Chapter 302 - 301: Striking at the Heart
Madam Wu’s eyes suddenly tightened. She turned her head to look at Yunluo and pondered, "Yu Zhu? Was she the one who was by Aunt Qiao’s side before?"
Yunluo nodded, catching a glimpse of the Lian Family out of the corner of her eye.
A glimmer of brilliance flashed in the eyes of the Lian Family, which would be imperceptible unless one paid close attention.
It was a look of delight.
Yunluo pressed her lips together. If not for her knowledge of the Lian Family’s ill intentions, she might not have grasped this subtle change in the Lian Family’s expression either.
Yu Zhu arrived promptly.
Cangzhu’s mother, nearly choking with sobs, rushed forward to hit her, and it was Cangzhu’s father who held her back tightly.
Yu Zhu greeted the masters expressionlessly.
The Lian Family scrutinized Yu Zhu intently.
When extra hands were needed in Shaohui Garden, the Lian Family had prepared a big maid, but unexpectedly, Cheng Yaojin came out of nowhere and occupied two spots together with Lian Qiao, whom Madam Wu had assigned.
The Lian Family had never considered recruiting Lian Qiao; even a whisper reaching Madam Wu’s ears would have rendered their years of hard work in vain.
As for Yu Zhu, the Lian Family couldn’t fathom her and dared not to test her.
Now, the four big maids in Shaohui Garden were all beyond the Lian Family’s control, leaving them both powerless and vexed.
If they could seize this opportunity to remove Yu Zhu, it would be possible to place a useful person in Yunluo’s room.
"Did you have a dispute with Cangzhu?" the Lian Family asked.
Yu Zhu’s expression remained unchanged as she stood with her hands lowered, her demeanor respectful, displaying no trace of panic: "In response to Madam, the maid has never had a dispute with Cangzhu. Only once, her actions were somewhat inappropriate, and the maid spoke to her about it, and that was all."
Cangzhu was ranked as second class, while Yu Zhu was first class. It was her duty to point out Cangzhu’s inappropriate conduct, not a fault.
"Impossible!" shouted Cangzhu’s mother, who had long since thrown propriety to the wind, rasping, "Cangzhu knew she was to serve the Princely Heir and Madam; she was overjoyed and swore to do her job well. She would do it well; how could she be inappropriate! You, you must not maliciously accuse!"
Yu Zhu lowered her gaze to look at Cangzhu’s mother.
The face was already a mess, the hair undone, yet after all, they were mother and daughter; Yu Zhu could find Cangzhu’s contours in her face.
Inside, Yu Zhu sneered coldly; Cangzhu was indeed working diligently, doing what she wanted, even intending to step on her to climb up. It wasn’t wrong to say that this "effort" of hers was improper.
Compared to gaining trust and appreciation from Madam and the big maids through good work, Cangzhu’s path seemed much more like a "crooked way."
Yu Zhu wished to expose all this, but upon seeing how grievously Cangzhu’s mother cried, in the end, she couldn’t bear to accuse.
"Old Madam," Yu Zhu said slowly, "that’s how it is. The maid didn’t return home yesterday; I prayed in the back garden and have been working in Shaohui Garden since.
When Madam sent the Third Madam off, the maid was in the courtyard and didn’t leave afterward. This matter will be clear with careful inquiry."
Madam Wu offered no opinion, merely scrutinizing Yu Zhu closely.
In her heart, she trusted Yu Zhu because she trusted Aunt Qiao.
Aunt Qiao, being such a gentle, kind-hearted person, only retained Yu Zhu among her personal maids in her last few years.
The fact that Yu Zhu could gain Aunt Qiao’s favor indicated she couldn’t be a ruthless person.
Du Yunluo also observed Yu Zhu. After more than a month together, she had taken quite a liking to Yu Zhu. She was a maid who was meticulous and orderly in her work. Such a person, even if she wanted to harm others, shouldn’t resort to pushing people into ponds.
The Lian Family’s gaze was sharp, as if wanting to see through Yu Zhu: "If it wasn’t you, then who was it? You are the most suspicious."
Yu Zhu’s lips curled slightly, a sarcastic smile flitted across before her face returned to calm: "Second Madam, people die for wealth, as birds die for food. The maid seeks nothing from Cangzhu nor has any hold over her, nor any benefit. Why would the maid do such a heartless ’murderous’ act?"
The word "murderous" was like a sharp dagger stabbing into the Lian Family’s chest. She took a sharp breath, her face alternating between red and white.
Yunluo watched, almost wanting to applaud Yu Zhu’s words.
After all, wasn’t the Second Family’s actions over these years all about "dying for wealth"?
For the sake of titles and family wealth, how many lives have been affected!
The Lian Family gritted their molars tightly to stabilize their expression, not letting others notice anything new.
She picked up the tea cup, sipping slowly to calm her wildly thumping heart: "Old Madam, what do you think?"
"I find this person genuine." Madam Wu’s words already revealed her stance.
Seeing this, the Lian Family could only temporarily acquiesce, silently chanting to themselves that "haste makes waste" and "enduring small annoyances would prevent major mishaps," then turned to Yunluo, saying, "Lian Xiao’s wife, the people in your yard, how do you plan to handle it?"
Yunluo considered, "After all, it’s a human life; we cannot just dismiss it casually. It must be thoroughly investigated.
However, Mrs. Zhu from Second Aunt’s informed me that everyone under us is in a state of panic over this matter, and I think this ongoing situation isn’t good.
Why don’t we just say Cangzhu accidentally slipped to calm the hearts of the people while continuing investigations in secret?
As for Yu Zhu, she will continue working in Shaohui Garden. Normally, she and Lian Qiao work together, firstly to watch over them and secondly to prevent any suspicion or rumors.
Grandmother, Mother, Second Aunt, do you all think this is feasible?"
Madam Wu rolling the Buddha beads between her fingers, uttered a Buddhist blessing: "Then let it be so. A life is at stake; no matter who is suspected, solid evidence is needed. Since investigation must be done, it should be meticulous and thorough, providing an account to her parents."
The Lian Family concurred and ordered some silver be prepared for Cangzhu’s parents, with Yunluo adding some as well.
Mrs. Zhou then assisted Madam Wu to rest.
The Lian Family sat tapping her fingers lightly on the armrest: "Lian Xiao’s wife, the people in Shaohui Garden, will you investigate yourself or..."
Yunluo smiled slightly.
Presently, the rear courtyard was managed by the Lian Family; certainly, there were likely her people among the maids and women of Shaohui Garden, whether or not she allowed the Lian Family to meddle, the situation somewhat would inevitably reach them.
However, what happens behind scenes is one thing; on the surface, it is another. If she openly allowed the Lian Family to scrutinize her Shaohui Garden, people throughout the Marquis Mansion might see her as an easy target.
"Second Aunt, your hands must be full; I’ll handle things myself." Yunluo replied.
The Lian Family’s smile was warm and affectionate: "You child, why be so courteous with your aunt. Aren’t you going to Tong City in a few days? It’s good; something like this happening in one’s own yard is always a bit of a downer. Going out to relax might resolve this before you return."