Shen Guiya frowned. She had learned early on about Concubine Guan’s gossipy nature. Previously, she had even run to Guiya’s courtyard to prattle on about how Concubine Liu loved to quibble, how Madam cared about appearances, how Second Young Master appeared not to compete but secretly wanted to seize everything, how First Young Master should move out as soon as he rose to prominence, and how she, newly married into the manor, shouldn’t be too ostentatious since her personality wouldn’t be easily liked.

Though it was indeed quite long-winded, Shen Guiya had listened to some of it since it was useful. But now that Gu Chaodong had already failed his examination, what use was talking about all this?

“Hasn’t the North Courtyard always been stealing the limelight? Previously, you all said Fourth Young Master was unlearned and would amount to nothing. Now look—he’s the most accomplished. Isn’t that a slap in the face?”

“Oh my, who could have predicted such good fortune for him?” Concubine Guan clicked her tongue. “I came today because I have a connection I wanted to inform you about. After all, if you do well, I do well too. Now that Chaoxi has married out, you’re the one I feel most compatible with in this courtyard.”

Shen Guiya raised an eyebrow. “What connection?”

Concubine Guan looked around, then pulled her forward as they walked.

“Xi’er married a merchant from Jiangxi. The man is quite decent and plans to develop business in the capital. Because he has plenty of money, he’s established a connection. Isn’t your father’s official seal still being held by the Emperor? Through this connection, you might even be able to get the seal back. Once your natal family’s influence grows, how would Concubine Liu dare to come make scenes in your courtyard?”

Officials and merchants had always colluded throughout history. Though Shen Guiya didn’t understand the intricacies, she knew that money made things easier, and connections made things even easier. Her expression became much more serious as she looked at Concubine Guan.

Concubine Guan continued, “When all is said and done, it’s still Empress Dowager who holds power now. Anyone connected to the Empress’s relatives—which of them hasn’t risen to prominence? Look at National Uncle Wen—he walks sideways through the streets. And General Yuwen—when he walks out alone, who doesn’t respectfully bow before him? The connection my son-in-law knows is through General Yuwen’s side—a solid connection too. An intimate confidant and close relative of General Yuwen, named Yuwen Houde.”

Shen Guiya raised an eyebrow. “You mean I should go through this connection to smooth things over, so he’ll speak favorably before General Yuwen and help retrieve my father’s official seal?”

“Ah, you foolish girl, you’re thinking too small!” Concubine Guan chided her. “It’s not just the seal. General Yuwen also has an excellent relationship with Academician Fu. Won’t you think of a way to have Academician Fu accommodate you and change Chaodong’s examination papers?”

They could do that? Shen Guiya was astounded. The imperial examinations were equivalent to modern college entrance exams, yet they could actually change the papers?

This was also a drawback of ancient imperial examinations—with only Academician Fu as the final reviewer, one thought from him could decide the fates of tens of thousands.

“Academician Fu doesn’t really accommodate people, but General Yuwen’s side is different. I think you could try.” Concubine Guan urged, “If you need money, just tell me. I’ll have my son-in-law get it for you.”

So generous? Shen Guiya smiled at Concubine Guan. “Does Lady Guan have some matter requiring Guiya’s assistance?”

“Look at what you’re saying. Can’t I just help you?” Concubine Guan waved her handkerchief with a smile. Her eyes rolled, then she finally said, “Actually, there is something I need your help with. Once you succeed, don’t forget to speak well of my son-in-law so he can establish a firm foothold in the capital.”

Gu Chaoxi, a talented woman of her generation, had married a merchant reeking of copper. Shen Guiya found it quite interesting. The woman was providing both the connection and money to seek her help, while she could conveniently help Gu Chaodong at the same time—why not? Naturally, she agreed wholeheartedly.

However, she was thinking about matters too simplistically.

On Shen Guiyan’s side, her injuries had mostly healed. Gu Chaobei had begun involving himself in the case of the Sixth Prince’s assassination. The Minister of Justice had returned to the capital and was searching for every clue, striving to uncover the true culprit.

What Gu Chaobei needed to do was provide a series of false leads to mislead them.

The man in black recovering from his wounds was transferred by Gu Chaobei after only two days. Shen Guiyan didn’t ask where he’d been taken. The man’s injuries had already improved, so presumably there were no major concerns.

The wounds on her back had slowly reduced their swelling. She could already get out of bed and walk, though occasionally pulling at them still created quite a stimulating sensation.

“Miss, the past few days First Young Madam seems to keep running outside the manor.” Baoshan came in from outside, standing beside her to murmur, “The first time she went out with Concubine Guan, but after that she went alone. Yesterday she didn’t return until after dark. This servant made some inquiries—they all say she’s been going to Yuwen Manor.”

“Yuwen Manor?” Shen Guiyan was slightly startled.

“Yes. I don’t know what it’s about. Madam is keeping her door closed to recover, and the Prime Minister doesn’t manage the inner courtyards, so no one dares to inquire.”

Yuwen Manor was naturally General Yuwen’s residence. For Shen Guiya, a married woman, to run to someone’s manor every day—that couldn’t be justified no matter what, could it?

“Tomorrow when this servant goes shopping, I must follow and take a look.” Baoshan pouted. “Miss was injured so badly all because of her, yet there she is doing quite well, using her miscarriage as an excuse to eat and drink well. Now that her recovery period is over, she’s running everywhere. Just looking at her makes one angry.”

Shen Guiyan chuckled softly. “You—why make yourself angry? If she’s done bad things, retribution will come sooner or later.”

“Waiting for retribution is so slow.” Baoshan snorted, then glanced at her young mistress’s expression and quickly smiled. “This servant won’t harm anyone. I’m just curious what First Young Madam does each time she goes. I guarantee I won’t cause trouble.”

Shen Guiyan sighed and waved her hand. Baoshan stuck out her tongue and carried the water basin out.

Gu Chaodong still refused to come out of his room. Not only was he ill, but his temper remained explosive. Everything in the room had been smashed to pieces—no one dared approach.

With him like this, it was convenient for Shen Guiya. This morning she rose early as usual, heavily made up, changed into different clothes, and left the manor for Yuwen Manor.

She naturally couldn’t reach General Yuwen himself, nor could she access Yuwen Houde directly. But Yuwen Houde had a wife surnamed Han, given name Jiangxue, famously gentle and approachable. These past days, Shen Guiya had been bringing her self-made modern items like sanitary pads and bras to curry favor.

Han Jiangxue had never seen such things and found them novel. Seeing Shen Guiya come every day with an excellent attitude, she opened her heart to her and would pull her aside to discuss private matters.

Today Baoshan followed all the way and saw Shen Guiya enter Yuwen Manor. After waiting a while, she actually came out together with Madam Han. The two chatted and laughed as they headed to a teahouse.

“Elder Sister, everything you gave me is so useful, especially that one… my husband was completely stunned.” Madam Han blushed, holding onto Shen Guiya’s arm. “No one has ever been as kind as Elder Sister. They all just ask me to do things for them, bringing gold and silver—it’s completely boring. Only Elder Sister truly comes to be close with me and considers everything so thoughtfully.”

Shen Guiya smiled gently. “As long as you find them useful. When I make other things, I’ll naturally give them to you too. The moment I saw you, I felt we were compatible. The two of us—in our past lives we might have even been real sisters.”