In a courtyard deep within the narrow alley, Zhou Yinzhi rose to see Jiang Xuening off to the door, only saying: “If Second Miss wishes to visit that You Fangyin, you’ll need to wait until later in the evening to avoid prying eyes.”

Yaoniang followed behind him and also came out to see Jiang Xuening off.

Jiang Xuening then said: “Then I’ll go later.”

She descended from the moss-covered steps at the doorway’s gap, but stopped and turned back to glance at Yaoniang, smiling: “Thank you for the tea you brewed for me this time.”

Yaoniang was overwhelmed with favor.

She was merely Zhou Yinzhi’s maid. She didn’t know why this noble person who had shown such great kindness to her master would be so courteous to her. She hurriedly said: “Last time when you came, we had no good tea to serve. Yaoniang’s skills are crude and clumsy. I only feared Miss wouldn’t be accustomed to drinking it. As long as you’re pleased, that’s good.”

Only then did Jiang Xuening take her leave and return to the manor first.

By this time, the news that You Yue and You Fangyin had been detained by the Embroidered Uniform Guard yamen pending trial had already reached the Earl of Qingyuan’s manor.

Everyone had only thought that You Yue had gone out to have some fun and assumed she would return later in the evening.

Who would have expected that after a good long while with no sign of her, she had actually been arrested?

For a time, the entire manor was thrown into disorder. When the Earl’s wife heard the news, she nearly fainted with her eyes rolling back. It was the eldest miss, You Shuang, who was more composed. She only asked the servant who came to report: “What offense did my sister commit to be arrested?”

That servant said: “I heard that in a teahouse, she got into a physical altercation with Third Miss. The Second Miss from Minister Jiang’s manor happened to be nearby and reported it to the authorities. Unexpectedly, when the Embroidered Uniform Guard came, they arrested both people, saying that in the teahouse it was difficult to sort things out clearly for a while, so it would be better to go back to the yamen to explain.”

These words were all relayed secondhand.

In truth, it had actually been You Fangyin who made the first move, but when everyone heard that both people were arrested, they naturally assumed the two had fought each other, so the story changed in transmission.

The Earl’s wife immediately began cursing: “That little hoof You Fangyin—nothing good ever comes of being involved with her!”

But You Shuang keenly noticed the existence of “Miss Jiang the Second.”

However, she hadn’t been selected to enter the palace as a study companion. She had only heard of her younger sister’s grievances with Jiang Xuening but didn’t understand the details clearly. Though she somewhat suspected this matter was related to Jiang Xuening, at present she couldn’t make a rash judgment.

She only said: “Younger sister has already been selected to enter the palace as a study companion—a rare opportunity. This time returning to the manor was only for palace leave. We absolutely cannot let things blow up. Regardless of whether younger sister is innocent or not, if word spreads to the palace, it won’t look good. If we’re not careful and someone with ulterior motives exploits this, I’m afraid even her position as study companion will be difficult to preserve. Moreover, in another day she must return to the palace. If younger sister is still detained in prison by then, it will be even harder to handle. We women of the inner quarters cannot handle this matter well. Dealing with the public courts requires Father to step forward.”

The Earl’s wife immediately said: “Right, right! We’re still a noble family after all! These Embroidered Uniform Guard people—they arrest people at will. When have they ever put us in their eyes? I’ll go see the Earl right now and ask him to handle this.”

The group hurriedly went to report to the Earl of Qingyuan.

But who would have expected that after the Earl of Qingyuan asked about the specific circumstances, his expression changed dramatically. He stood up abruptly and demanded: “The one who arrested Yue’er was the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s newly promoted Commandant Zhou?!”

Everyone was confused.

But the Earl of Qingyuan was already jumping with rage: “Foolish! Foolish! Why provoke the Embroidered Uniform Guard for no good reason? The previous Commandant Zhou could still have dealings with our manor, but although this newly appointed one is also called ‘Commandant Zhou,’ I’ve sent people to pay visits several times and never received any response. This bunch from the Embroidered Uniform Guard are all evil spirits who devour people without spitting out bones. Now what am I supposed to use to fill their appetites! Always causing me trouble!”

The Earl’s wife had already burst into tears: “But my Lord, if you don’t save her, what will happen to our Yue’er? I heard that those detained pending trial are kept in prison cells just like criminals. Heaven knows what miserable conditions she’s in…”

The Earl of Qingyuan’s face was gloomy as he weighed the situation.

Recently there had been rumors in the palace about selecting a consort for Prince Linzi.

Yue’er had finally managed to be selected into the palace as a study companion by virtue of her first place in calligraphy and painting at the Double Ninth Festival banquet—this was a rare opportunity. If she could secure a good marriage match in the future, it would greatly benefit the Earl’s manor.

But if she had to stay in prison…

A daughter from a wealthy family was not like that third daughter born of a lowly concubine—she couldn’t be casually abandoned. If word got out, who would be willing to marry her in the future?

This truly was a sudden calamity from nowhere. Though the Earl’s manor had been passed down through generations, three generations had held no real power. In the current court, they had long been marginalized, with only an empty framework that looked good but who knew how much money would need to be spent to smooth this matter over!

The more the Earl of Qingyuan thought about it, the angrier he became.

But with the situation at hand, there was no other way. He could only grit his teeth and order the steward: “Go, first take stock of the silver in the treasury. Also, prepare a carriage immediately. I’ll go to the yamen first to have a look!”

When Jiang Xuening returned to the Jiang manor, the sun had already slanted.

Upon entering, a servant woman said to her: “Since you rarely return from the palace, the Master and Madam said they’ll serve dinner in the main hall tonight. This old servant was worried you’d return late and miss the time, but now it seems just right.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xuening paused and said: “I understand.”

No matter how they got along privately, on the surface they were still one family.

It was only proper to come back and have a meal together.

She returned to her own room to tidy up a bit before going to the main hall.

By this time, lanterns had been lit everywhere along the covered corridors.

Inside the room, Jiang Boyou and Madam Meng had already been seated for a while.

Jiang Xuehui sat beside Madam Meng.

On the table was placed a gold-embossed invitation. Jiang Boyou was looking down at it with furrowed brows.

Jiang Xuening entered and paid her respects.

Jiang Boyou then told her to rise. Looking at her, he seemed to want to speak but hesitated.

Jiang Xuening noticed this. Looking up, she caught sight of the invitation in his hand. The vigorous and powerful calligraphy on the outer envelope seemed somewhat familiar—it was Yan Lin’s handwriting.

Jiang Boyou felt she should also see it, so he passed the invitation over, saying: “An invitation from the Marquis of Yongyi’s manor, inviting people to observe the heir apparent’s capping ceremony.”

When Jiang Xuening opened the invitation, her fingers trembled slightly.

This was because every single character on this invitation had been personally written by Yan Lin. Though not one word mentioned her, and it seemed to contain only the usual words found on invitations, she knew full well that since the Marquis of Yongyi’s manor was sending out invitations, there couldn’t possibly be only this one copy, much less could every invitation be personally written by Yan Lin.

Her invitation was special.

Even though he had publicly distanced himself from her in front of others, this young man still hoped she could be there in person to witness the moment when he received his cap and came of age.

Jiang Xuening slowly closed the invitation.

Jiang Boyou asked: “Will you attend?”

Jiang Xuening said: “Yes.”

Hearing this exchange between father and daughter, Madam Meng couldn’t help but feel some worry rise in her eyes. She wanted to say that the Marquis of Yongyi’s manor had already encountered trouble and who knew what would happen next. Most of the high families in the capital were probably avoiding them like the plague—where were there people like them rushing forward eagerly?

But seeing that Jiang Boyou had also nodded, she felt it improper to say more.

She said: “Let’s sit down and eat first.”

The manor’s cook was mediocre. Jiang Xuening was somewhat particular about food, so her appetite was always moderate and she ate little.

Jiang Xuehui sat beside her and didn’t speak either.

The family ate one meal in gloomy silence, inevitably feeling somewhat heavy-hearted.

After the meal, when several cups of tea were served, Madam Meng finally said: “Ultimately it’s the Master who makes decisions in this manor. There are some words this concubine shouldn’t speak. It’s just that now everyone knows the Marquis of Yongyi’s manor has been abandoned by His Majesty. Our Ning’er received much care from the young marquis in the past. Although the marriage alliance is not to be, in both sentiment and principle, we should indeed attend this capping ceremony. This concubine doesn’t oppose that. However, Hui’er has never had any dealings with the Marquis’s manor. When I was having tea with the Duke of Dingguo’s wife and others the other day, I heard that Prince Linzi will soon begin selecting a consort. In my view, Ning’er may attend the capping ceremony that day, but Hui’er need not go.”

After all, Jiang Xuening had entered the palace as a study companion and brought honor to the family.

Though Madam Meng felt she had fought with the young lady of the Earl of Qingyuan’s manor in the palace like fighting cocks, inevitably making it awkward and embarrassing when they as elders met outside, she didn’t criticize her much. She only wanted to distance Hui’er from the situation somewhat, leaving more possibilities for her future marriage prospects.

Though Jiang Boyou had a deep relationship with the Marquis of Yongyi’s manor, when disaster struck, an arm couldn’t twist a thigh, so naturally he also had to consider the situation of the entire manor. Thus he couldn’t really refute Madam Meng’s words.

Jiang Xuening said nothing either.

Jiang Boyou then said: “That’s fine too.”

But no one expected that at this moment, Jiang Xuehui, who hadn’t said a word earlier, would actually raise her head and say: “I want to go as well.”

Madam Meng’s eyes widened: “Hui’er!”

But Jiang Xuehui glanced at Jiang Xuening with no intention of changing her mind: “Father is the head of the family. If he attends the capping ceremony, how we children choose isn’t really important. Moreover, the Marquis of Yongyi’s manor’s situation may not be without room for recovery. If Father and younger sister both go, Mother and I should also go.”

Madam Meng was immediately stunned.

Even Jiang Boyou hadn’t expected this.

But Jiang Xuening looked at her intently—her appearance refined and beautiful, her expression calm. Considering her words, they made sense both emotionally and logically. Such a well-bred young lady—where was she inferior to Xiao Shu?

So she slowly smiled.

Upon reflection, didn’t Madam Meng think it made sense too?

And Jiang Boyou sighed that Hui’er was truly sensible and understanding.

After having tea, Jiang Xuening and Jiang Xuehui withdrew from the room together. Walking along the covered corridor, Jiang Xuening stopped in her tracks and only said: “If I were you, with such an excellent opportunity, naturally I wouldn’t miss it either. After all, the whole capital knows that Prince Linzi is good friends with Yan Lin. For Yan Lin’s capping ceremony, he will definitely attend.”

Jiang Xuehui’s expression changed. She seemed not to have expected her to say such words. Her entire body involuntarily tensed up.

But Jiang Xuening’s manner remained ordinary.

She lowered her eyes to look at the embroidered handkerchief Jiang Xuehui was clutching in her hand at this moment. She gently reached out and drew it from between her fingers, spreading it open in her palm to reveal the pale green orchid embroidered on the surface, with a small red ginger flower in the corner. Then she raised her brows slightly and said to Jiang Xuehui: “I hope that in a few days, you’d best also carry this handkerchief into the palace.”

The handkerchief was placed back in Jiang Xuehui’s hand by Jiang Xuening.

But Jiang Xuehui looked at her as if she didn’t understand what she was saying.

Jiang Xuening had never been close to her. She made her own plans and didn’t want her to understand clearly, much less would she explain anything. In her heart she was still thinking about going to see You Fangyin. After returning the handkerchief to her, she turned and headed out of the manor.

Going out at night again.

But not a single person in the entire manor dared to question it—they all seemed accustomed to it.

Jiang Xuehui stood in place watching her retreating figure. She seemed completely unconcerned with others’ opinions. All the various rules imposed upon inner-quarter women by this world seemed to be trampled beneath her feet. For a moment, there was a trace of envy.

But in the next instant, she collected it all.

The life Jiang Xuening had lived, she had never experienced. Naturally she didn’t have such a temperament. In the end, everyone had their own fate.

Very late at night, Zhou Yinzhi was still at the yamen and hadn’t returned.

A subordinate asked him: “Commandant, will you not return?”

Zhou Yinzhi replied: “I have matters to attend to. You all go ahead.”

Those Embroidered Uniform Guards didn’t dare ask more questions. In groups of three or five, they removed their official robes and went off arm-in-arm to drink, leaving Zhou Yinzhi alone.

Jiang Xuening arrived precisely at the first watch of the night.

She wore a black cloak outside with a large hood, and underneath a goose-yellow dress, which made her slender figure even more pronounced. When she arrived at the yamen and lowered her hood, a pale face was revealed, every feature like a painting.

Zhou Yinzhi glanced at her once, then lowered his gaze again, saying: “This afternoon, the Earl of Qingyuan’s manor came to bail out the person. However, Zhou remembers that Second Miss said the palace leave was for two days, so there’s no immediate rush. I imagine releasing the person tomorrow won’t be considered late.”

He had been promoted to Commandant not long ago, but this was the first time he felt what it was like to wield power—it was remarkably useful.

This afternoon, the Earl of Qingyuan came in person. Upon seeing him, he didn’t quite dare to speak.

A box of banknotes was presented—three thousand taels.

Zhou Yinzhi looked at him once and only frowned, saying: “My Lord need not do this. The yamen will release the person after finishing the interrogation. At most seven or eight days. If your daughter is indeed unrelated to causing disturbances, naturally nothing will happen.”

The Earl of Qingyuan’s eyelids twitched.

He then fumbled from his left sleeve and produced a five-thousand-tael banknote to place on top.

Zhou Yinzhi’s frown deepened: “These are all matters among the younger generation. The Embroidered Uniform Guard here knows the proper limits. It won’t be connected to anything like the Heavenly Teachings rebellion. My Lord, please return.”

Upon hearing this, the Earl of Qingyuan nearly collapsed in fright on the spot.

This time he finally gritted his teeth, as if the pain made flesh fall from his body. He fumbled from his right sleeve and produced another five-thousand-tael banknote to place on top.

When he spoke, he was nearly about to cry, saying: “My daughter hasn’t suffered any hardship since birth. The family has always doted on and loved her. Though she’s always committing foolish acts, it doesn’t get in anyone’s way. She finally managed to be selected into the palace as a study companion. In just over a day she must return to the palace. I beg Commandant to show mercy and be accommodating.”

Only then did Zhou Yinzhi say: “My Lord’s love for his daughter is deep. It does sound pitiful. In that case, I’ll order an overnight interrogation. You may come tomorrow.”

Only then did the Earl of Qingyuan depart with profuse thanks.

The thirteen thousand taels were naturally kept.

As for whether he cursed Zhou Yinzhi as cruel and black-hearted after leaving, that was unknown.

At this moment, Zhou Yinzhi drew an envelope from his own sleeve and handed it to Jiang Xuening, saying: “The Earl’s manor will send someone tomorrow to collect that You Yue, but they didn’t mention the manor’s other concubine-born miss by a single word. I told the Earl of Qingyuan that this matter still required someone to remain for interrogation, and since You Fangyin was the one who caused the disturbance, she temporarily cannot be released. The Earl then said, naturally so. Then he left.”

Jiang Xuening received the envelope.

Opening it to look, there were two five-thousand-tael banknotes.

She then tucked the banknotes back inside, thinking silently that even a broken ship still has three parts nails. Though it couldn’t be considered much, it absolutely wasn’t little either. And in her heart she understood what kind of person Zhou Yinzhi was—most likely the Earl of Qingyuan had given even more at the time, and what reached her hands was only this ten thousand.

She didn’t know what the Earl’s expression had been like at that time. If You Yue found out, how much would she hate?

Jiang Xuening sneered inwardly.

She only thought that using this money for the Ziliujing Salt Fields matter, if she supplemented a bit more herself later, it shouldn’t be far off.

She said: “Bailing out one You Yue already cost so much—the Earl’s manor certainly won’t spend a second time on wasted money. One is a legitimate daughter, one is a concubine’s daughter. One entered the palace as a study companion, the other has neither father’s affection nor mother’s love—even if she died in prison, no one would care. Moreover, they think you want to keep a hold on them for your peace of mind, so they deliberately left You Fangyin for you, so you can accept this money with confidence.”

These were all tactics commonly seen in official circles.

Zhou Yinzhi listened and nodded.

Jiang Xuening asked again: “How is Fangyin?”

Zhou Yinzhi then led her to the prison cells in the rear yamen.

The jailer, seeing the Commandant bringing a woman—her entire body wrapped in a cloak, unable to see her appearance clearly—didn’t dare ask many questions. Following orders without a word, he opened the door and led them inside.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard mostly arrested people for the Emperor. Those involved in cases were either royalty or nobility. They often had to use various methods to make these people speak the “truth,” so throughout this prison, various ferocious torture instruments were displayed everywhere.

Jiang Xuening had never been to such a place in either her previous or current life. With one sweep of her eyes, she found it shocking.

However, the next moment, she couldn’t help but think of Zhang Zhe.

In her previous life, that person had been trapped in prison, interrogated by his enemy, subjected to all sorts of torments—what kind of pain must that have been?

The prison on all four sides had no windows, dark and damp, and particularly cold in winter.

Some cells held people, most already asleep.

There were also some with eyes open, but when they saw people pass, they showed no reaction—like the walking dead, their eyes filled with a numbness that made one’s heart palpitate.

But the farther forward they walked, the fewer cells held people.

Most were empty.

When they reached the innermost cell, Jiang Xuening even saw on the ground outside the cell door several patches of bright candlelight falling. Looking inside, though this was still a prison cell, it had been tidied clean and tidy: the bedding in the corner was neat, with thick quilts placed on it; against the wall was set a writing desk with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones; at this moment bright candles were placed on the desk. One person bent over the lamp, carefully reading a ledger before her. Her hair was loosened and simply tied in a bundle, draping from over her shoulder down to her chest. She had clear brows and eyes, with a somewhat gentle and docile manner.

It was You Fangyin.

Jiang Xuening immediately froze, standing outside that cell, looking inside, not knowing for a moment what she should do.

Zhou Yinzhi walked behind her without speaking.

But this place was quiet. When they walked over from outside, there were footsteps. You Fangyin easily heard them. Turning her head to look, she actually saw Jiang Xuening standing outside. She was instantly overjoyed, hurriedly rose, and directly pulled open the locked cell door, saying: “Second Miss, why have you come!”

Jiang Xuening: “…”

She looked at Zhou Yinzhi with a meaningful glance.

It must be said, though this person had the heart of a wolf and ambition of a tiger, in her previous life when she liked using him, favored and valued him, there were reasons.

He handled matters too beautifully.

The cell door had originally been unlocked, merely closed like an ordinary door.

Seeing this scene, Zhou Yinzhi withdrew to a distance first.

Jiang Xuening then walked inside. After looking around, she still felt this place was too cramped. Looking at You Fangyin, she said: “I had a sudden whim and pulled off this scheme, implicating you to suffer this ordeal of imprisonment…”

But You Fangyin had never been this happy before.

Looking left and right at her cell, she found it extremely comfortable. Hearing Jiang Xuening’s words, she hurriedly shook her head, saying: “No, no, not at all! Commandant Zhou has arranged things very well for me. I know Second Miss also didn’t want me to return to the manor to be punished. It’s all my fault for being too impulsive in my anger. I—I’m living here very happily, very happily.”

Jiang Xuening was startled: “Happy?”

But You Fangyin nodded vigorously, unable to hide the joy on her face. She wanted to tell her that this place was so much better than the woodshed, and there were even candles for light and account books for learning. But just as the words were about to leave her mouth, meeting her gaze, she felt this matter couldn’t be let known to her.

So after opening her mouth, she closed it again.

Her head also lowered, losing the joy from moments ago, returning to her most common timid and fearful appearance.

Seeing her like this, even without knowing, Jiang Xuening had guessed seventy to eighty percent of it.

Looking again at her thin and haggard appearance, how could she not know that during this time in the palace, You Fangyin had not had an easy life in the manor?

Her heart ached terribly for a moment.

She forced a smile and pulled You Fangyin to sit on that clean bed. Her eyes were somewhat hot with moisture as she said: “I know they bully you in the manor, but I can hardly interfere in the Earl’s manor affairs. Out of desperation, I thought up this method. Fortunately, Commandant is here to look after you. I can’t consider anything else—at least in this place unfit for human habitation, you can live a bit more like a human. In another two days, I’ll have Commandant Zhou be lenient and secretly let you go out. In just over a day I must enter the palace. That matter of the Ziliujing Salt Fields, Ren Weizhi’s matter—I’m counting on you entirely. If you can be happy in this kind of place, I’m naturally pleased. But if you’re unhappy, you absolutely mustn’t abandon yourself to despair. I’m counting on Fangyin to resolve all matters.”

She spoke these words with a smile, but the bitterness in her voice made You Fangyin’s heart ache as well. She hurriedly assured her: “Second Miss, rest assured. Though Fangyin is foolish, these past days studying the account books, I’ve learned. This time meeting that Young Master Ren, we’ve already discussed matters. My second elder sister at home also wants to do this after learning of it. Fangyin still remembers what you said. Since this cell can be left, I can also go out to discuss business. There’s no better place in the world than this. I—you—anyway, I’m very happy…”

She spoke very disjointedly.

In the end, wanting to say something to comfort Jiang Xuening but tongue-tied and not knowing how to phrase it.

To think that someone in this world would find living in prison more comfortable than at home…

Hearing this, Jiang Xuening initially felt relieved, but thinking it over, she found it both laughable and extremely pitiful.

She didn’t dare dwell on this topic further, fearing she couldn’t help but ask what kind of life she lived in the manor.

So she drew from her sleeve the envelope Zhou Yinzhi had given her earlier and placed it in You Fangyin’s hands, saying: “A lean camel is still bigger than a horse. The Ren family’s salt fields in Ziliujing, no matter how dilapidated, far exceed ordinary people’s imagination. Without some silver, matters can’t be handled well. Keep all of this with you.”

You Fangyin opened it to look and was frightened.

She had never seen this much money in her entire life.

But Jiang Xuening knew this money came from the Earl of Qingyuan’s manor. She only felt it should rightfully be in You Fangyin’s hands as compensation. But she didn’t feel it proper to tell her. Thinking of the present difficulties, she said: “The Earl of Qingyuan’s manor doesn’t treat people as human, and there’s also a sister like You Yue who mistreats people so harshly. You shouldn’t have to suffer by continuing to stay in that household. But for now, I still can’t think of a way to free you from there…”

You Fangyin hurriedly comforted her: “It’s fine, Fangyin is truly fine. Even living here for a lifetime would be fine.”

But Jiang Xuening didn’t smile.

Looking at her, for the first time she felt this girl was too endearing: “Originally, the best and most proper way to leave the Earl’s manor would be to find a reliable person to marry. That way no one could gossip. But unfortunately, to protect you I could only resort to this inferior strategy, having you go through a stint in prison. Your future marriage prospects will now be difficult to arrange.”

Leaving the Earl’s manor—the best method was marriage.

You Fangyin blinked.

Her gaze lowered, looking at the envelope containing ten thousand taels in banknotes in her hand, deep in thought.