Abandoned Soldier
"We were in a hurry to come back to see the girl, but we didn't have time to ask more questions. We only heard that many people were cheated out of their money by the second manager of Changle Gambling."
Jiujin brewed tea, served it, and said with a smile, "That second manager deceived people by taking their money and promising them two shares of profit every month. A lot of people fell for it."
"Actually, everyone knew it was a scam. How could such a good thing exist in this world? A money house barely gives one or two cents of profit per year. Who could afford to give two cents per month out of thin air? It was clearly just money being shuffled around."
"But since no one pointed it out, they simply took the profit and enjoyed it," Jiujin shook his head.
Baliang looked around and showed a hint of disgust in his eyes. "Will the girl live here when she returns home?"
This governor's mansion was in terrible condition.
How could they expect a girl from their family to stay in such a small and dilapidated house?
"Yes, and look at this small courtyard. It seems like more than one girl is staying here," Mrs. Huang frowned.
Yu Linlang patted their hands reassuringly. "It's just a temporary stay. Once we move our household registration from their homes, we can return to Jinling openly and never have to hide again."
The three of them showed joy on their faces and nodded in unison. "Oh," they responded.
"By the way, the rice and grain you requested should arrive in a few days," Baliang said, his expression growing serious as he remembered the matter.
Yu Linlang nodded. "Did anything happen on the way?"
"Nothing major. It was just a long journey, and we encountered three groups of bandits in Guangshui. Fortunately, we ran into people from the Dafeng Chamber of Commerce. They were very enthusiastic and friendly, and they let us board their sailboat. In the end, everything went smoothly."
Yu Linlang raised her eyebrows and curled her lips into a slight smile. "I see."
"This year, not to mention that Qizhou and Qingzhou are in debt, but Weizhou Prefecture will also struggle once winter arrives," Mrs. Huang sighed. "Since the lady plans to stay here temporarily, it's best to make preparations early."
As they were speaking, they suddenly heard Mrs. Hu shouting, "Miss Yu! Miss Jiujin!"
Hearing this inappropriate title, Mrs. Huang and Baliang frowned in displeasure.
"Who are you calling Miss Yu?" Mrs. Huang opened the door and scolded the woman. "Every girl in this house has the surname Yu. Who exactly are you referring to?"
"What? My girl was thrown out by you since she was a child, and now she doesn't even deserve a proper title?"
Xiangling and Xiangye followed behind Mrs. Hu. Seeing Sister Huang's unhappy expression, they quickly lowered their heads and dared not speak.
Mrs. Hu was startled.
Jiujin walked out the door and smiled. "Mrs. Hu, this is my lady's personal cook, Sister Huang."
"And this is Baliang, the girl's personal maid. I mentioned yesterday that my girl isn't young or old, but in reality, there are three of you."
"If you can't even figure out the correct titles, then perhaps it's best if you return to the lady's courtyard. There's no point in coming here otherwise."
"Oh, oh, the third girl, thank you! Yes, the old woman was slow-witted and didn't know how to behave properly. She deserves to be punished," Mrs. Hu quickly patted her mouth to show remorse upon realizing her mistake.
Yu Linlang stepped outside and looked at her blankly. "Did someone die again?"
Mrs. Hu's face twitched, and she waved her hands hastily. "No, no. But something happened in the mansion. The old lady has summoned all the girls and ladies to her yard for questioning."
---
Yuhuayuan: The Old Lady's Residence
The Yuhuayuan, where the old lady resided, was located in the southeast corner of the mansion. It was the best and most spacious area.
When Yu Linlang arrived, she didn't bring anyone else except for Mrs. Hu, who led the way.
As they passed through the courtyard's entrance, they saw the eldest lady, Yu Qiuping, kneeling at the doorstep of the main hall, her face pale.
Two maids lay beside her, beaten so badly they could no longer move.
Yu Linlang glanced at them indifferently and followed the silent Mrs. Hu inside. After receiving permission to enter, she stepped into the old lady's main chamber.
The old lady wore a brocade silk robe today. Her hair was streaked with silver, and her expression was even colder than when Yu Linlang had last seen her.
Time had tempered her demeanor, giving her a unique air of dignity and beauty. Even though deep wrinkles lined her face, remnants of her past elegance remained.
Aunt Cui, who was usually the most talkative, dared not speak under the old lady's oppressive presence. She stood silently among the other concubines.
When Yu Linlang entered, the old lady's sharp gaze fell upon her.
Yu Linlang bowed, neither humble nor arrogant, then calmly stepped aside and stood still.
"The master is here," someone announced.
The women in the room exchanged uncertain glances. When they heard that Governor Yu had arrived, they couldn't help but tense up.
Huo took a sip of tea and glanced at Aunt Ma, who was trembling behind her, mockery flashing in her eyes. "I suppose some people still don't know what happened today. Let the master explain."
Governor Yu stormed into the room, his expression dark. He saluted the old lady first before turning to glare at Aunt Ma. "Ma, you've raised a fine daughter!" he bellowed.
Aunt Ma collapsed to her knees with a loud thud, kowtowing as she wailed, "Master, please forgive me! Madam, please forgive me! It was my fault for failing to guide the eldest lady properly. I am willing to accept any punishment!"
"Can you afford the consequences?" Governor Yu suddenly stepped forward and kicked Aunt Ma, sending her sprawling across the floor in rage.
"Do you know what your wonderful daughter has done? She secretly funneled money to a scholar behind our backs!"
"Oh my heavens!" Aunt Cui gasped, covering her mouth in shock. "How could the eldest lady do such a thing?"
Yu Zhihuan clenched her fists, her expression icy. "Eldest Sister is truly reckless. Lending money privately is illegal. Doesn't she realize the disgrace she's bringing upon Father? This could ruin his reputation!"
"This matter has already reached the prince, Lord Lu, and the others! My honor is in shambles because of her!" Governor Yu fumed.
Huo sneered. "The foolish actions of one sister have tainted the entire family. What will people say about the rest of the girls now? I think we should cut our losses quickly. Send her to Guzi Temple to reflect on her mistakes and spare the family further disgrace."
Aunt Ma's face turned ashen. She fell to the ground, sobbing and begging, "Madam, please spare her! Old lady, please have mercy on my daughter! She was just young and foolish—only seventeen! How could she endure a lifetime of suffering in Guzi Temple?"
The old lady, calmly fingering her jade bracelet, stared coldly at Aunt Ma for a moment before speaking. "Didn't you say last time that you had found a good match for the eldest sister? If she's to be married off eventually, we might as well settle the matter now and put an end to this scandal."
"The eldest sister isn't getting any younger. If we keep waiting, she'll end up an old maid."
Aunt Ma gasped, her face stricken with despair, as she repeatedly kowtowed, crying, "Old lady! Old lady!"