An Xin glanced at him without saying a word, walking straight out.

The scout understood and followed An Xin out of the Zhao family gate without making a sound.

The two stopped at the entrance. An Xin looked at the nearly deserted hutong in the midday heat before saying in a low voice, “The Madam asked why we didn’t save him.”

Upon hearing this, the scout immediately became flustered and hurriedly said, “Sir, you only told me to follow her, not what to do. I was just following the usual protocol. How was I to know the Madam wanted to protect that Guo fellow’s life…”

An Xin laughed and said, “Why are you so anxious? I’ve already explained it to the Madam on your behalf. Our Madam is not unreasonable; she won’t blame you for this.” His relaxed expression showed he truly didn’t blame the scout.

“That’s good, that’s good,” the scout wiped the sweat from his forehead and muttered, “This time I was able to come to the capital with you to serve the Regional Commander, and the other scouts were so envious. If I had messed things up, how could I face my brothers when I return?”

“You didn’t mess up, you didn’t mess up,” An Xin said with a smile, looking quite pleased. “You did very well with this matter.” His expression showed satisfaction as he continued, “As you know, the Regional Commander strictly separates public and private matters. I’m short-handed, and ordinary people dare not take orders from me. Seeing you were on leave at home, I privately called you here. Although the matter was handled beautifully, we can’t report it as an achievement to the Regional Commander.” As he spoke, he patted the scout’s shoulder firmly, “Consider this a personal favor I, An Xin, owe you. In the future, if you need anything, as long as I’m around, I’ll brave mountains of knives and seas of fire without hesitation.”

“What are you saying, Sir?” the scout hurriedly replied, “I am where I am today thanks to the Regional Commander’s support. Otherwise, how could someone like me, with no background and crude manners, have become a Banner Commander? I dream of repaying the Regional Commander. Coming to the capital was an honor you bestowed on me. If I were to claim credit before the Regional Commander, wouldn’t I become an ungrateful wretch? Rest assured, Sir, I’ll keep this matter buried in my belly. Even if my wife asks, I won’t say a single word more.”

“Then I thank you, brother,” An Xin said, bowing to the scout.

The scout quickly returned the bow, “Sir, you’re embarrassing me!”

“Between brothers, I won’t stand on ceremony,” An Xin, having spent years with Zhao Ling in military camps, had adopted some of a soldier’s forthright manners. He didn’t say much more to the scout, “I’ve already told the Madam that we’ll return to Guizhou in the next few days. Pack your belongings; we need to depart soon.”

Since they could return now, it meant the matter had been resolved satisfactorily.

The scout happily acknowledged and asked An Xin, “Will you stay here, Sir, or return with me?”

An Xin had rented a house for the helpers who had come from Guizhou, only four or five streets away—not very far.

“I’ll go back with you,” An Xin considered, then said, “The Madam was shocked to hear that Miss Min’s maid hired killers. After she recovers from the shock, she’ll surely ask about Miss Min’s situation. I’ll go back with you to check with Old Xia and see if he’s found out anything. That way, if the Madam asks, I can give her an answer.”

Upon hearing what had happened, An Xin had sent Old Xia to inquire about Old Master Min’s case. By now, he should have returned long ago.

The scout nodded, and he and An Xin unhurriedly left Shi Family Hutong, walking toward their rented lodgings.

On the way, the scout chatted with An Xin: “…I was also quite shocked. That maid looked so kind and gentle—who would have thought she’d know how to hire people? I suspect that Miss Min isn’t a good person either. No wonder her clan members didn’t help when her family was in trouble. She suspected her clan members of doing something to her brother when he disappeared. This truly is karmic retribution!”

“Indeed,” An Xin smiled, though his thoughts were on Yu Jingxiu. “This shows one should be kind and do good deeds.” Otherwise, even if the Ninth Master wanted to plot against Yu Jingxiu, he would need some leverage.

By lamplight time, Fu Tingyun had recovered from her shock and finally sensed something wasn’t right.

She summoned An Xin to question him: “…Was Master Min truly wronged or falsely accused?”

“I heard it was the result of a joint investigation by the Three Judicial Offices,” An Xin replied. “Nine times out of ten, they shouldn’t have made a mistake.”

Yu Jingxiu truly had poor judgment in character. No wonder he had achieved the top rank in the imperial examinations yet hadn’t made a name for himself to this day.

Fu Tingyun nodded thoughtfully. Realizing that An Xin would be departing in the next few days, she gave him some instructions like “be careful on the road,” then had Yu Wei bring him one hundred taels of silver for his journey.

An Xin promptly declined: “When I came, the Ninth Master gave me two thousand taels in banknotes. I’ve spent one thousand, and still have one thousand left, which is enough for travel expenses. Madam needn’t give me more silver.”

“This silver is for you to buy wine,” Fu Tingyun smiled. “Although you didn’t say it, I understand that for such a significant matter, you inquired about everything in great detail and probably enlisted others’ help. You’re one of our own, so I won’t stand on ceremony with you, but others came to help—this silver isn’t much, but you can buy some local gifts as a token of my appreciation.”

An Xin couldn’t refuse further. He thanked Fu Tingyun, accepted the silver, and departed for Guizhou on the third day.

Fu Tingyun then took Yu Wei to Pu’an Temple outside the city and asked the abbot to conduct a memorial service for Young Master Guo.

Yu Wei was unconvinced: “Madam’s heart is too soft.”

“It’s not that my heart is soft,” Fu Tingyun said. “I’m helping the Ninth Master and An Xin accumulate good karma.”

Yu Wei didn’t understand.

Fu Tingyun sighed and said, “I suspect An Xin was quite pleased that Young Master Guo was harmed by Miss Min.”

“That can’t be!” Yu Wei didn’t believe it. “He wouldn’t dare deceive you!”

“I’m not saying he deceived me,” Fu Tingyun explained somewhat helplessly. “It’s just that compared to ‘taking another’s wife,’ ‘killing a husband to take his wife’ obviously carries a heavier punishment.”

Yu Wei couldn’t help but feel excited hearing this.

If that were true… she felt An Xin had done a great service.

“I don’t think Madam is right about this,” she defended An Xin. “An Xin is, after all, a man who doesn’t understand the complexities of domestic affairs. Even though we didn’t imagine Miss Min would be so bold and have such methods—how could An Xin have anticipated it? The event was sudden, and they were caught unprepared, which is understandable.”

“You!” Fu Tingyun shook her head with a smile and went to see the abbot.

Yu Wei smiled somewhat embarrassedly. When offering incense, she added three extra sticks for the Buddha, kneeling and silently praying, asking the Buddha not to blame An Xin—if someone must be blamed, let it be her. Only then did her heart find some peace, and she returned to Shi Family Hutong with Fu Tingyun.

Fu Tingyun was just waiting for the situation to develop into a farce. As the second son of the Marquis of Yingchuan became engaged to the second daughter of Qin Feiyu, her thoughts gradually turned to Youyou. When visiting Third Sister-in-law, her gaze would unconsciously fall on Chunbing.

She now realized that Chunbing was truly good to Youyou.

Letting Youyou have the best food and drink was a small matter, but his unconditional belief that everything Youyou did was right touched Fu Tingyun slightly.

But the children were still young; it was too early to discuss such matters.

Moreover, after recent events, potential suitors would likely think twice, which meant they wouldn’t have to offend anyone over their children’s marriages.

Because of this, Fu Tingyun’s gaze toward Chunbing became even gentler. After the Beginning of Winter, she made a pair of cotton shoes for Chunbing and a new outfit for Yuanxiao.

Yuanxiao smugly glanced at his brother and ran off to visit the Zhao family wearing the new clothes Fu Tingyun had made for him.

A trace of bitterness flashed in Chunbing’s eyes.

Third Sister-in-law, however, was smiling from ear to ear. She put her arm around her eldest son’s shoulders: “You silly child, does everyone receive shoes and socks as gifts?”

Chunbing didn’t understand, but seeing his mother’s excitement, he vaguely realized that Ninth Aunt was showing him special favor, and he too became happy.

Third Sister-in-law consulted with her husband: “What do you think? Should we prepare something for Youyou? A pair of gold bracelets, or perhaps some hairpins from Baoqing Tower?”

“There’s no rush,” Third Brother-in-law was naturally pleased to see the two families growing closer. He smiled, “The children are still young. Although Chunbing’s studies are going well, without becoming a provincial graduate or passing the imperial examination, it’s just an empty title. Fortunately, Youyou won’t be getting engaged anytime soon, so don’t be overeager and spoil things.”

Third Sister-in-law nodded repeatedly, but during the New Year, in addition to a red envelope, she also gave Youyou a pair of southern pearl hairpins.

Fu Tingyun felt the gift was too expensive, but Third Sister-in-law hugged Youyou and smiled, “They’re just little trinkets; don’t stand on ceremony with me.” She added, “When our Youyou is older, Third Aunt has even better things for her!”

Children are unaware of adults’ intentions. Youyou happily took the pearl hairpins and went to play with Yuanxiao.

It happened that Zhao Ling had sent a letter saying he would return to the capital in spring to report on his duties.

For a time, both Fu Tingyun and Third Sister-in-law felt this New Year was exceptionally pleasant.

However, Madam Fan in Jiadao Street was extremely anxious, not knowing what to do.

Although her mother-in-law didn’t like her, the elder woman maintained appearances. Since giving birth to young master Zhen, she had shown no further signs of pregnancy. Concubine Wu and Concubine Fei, whom her mother-in-law had brought in, were mere formalities. She had all the dignity that was due to her, and gradually she, too, began to worry about having more children. She intermittently purchased several clever, beautiful maids, hoping to have at least one or two more children to repay her mother-in-law and husband for their kindness.

But she never imagined that her husband and Miss Min would maintain their relationship, still contacting each other.

Hadn’t Miss Min’s father died?

Instead of observing mourning for her father, she was exchanging glances with Yu Jingxiu… And Yu Jingxiu had the nerve to speak righteously before her, presenting himself as a chivalrous figure!

Most detestable, however, was Madam Fei.

Visiting Miss Min behind her back, and occasionally helping Min relay messages to Yu Jingxiu…

Thinking of these things, her face turned ashen with anger, leaving her speechless.

Mozhuang’s eyes darkened at the sight.

Since the First Madam had confronted the Master about Miss Min, although the Master had not promised to cease contact with Miss Min, he had stopped his habit of leaving early and returning late while in the capital. They all thought the Master had quietly yielded to the First Madam, but who knew he was secretly sending Madam Fei to visit Miss Min every few days.

Thinking of this, she gritted her teeth and asked Madam Fan, “First, Madam, shall we summon Madam Fei?”