodate whatever he needs.”

“Madam, I understand.” Nian Yu turned to Mingzi. “Mingzi, how would you like to proceed?”

Mingzi gave an awkward smile. Truth be told, if he had a choice, he’d never take on such a thankless task. These were not people he could afford to offend. One misstep and he’d have trouble for years to come.

Seeing his dilemma, Nian Yu smiled. “Don’t worry. The master ordered you to do this, and you must follow through. If you don’t, you’ll have trouble explaining. Madam has already instructed us; if you need anything, just ask.”

“Uh, yes, that’s right. The master is extremely angry this time. He wants every courtyard searched. I’m just following orders, so if I offend, please speak kindly to the madam for me.”

“I will.”

Mingzi could not delay further. He gave instructions, leaving two people in the room, and sent others to search elsewhere.

Mingzi and his men searched the room thoroughly, inevitably making a mess of things. Shuni watched, unable to keep her temper in check. When a servant overturned Ning Qian’s dressing box, she rushed over. “What are you doing? If you’re searching, do it properly. This is the madam’s dowry—can you afford to replace it if it’s damaged?”

This servant was also close to the master, his status higher than ordinary staff. Others fawned over him and had never dared speak to him this way. He rolled his eyes and, taking advantage of the moment, shoved Shuni with a whisper, “Why are you shouting? The madam hasn’t said a word. We’re here at the master’s command. Don’t want us to search? Is there something you’re hiding?”

Shuni was incensed. She pushed him back and shouted, “Master, master—do you think you’re someone important? You’re just a servant. How dare you push me?” Though a maid, Shuni had always served Ning Qian closely, and no servant had ever dared treat her thus.

The servant was stunned, not expecting Shuni to shout so loudly. Instinctively, he turned to Ning Qian. Though her expression was unreadable, he couldn’t help but worry. This was his first encounter with the third madam. He didn’t know her temperament, but she was the mistress, and he was just a servant. One word from her could decide his fate.

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“Shuni!” Ning Qian called coldly.

Shuni glared at the servant, then turned to stand beside Ning Qian. “Madam.”

“There’s no need to say more. Leave for now.”

“Madam…”

“Are you going or not?” Ning Qian shot her a sharp look.

Shuni lowered her head and meekly obeyed. After she left, Ning Qian turned to the servant. “It’s my fault for poor discipline. I apologize for the disturbance.” In truth, with her status, Ning Qian need not be so courteous to mere servants. She did so to avoid trouble—after all, they served Master Yu. If they spoke ill of her, she’d be in real difficulty, especially since the master already disliked her.

The servants understood and quickly apologized, bowing as they withdrew. After some time, Mingzi returned with his men, exchanged polite words, and departed.

Once they left, Nian Yu and Shuni rushed in. Shuni pouted behind Ning Qian. “Madam, why did you speak up for them just now?”

“All right, I know you’ve been wronged. But they are the master’s people—one must respect the owner when dealing with the dog.” If Master Yu heard this, he’d be furious.

“Madam, they made such a mess of your things. I only said a word, and he pushed me. He even said some strange things.”

Ning Qian rubbed her aching forehead. As the third madam, she truly had no standing—even the servants hardly seemed to respect her. Clearly, it was time she asserted herself.

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