Chapter 56: Caught Red-Handed

Although she trusted Shuni in her heart, looking at the expressions on the Old Madam and the First Madam’s faces, it seemed as if they really did know something. Her heart fluttered with unease. Unable to restrain herself, she cast a furtive glance toward Shuni. But just as she shifted her face ever so slightly, a gust of wind swept over.

Startled, Ning Qian looked up and saw it was Jiaoran. She frowned, staring at Jiaoran who had blocked her view. “Why did you come over here?”

“I called her over. Why? Is that not allowed? Why are you looking at Shuni? It’s me questioning you right now—why do you keep looking at her? Are you going to speak or not?”

“Mother, I... I really was just walking in the courtyard. You know how large it is, and I happened to wander a bit further with Nianyu.”

“Shut up!” The Old Madam stood again, her tone cold. “Fine, fine, you’re clever. Since Her Ladyship is still in the residence, I won’t make a fuss for now. But when she leaves, I’ll settle this with you. Jiaoran, let’s go.” With those words, she strode out swiftly, supported by Jiaoran.

Once the Old Madam left, the First and Second Madams hurried out after her. As the First Madam passed Ning Qian, she slipped something into her hand, then threw her a helpless look before rushing out as well.

As soon as they were gone, Ning Qian ran to Shuni. “Shuni, did you tell the Old Madam?”

Shuni’s face was drawn tight with worry. “Madam, how could I speak? My goodness, I was so frightened just now, afraid you would let something slip.”

Ning Qian let out a sigh of relief, patting her chest. “Thank goodness, I still trust you. But the way Mother and the others acted, it’s as if they were sure of themselves. If you didn’t say anything, how did they know we went out?”

“Madam, just after you left, the Old Madam and the others arrived. When they didn’t find you here, they started giving me trouble. But I would never betray you. Later, the Old Madam sent people everywhere to look for you, but they didn’t find you. I think that’s why she suspects you went out.”

“So that’s how it is. This is troublesome. The courtyard is spacious, but it isn’t that hard to find someone if one is determined. If Mother truly wants to make things difficult for me, I might not escape this time. For now, I can only take things one step at a time. Still, it’s strange—how did they just happen to visit when I went out?”

“Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence?” Nianyu mused, eyes narrowed in thought.

Ning Qian considered this carefully, sensing more beneath the surface. “Nianyu, you’re right. There must be something else going on. The Old Madam never visits any courtyard lightly—why would she come here today? There’s a traitor, there must be a traitor.”

As soon as Ning Qian voiced her suspicion, Shuni nodded vigorously. “Madam, now that you mention it, I’m starting to feel the same. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence?”

“All right, let’s not dwell on whether there’s a traitor for now. Sooner or later, I’ll get to the bottom of this. The most important thing is escaping this disaster. If I’m not mistaken, Mother will surely question whoever watches the side gate. If that person exposes us, things will turn very ugly.”

“Madam, do you have any ideas?”

Ning Qian shrugged. “For now, nothing comes to mind. The gatekeeper is from the Yu family—it won’t be easy to bribe him. Never mind, we’ll think of a way. I’m hungry, Shuni, go prepare some food.”

“Yes, right away.”

Just as Ning Qian was about to sit down for a peaceful meal, the Old Madam suddenly sent someone to summon her to Fenglai Waterside Pavilion, saying she was to accompany Her Ladyship for a chat.

Resigned, Ning Qian set down her chopsticks, tidied her clothes, and took Nianyu and the others to the pavilion. When she arrived, everyone was already present. After making her greeting, she sat beside the First Madam.

Seeing that Her Ladyship was conversing with the Old Madam, the First Madam quietly tugged Ning Qian’s sleeve and whispered, “Third Sister-in-law, how could you go out at such a critical time? Normally, when you sneak out, nothing happens. But now that Her Ladyship is here, Mother is bound to be displeased.”

Ning Qian forced a faint smile, at a loss for words against the First Madam’s certainty.

“Third Sister-in-law, I advise you to apologize to Mother after Her Ladyship leaves. Mother cares about appearances—if you speak kindly, she likely won’t really punish you.”

“Elder Sister, whatever happens, I still have to thank you.”

“There’s no need for such formality between us—we’re all family. Do you think I’d just watch you get punished?”

Ning Qian returned her a gentle smile, all the while thinking, isn’t this just a way to win people over and consolidate your position? She was preparing herself to become the future matron of the Yu family; it wasn’t too early to lay her groundwork.

“Madam Yu, I have a favor to ask of you.” Her Ladyship suddenly raised her voice, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Your Ladyship, what is it you need?”

“It’s like this. I have a friend who’s been through some troubles and is currently all alone. I wanted to bring her to the Prince’s manor, but things there are complicated and I might not be able to care for her properly. So I’d like to leave her here for a while. When I’m less busy, I’ll come fetch her.”

“So that’s how it is. Of course she can stay, for as long as needed. Such an honored guest—she’s more than welcome,” the Old Madam replied, treating Han Shiyun as someone equal in status to Her Ladyship.

Her Ladyship smiled. “By the way, my friend is very fond of red plums. I remember that Ziqi’s courtyard has quite a few. So, could she stay in Ziqi’s courtyard?”

The Old Madam’s expression shifted when she heard about the fondness for red plums, and darkened further at the mention of Yu Ziqi’s courtyard. But she still smiled and nodded. “That’s no problem.” Turning to Ning Qian, she said, “Qianqian, go prepare the best room in your courtyard.”

“Yes, Mother, I understand.”

“In that case, I’ll trouble you to take good care of my friend. She may be a little unusual—please don’t mind.”

“Naturally, Your Ladyship, you may rest assured.”

“I do trust you, otherwise I wouldn’t leave her here.”