“Mistress, what about Lin Third Madam?” Jin Ju asked with some curiosity.

Concubine Fang came back to her senses and gave her a soothing, gentle smile: “Nothing, I just remembered something.”

Concubine Fang had one good quality – she never lost her temper with the servants around her.

At any time, she was a kind and considerate woman, gentle as water. Therefore, the maids and servants around Concubine Fang were all very devoted to her.

“Prepare brush and ink. I have a letter to write,” Concubine Fang said after sitting for a moment. She finally stood up and walked toward the study.

Jin Ju advised: “Mistress, it’s already very late. Please be careful with your eyes.”

Concubine Fang shook her head: “It’s fine.”

Concubine Fang knew that her younger brother would be promoted soon, and she hoped Fang Yasun could come to Yanbei. This way, her position in the Ren family would become more secure in the future.

Fang Yasun had mentioned matters about the official circles in his letters. This time, her sister-in-law’s visit to Yanbei was based on her prior inquiries about the residences and preferences of various officials. This time, five or six wealthy prefectures and counties in Yanbei had vacancies, but more than five or six people were competing for these positions. In his last letter, Fang Yasun had mentioned that a Su family relative also intended to come to Yanbei.

Concubine Fang was an intelligent person who understood things immediately. Second Madam Su Shi’s helping Lin First Madam for no apparent reason this time must have had a cause. Now it seemed the most likely and significant reason was that Su Shi wanted to help her sister-in-law establish connections with Lin Third Madam.

Concubine Fang was glad to have learned of this matter now, while there was still room for maneuvering. She needed to inform her younger brother of the Su family’s intentions as soon as possible, so he could prepare early.

Things were finally developing in the direction Ren Yaoqi hoped for. This was just the beginning, and once everything had a beginning, all would be manageable.

The Ren family decided to depart for Yunyang City on the Dragon Boat Festival. It was only about an hour’s journey anyway, not too far.

This time, Ren Shijia would return to Yunyang City with the Ren family. She had just finished her month of confinement. It wouldn’t be proper to continue hiding at her maternal home. This return would also allow her to attend the full-month celebration that the Lin family was preparing for little Master Cen. So this time, Old Madam Ren would also stay at the Lin family for several days.

This time, First Madam would remain at home while Old Madam Ren would take the grandchildren. Originally, Old Madam Ren planned to give Fifth Madam the cold shoulder and not bring her or Ren Yaoyu, but later she somehow changed her mind. As for Third Madam Li Shi, Old Madam Ren had never been willing to take her out.

“Today, grandmother said that Concubine Fang and Ren Yaoying would also go together,” Ren Yaohua told Ren Yaoqi that evening after paying respects to Li Shi.

“Because Madam Fang is coming?” Ren Yaoqi raised her eyebrows slightly, not appearing surprised.

“Yes.” Ren Yaohua was in a poor mood, her expression cold.

At parting, Ren Yaoqi heard her say with suppressed resentment and unwillingness: “In this third branch, who exactly is the concubine, and who is the proper legitimate wife! Is this what our Ren family calls propriety? How truly ridiculous!”

Ren Yaohua said this without expecting an answer from anyone. After speaking, she walked away with her stiff, straight back. Ren Yaoqi stood in the courtyard watching her figure gradually disappear into the shadows under the corridor. Only the dark red hem of her skirt appeared and disappeared intermittently in the lantern light held by the maid. Soon, it too vanished at the corner gate ahead.

The next day was the Dragon Boat Festival, and everyone in the Ren household was preparing for the journey.

Although Li Shi wouldn’t go, she was busy packing things for her two daughters, Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua.

The daughters felt indignant on Li Shi’s behalf, but Li Shi had long grown accustomed to it. She didn’t mind being left at home and seemed quite pleased instead.

Seeing that Ren Yaohua had been wearing a sullen expression for several days, looking as if she might explode at the slightest provocation, Ren Yaoqi worried she might lose control of her temper. Finally, she pulled her aside and laughingly advised: “Third Sister, what are you sulking about here? You’ve been sulking for days – it’s time to calm down. As long as Mother is happy, isn’t that enough?”

Ren Yaohua flared up immediately upon hearing this: “What do you mean ‘as long as Mother is happy’! I don’t believe she’s truly happy! Yesterday I went to plead with Grandmother, but she changed the subject as soon as I opened my mouth.”

Though Ren Yaohua appeared very angry, her voice carried a note of grievance.

Ren Yaoqi knew her temperament. Seeing her angry with herself, she didn’t get upset but smiled instead: “I think Mother doesn’t seem to be forcing a smile, because… Father isn’t going this time either, is he?”

Ren Yaohua was stunned, her furious expression turning to bewilderment.

“So I think it’s good that Mother isn’t going this time. You know Father’s character – when he starts painting, he can forget about meals entirely. Even if Mother went to Yunyang City with us, she’d be worried about Father.” Saying this, Ren Yaoqi winked at Ren Yaohua with a teasing expression: “Third Sister, you’re so grown up yet still can’t bear to be away from Mother. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“I, I’m not—” Ren Yaohua instinctively began to defend herself, but seeing Ren Yaoqi’s mischievous smile, she realized her younger sister was teasing her.

“You always talk nonsense!” Ren Yaohua waved her sleeve, assuming the bearing of an elder sister. After thinking, she asked uncertainly: “Is Father not going?”

Ren Yaoqi nodded: “Of course. I asked. Otherwise, go ask Mother yourself?”

Seeing that Ren Yaohua’s expression had finally improved, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but smile.

Whether or not to go to Yunyang City wasn’t that important to Li Shi. Could Li Shi’s going somehow demonstrate her status as the legitimate wife in front of Concubine Fang? Even if Li Shi felt wronged, it would only be for Ren Shimin’s sake.

So while Ren Yaohua was getting worked up over this matter, Ren Yaoqi secretly had Yuan Dayong help her buy an old painting from the previous dynasty from a destitute scholar.

Ren Yaoqi knew the origin of every beloved painting in Ren Shimin’s collection from her previous life. Originally, this painting was supposed to be bought by one of Ren Shimin’s stewards this autumn as tribute to him. Ren Yaoqi had bought the painting early.

Because Ren Shimin had a hobby – whenever he acquired a good painting, he would spend half a month carefully studying and pondering it, then copying it himself.

Sure enough, once Ren Shimin saw the painting, he couldn’t move his feet. Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat races – in Third Master’s heart, all were passing clouds. He wouldn’t neglect his beloved treasure for mere clouds. So Third Master waved his hand grandly: Yunyang City? This master isn’t going! This master will stay home in seclusion to paint!

Thus, Li Shi was happy, and Concubine Fang was depressed.

If Concubine Fang had gone to Yunyang City with Ren Shimin to watch dragon boat races while legitimate wife Li Shi was left at home, outsiders would naturally speculate about the status of wife and concubine in the Ren family’s third branch. Li Shi would inevitably be looked down upon. And Concubine Fang, enjoying the treatment of a legitimate wife, would find it more convenient to make social calls in Yunyang City.

Now that Ren Shimin had abandoned his responsibilities and refused to go, Concubine Fang’s activities wouldn’t be so convenient.

In the afternoon, Old Madam Ren even sent someone to find Ren Shimin, wanting him to go to Yunyang City together. After all, this was also an annual grand event. All respectable families in Yanzhou would attend, and men could exchange family friendship over drinks.

But who was the Third Master? The Third Master said he wouldn’t go, and he wouldn’t go. Not even oxen could drag him. No one could force him. In the end, he simply lay down in his wife’s room and pretended to be sick. Old Madam Ren was furious but helpless.

Li Shi cooperatively attended to the Third Master at his bedside. When he was thirsty, she brought water. When hungry, she brought food, serving wholeheartedly.

Now, even Ren Yaohua was happy. Her sullen expression of several days finally cleared, and she went to watch the maids pack with a smile on her lips.

Ren Yaoqi was also in the room, watching the maids pack. Though called “watching,” it was Nanny Xu directing the maids while she leaned on the kang, reading.

Just then, Nanny Zhou came over.

Seeing Nanny Zhou arrive at this time, Ren Yaoqi thought something had happened with Ren Shimin and Li Shi in the main room. She couldn’t help putting down her book and sitting up on the kang.

Nanny Zhou stepped forward, bowed, and said quietly: “Fifth Miss, Granny Luo has come.”

Ren Yaoqi didn’t immediately recognize the name: “Granny Luo?”

“The old woman from the manor that you said you wanted to see some time ago,” Nanny Zhou explained in a low voice.

Ren Yaoqi immediately remembered.

It was that old woman living on the manor. Last time, when Ren Yaoqi asked Nanny Zhou about the Qu family, Nanny Zhou had mentioned an elderly woman living on the manor who knew the affairs of Baihezhen very well.

She should have been invited long ago, but this Granny Luo had been bitten on the foot by a wild dog from outside the manor some time ago, causing delays. Ren Yaoqi had also temporarily set aside this matter due to all the chaotic affairs in the Ren family.

“Where is she?” Ren Yaoqi asked.

“With everyone in the household busy right now, I had a little maid take her to eat and rest. After all, she’s quite elderly – I was afraid something might happen to her. Do you want to see her now?”

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment: “Let her rest first. Bring her to see me later this evening.”

“I originally instructed the people on the manor to send her over after her injury healed. I thought it would take several more days, but she happened to arrive just as you’re about to leave for Yunyang City. It’s my poor planning,” Nanny Zhou apologized.

Ren Yaoqi waved her hand comfortingly: “It’s fine. I just want to ask her some things. Whether she comes early or late makes no difference.”

Nanny Zhou went to make arrangements. Only after the evening meal did Ren Yaoqi have her bring the woman surnamed Luo over.

Granny Luo was already in her seventies, having always worked on the manor. Her hair was gray, her complexion a yellowish-brown, her face full of wrinkles, and she walked with a limp. However, her spirits seemed quite good.

Supporting her was an eight or nine-year-old girl with delicate features but very dark skin. She wore her hair in twin top-knots, dressed in a coarse red cloth jacket, with lively eyes.

Seeing Ren Yaoqi’s gaze linger on the little girl, Nanny Zhou quickly said, “This is Granny Luo’s granddaughter. The grandmother and granddaughter depend on each other. Granny Luo was worried about leaving her at the manor, so she brought her along.”

Though it was strange that Granny Luo was so old yet had such a young granddaughter, Ren Yaoqi didn’t ask further questions. She smiled and nodded, excused Granny Luo from formal greetings, and had Sangshen bring a stool for the old woman to sit.

Granny Luo apologized and carefully sat on half the stool, too nervous to speak first. The little girl following her was curious about the room’s furnishings, but, seeing her grandmother’s constraint, dared not be presumptuous. She stood properly behind Granny Luo.

Ren Yaoqi said gently to the little girl: “Would you like to go with Sister Sangshen to eat some pastries?”

The little girl glanced at the red lacquer mother-of-pearl octagonal food box on the table containing various colored pastries and fruits like mixed fruit cake, sugar ears, bean flour cake, honey twist, sugar lotus seeds, and sunflower seeds. She swallowed once, then looked at her grandmother without moving.

Granny Luo patted her hand gently: “Listen to the young mistress. Go on.”

Sangshen picked up the red lacquer mother-of-pearl octagonal food box and beckoned to the little girl, leading her outside.

Granny Luo watched her granddaughter leave, looking back with every step, and shook her head. She said to Ren Yaoqi, “Please don’t blame her, Miss. The child grew up in the countryside and hasn’t seen much of the world.”

Ren Yaoqi smiled slightly: “I think she’s very good. She looks strong and healthy, too. Does she usually work in the fields with you?”

Granny Luo’s face creased into deep smile lines: “This child has a good heart. When she had just learned to walk, she wanted to help me work. Usually, whatever I do, she follows behind to help. I’ve had no sons or daughters my whole life. Finding such a treasure in my old age makes this life worthwhile.”

Ren Yaoqi was surprised – so the little girl wasn’t Granny Luo’s biological granddaughter.

Granny Luo seemed to know what others were thinking and said, “I found this child on a field ridge seven years ago. She was only about six or seven months old then.”

Nanny Zhou was somewhat surprised: “So she’s only seven years old? I thought she was nine.”

The little girl was sturdily built, quite tall, and appeared clever, similar to an eight or nine-year-old child.

“Exactly. She has quite an appetite, too! Fortunately, she can work for herself, or I couldn’t have raised her,” Granny Luo said with a shake of her head and a smile.

Ren Yaoqi observed Granny Luo closely. Though very old and appearing no different from ordinary peasant women who labored in the fields year-round, Ren Yaoqi felt that her speech and movements weren’t as coarse as those of other peasant women. Even her adopted granddaughter knew proper behavior.

“Has Nanny Luo always been on our family’s manor? Where is your home originally?” Ren Yaoqi asked.

Granny Luo squinted as she thought, then said: “I’m from the outskirts of Baihezhen. My parents starved to death during a disaster year, so I’ve worked on manors since childhood. But originally, that manor didn’t belong to the Ren family.”

“Oh? Which family did the manor originally belong to?” Ren Yaoqi asked.

Several of the Ren family’s large manors were bought during the time of the previous family head, Ren Baoming, around the same time as this mansion.

“Before the Ren family, that manor belonged to a family surnamed Tang,” Granny Luo said.

Ren Yaoqi remembered that this mansion had also been bought from a family surnamed Tang. Perhaps when this family sold their ancestral home, they also sold their manors to the Ren family – a common occurrence.

Seeing Ren Yaoqi questioning Granny Luo, Nanny Zhou thought for a moment and sent all the maids and servants out of the room, staying only to personally guard.

“I wonder if Nanny Luo remembers a family surnamed Qu? They should have been wealthy residents of Baihezhen decades ago, but later their family fortunes declined for some unknown reason,” Ren Yaoqi asked quietly, looking at Granny Luo.

Granny Luo squinted again as she thought – this seemed to be her habitual expression when thinking: “I haven’t heard of such a wealthy family.”

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help frowning: “Really not? Please think more carefully?”

Granny Luo indeed thought again, but still shook her head: “No. Miss, are you certain it was near our Baihezhen? Could it have been somewhere else?”

Ren Yaoqi felt somewhat disappointed and nodded: “Perhaps I remembered wrong.” After thinking, she asked again: “In my grandfather’s generation, did the Ren family ever have conflicts with any family?”

Hearing this, Granny Luo glanced at Ren Yaoqi and replied with a placating smile: “Miss, what are you saying? The Ren family has always been neighborly and harmonious—”

Nanny Zhou, standing beside Ren Yaoqi, coldly interrupted: “Granny Luo, our Fifth Miss brought you from so far away not to hear such meaningless chatter. Answer whatever is asked. Answer well, and Miss will naturally reward you with silver and send you and your granddaughter back properly.”

Granny Luo paused, looked at Nanny Zhou, then at Ren Yaoqi, who smiled quietly without speaking. After much thought, she said carefully: “If we’re talking about disagreements… There were some. Back when the Ren family bought several mountain peaks in the Western Hills to build coal mines, they once had a lawsuit with a neighboring mountain owner because that owner filed a complaint with the county magistrate, claiming the Ren family had dug their coal mine into his mountain’s underground territory. But later, the Ren family paid a high price to buy that owner’s mountain too, and the two families reconciled. Another time, a coal mine collapsed and buried many people. The son of one family led the troublemaking and was eventually arrested by the authorities. But I heard that person escaped during transport and swore before leaving that he would be irreconcilably opposed to the Ren family. However, so many years have passed without him appearing – he’s probably long dead and buried.”

Ren Yaoqi listened quietly, making mental judgments.

Granny Luo continued mentioning several more families – all those who had had various conflicts with the Ren family decades ago. Finally, having exhausted her memory, Granny Luo looked at Ren Yaoqi with eager, placating eyes: “Miss, that’s all I can remember.”

Ren Yaoqi looked outside the window. It was already past lamp-lighting time, with lanterns lit throughout the courtyard and candles in the room.

“Let’s stop here for today. You should go back and rest,” Ren Yaoqi smiled and lifted her teacup, signaling to Nanny Zhou to escort the woman out.

Nanny Zhou escorted Granny Luo out and handed her to a maid to take to the outer courtyard to rest, then returned.

“Miss, should we keep this old woman in the residence?”

Ren Yaoqi was leaning sideways on the kang, thinking. Hearing the question, she looked up: “Yes, let her stay in the residence for now. I’ll decide what to do when I return from Yunyang City.”

She felt she could still learn something from Granny Luo, but tomorrow morning they would depart for Yunyang City. Ren Yaoqi didn’t have time for detailed questioning today.

“Then I’ll arrange for them to stay in the outer courtyard. Miss should rest early tonight – we depart at the fifth hour tomorrow morning,” Nanny Zhou advised before withdrawing and instructing the maids to come in and attend to Ren Yaoqi’s washing.