Dou Zhao gestured for Suxin to take the sandalwood box containing the token. She smiled at the senior madam, saying, “I’ve just arrived and am not familiar with the household stewards. Would you kindly introduce them to me?”
At this point, trying to make things difficult for Dou Zhao would only result in embarrassment for herself. The senior madam inwardly sighed and introduced the stewards from each household to Dou Zhao, who thus became acquainted with them all.
However, Dou Zhao found something strange. Since Madam Jiang’s death, Song Yichun had been personally managing the inner court of Duke Ying’s mansion. After Song Yichun and Song Mo fell out, the household staff had been thoroughly purged. The servants who had attended to Madam Jiang were either killed by so-called thieves, disappeared, or were dismissed from the household. Yet among the stewards who had served under Madam Jiang, while there were some changes, they weren’t significant. Some were demoted, while others retained their original positions. They all shared one common trait – they were relatively young. All the older ones had been replaced, while the younger ones were kept on.
Was Song Yichun trying to avoid drawing attention, or was there something more to this?
Dou Zhao gently brushed the tea leaves in her cup and took a quiet sip.
Standing behind the senior madam, Madam Tan glanced at Dou Zhao’s elegant demeanor, feeling bitter and dejected. She and her mother-in-law were at a loss, having spent a sleepless night discussing how to explain the situation to her second uncle. Moreover, her father-in-law likely didn’t know about the major changes in Duke Ying’s mansion. He would surely blame her and her mother-in-law for their incompetence. While her mother-in-law and father-in-law were a married couple, he might just scold her a bit, but the responsibility would ultimately fall on Madam Tan’s shoulders.
Feeling anxious, Madam Tan noticed Dou Zhao questioning a fair-skinned, attractive woman: “Are you Chen Ma, who manages the Second Young Master’s quarters?”
The woman quickly curtsied and respectfully replied, “Yes.”
Dou Zhao then inquired about Song Han’s monthly allowance, and how many maids and manservants he had, just as she had asked the kitchen steward about monthly expenses and the number of cooks and helpers. She showed neither particular interest nor neglect.
Chen Ma couldn’t help but feel relieved.
This new daughter-in-law of the heir had managed to obtain the token symbolizing household authority within just ten days of her arrival. Chen Ma found it hard to believe that the new mistress was as gentle and polite as she appeared. Being in charge of the Second Young Master’s quarters, where the Duke had instructed that the heir should not interfere, Chen Ma had feared endless questioning from the new mistress. She worried that gossipmongers might report to the Duke, resulting in her being scolded and her family being implicated.
However, since the new mistress had obtained the token and summoned her for questioning, it was within her rights…
Thinking of this, a bitter smile played on Chen Ma’s lips.
Dou Zhao was merely meeting the stewards today. After observing Chen Ma briefly, she shifted her attention and continued questioning the other stewards.
Meanwhile, Song Mo sat calmly in the flower hall’s armchair. The commander of the Eastern City Military and Civilian Command enthusiastically explained: “…Our men and those from the Shuntian Prefecture have sealed off nearby alleys and notified several wealthy households where thieves might easily infiltrate. We caught three people near Shuntian Prefectural School, two in Jianzi Lane, and four near Anding Gate Street. They confessed that they always had lookouts, and when they saw Yizhi Hall losing power, they immediately fled Duke Ying’s mansion in small groups according to their original plan. They’re either temporarily in hiding or have escaped the city…”
His words implied that they had searched all possible locations, and it was impossible for thieves to be hiding in Duke Ying’s mansion. He felt that Song Mo’s decision to have his guards search the mansion room by room was like a slap in the face.
His words unintentionally revealed a hint of dissatisfaction.
Song Mo smiled faintly, his expression cold and stern.
Tao Qizhong, who had been silent since Song Mo entered the flower hall, felt his heart skip a beat.
The Eastern City Military and Civilian Commander, unfamiliar with Song Mo’s temperament, continued talking: “I think the Young Master should find a way to speak with our Chief Commander and have him send some men to strictly inspect at each city gate. We might still be able to intercept one or two thieves who haven’t managed to leave the city yet…”
He recalled how the Third Prince had once sent his guards to inspect the city gates when something was stolen from his residence. Someone had reported this to the Emperor, resulting in the Third Prince’s salary being withheld for half a year. Considering that Song Mo was merely the heir of Duke Ying’s household, and nothing had been stolen, he inwardly disapproved. He was about to mock Song Mo when suddenly two tall guards entered, forcefully dragging in a man who was bound hand and foot.
“Young Master!” they bowed to Song Mo while throwing the bound man on the ground. “We found one in the garden well bucket.”
The Eastern City Military and Civilian Commander’s words caught in his throat.
Song Mo nodded, his expression very calm. “Hand him over to the Shuntian Prefecture,” he ordered.
The guards respectfully responded “Yes” and left, dragging the thief with them.
The Eastern City Military and Civilian Commander smiled awkwardly at Song Mo.
Song Mo said, “I’d like to see the Left Commander of the Five Military Commands, the Earl of Dongping. Please take my name card and help announce my request.”
Why does he want to see the Earl of Dongping? What does that have to do with me? The commander thought, bewildered.
Song Mo had already lowered his head to drink tea.
The commander, recalling his earlier mistake, hesitated briefly before deciding not to argue with Song Mo. He took Song Mo’s name card and left the flower hall, instructing the clerk who had followed him: “Deliver this to the Earl of Dongping and say that the heir of Duke Ying’s household requests an audience.”
Whether the Earl would see Song Mo or not was no longer his concern.
The clerk took the name card and ran off quickly.
The commander, also from a noble background though not as prominent as Duke Ying’s household, didn’t feel like attending to Song Mo, who was even two years younger than his son. He simply stood on the steps of the flower hall, talking with his confidant.
“Was that thief found in the well? How did they think to search there?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” his confidant replied in a low voice. “The guards of the Duke Ying’s heir are all very skilled. They didn’t just search the well but also places like the rafters. They even lifted the dust covers to check before being satisfied.”
The commander fell silent.
After standing for about the time it takes to burn two incense sticks, the clerk returned, sweating profusely.
“Sir, it’s bad!” the clerk said in a panicked whisper. “The Chief Commander and the Shuntian Prefect have been arrested by the Imperial Guards. The Earl of Dongping has taken over as Commander of the Five Cities Military and Civilian Command, and Huang Qi, the Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, has taken over as Shuntian Prefect. The Earl of Dongping has just entered the palace and hasn’t come out yet…”
The commander broke out in a cold sweat.
He hurriedly returned to the flower hall.
“Young Master,” the commander said with a red face, bowing to Song Mo, “Whatever you need, please instruct me!”
Song Mo let the commander stand there while he slowly savored a few sips of tea. Seeing fear gradually creep into the commander’s expression and large beads of sweat form on his forehead, Song Mo finally spoke slowly: “I wouldn’t dare to instruct you. It’s just that these thieves are so bold. If they escape the capital, that’s one thing, but I fear they might be hiding somewhere, waiting for another opportunity to strike. The capital is an important area, with many nobles and high officials. If any disturbance occurs, I have been ordered by the Emperor to investigate this matter. Your Five Cities Military and Civilian Command is responsible for the capital’s defense. At that time, none of us would be able to escape responsibility.”
“Yes, yes, yes!” The commander wiped the sweat from his forehead, no longer daring to show any disrespect towards Song Mo. “What does the Young Master suggest?”
“Search the entire city!” Song Mo declared.
“What?!” The commander’s eyes widened.
Search the entire city… Who would dare to do that without an imperial edict? One wrong move and the Imperial Guards might think you’re planning a rebellion…
He felt more sweat forming on his forehead. “Young Master, this city-wide search…” He needed some kind of guarantee from Song Mo. Without evidence, he wouldn’t be able to clear his name even if he jumped into the Yellow River!
Tao Qizhong, also startled, couldn’t help but interject: “Young Master, this matter might require more careful consideration…”
“If you find this difficult,” Song Mo said, interrupting Tao Qizhong as if he wasn’t even in the room, “I can send someone to invite the commanders from the other Military and Civilian Commands. You can take your Eastern City Command personnel back to your office to make room for the others. Though you might end up losing your official hat along with your position.”
This heir of Duke Ying’s household was not someone easy to deal with. He had even ruthlessly ordered the execution of his own father’s guards when there was a rift between them. If I offend him… He might even settle scores with me later!
The commander inwardly stomped his foot and silently cried out “Fine!” He’d take the blame if he had to. After all, searching the entire city wasn’t something that could be done quickly. He’d appease this troublemaker first and wait for the Earl of Dongping to return from the palace.
“Please instruct me, Young Master!” He gritted his teeth and bowed to Song Mo.
Song Mo smiled. “Please, have a seat, and let’s discuss.”
The commander reluctantly sat down.
Song Mo then spoke leisurely: “Of course, we can’t be too forceful. The fact that thieves dared to target Duke Ying’s mansion shows how negligent the Shuntian Prefecture has been. Currently, Lord Huang hasn’t assumed his post yet, and the Earl of Dongping has just taken over the Five Cities Military and Civilian Command. They’re both temporary appointments and don’t fully understand the situation. Your Five Cities Military and Civilian Command should take this opportunity to reorganize all walks of life in the capital. This will also explain to the nobles and officials of the capital…”
Before he could finish speaking, the commander’s eyes lit up, and he looked at Song Mo with enthusiasm.
“Please teach me, Young Master!” He stood up and bowed to Song Mo, his manner now completely respectful and submissive.
Song Mo and the Eastern City Military and Civilian Commander went into the study, leaving Tao Qizhong alone in the flower hall.
Shortly after, the commander hurriedly left the study.
Dou Shiying arrived from Jing’an Temple Lane, his face ashen.
“Father-in-law.” Song Mo quickly came out of the study to greet him, but when he looked up, he saw Ji Yong following behind Dou Shiying with a gloomy expression.
Song Mo slowly straightened his back.
The two men stared at each other for a while without greeting.
Dou Shiying, anxious and worried, didn’t notice this exchange. He urgently asked about Dou Zhao’s situation: “…Is Shouji hurt? Where is she now? I heard those thieves were after Shouji’s dowry?” Feeling both guilty and regretful, he asked Song Mo, “Yantan, can we tell people outside that the banknotes have already been deposited in the bank… and that the bank has hired many skilled guards, so it wouldn’t be easy for ordinary people to get anything from them? Wouldn’t that be safer?”
“Alright,” Song Mo agreed with a smile, inviting Dou Shiying to sit in the study. “After such an incident, the servants in the household are a bit panicked. Shouji is currently talking with several household stewards to calm everyone down.”
“That’s well done!” Dou Shiying praised Song Mo.
Song Mo smiled modestly.