Chapter 73: Examine Everyone’s Fortune
The room gradually fell silent once again.
Wang Gege sat quietly for a long while before letting out a soft sigh. There were still too many questions without answers. No matter how much she pondered over them now, nothing would change.
She gently pushed the teacup aside, "Forget it."
Her gaze drifted toward the half-opened window.
Beyond it, the charred blossom tree still stood quietly in the courtyard, a stark contrast against the blooming spring scenery surrounding it.
Compared to the secrets of this world, the person who had deliberately set that tree ablaze was a far more pressing concern.
Wang Gege slowly rose to her feet.
"If they think a little fire is enough to frame me..." A faint smile gradually appeared on her lips. "Then they’re underestimating me."
Just then, a gentle knock sounded from outside the room.
"Young Madam..." Qing’er’s voice came from beyond the door. "The bathwater is ready."
Wang Gege blinked before breaking into a small smile.
"Perfect timing." She lightly stretched her shoulders.
"If I’m going to uncover the truth..." She looked down at the soot that had stained the hem of her sleeves and skirt. "I should at least look presentable first."
Warm steam continued drifting out from behind the folding screen as Wang Gege finished drying her hair with a clean cloth.
The soot and lingering smell of smoke had finally been washed away, leaving her feeling considerably more refreshed.
She had only just stepped out from behind the screen when she noticed Qing’er standing rather stiffly by the doorway.
Her expression seemed... unusually nervous.
Wang Gege blinked. "Qing’er?"
Qing’er immediately lowered her head. "Young Madam..."
She hesitated for a brief moment before continuing, "The Old Madam arrived while Young Madam was bathing."
Wang Gege froze, "Grandmother?"
Qing’er nodded. "The Old Madam said she would wait."
Wang Gege’s eyes widened. "She’s still here?"
"Yes." Qing’er nodded once again.
Without another word, Wang Gege hurriedly adjusted the folds of her robe before lifting the curtain that separated the inner chamber from the sitting room.
Sure enough...
The Old Madam Xie was calmly seated beside the table, leisurely sipping a cup of tea.
Standing respectfully at her side was Madam Liu and several maids stood quietly behind them, the atmosphere unusually solemn.
Wang Gege couldn’t help but pause. A trace of confusion flashed across her face for only a brief moment before she lowered her head and bowed respectfully.
"This granddaughter-in-law greets Grandmother." She paused before adding apologetically, "I didn’t know Grandmother had arrived. Please forgive this granddaughter-in-law for making Grandmother wait."
The Old Madam gently waved a hand.
"No matter." Her voice remained calm and unhurried. "It was this old woman who came without informing you beforehand."
She motioned toward the empty seat beside her. "Come... Sit."
Wang Gege obediently walked over and took her seat. For that brief moment, no one spoke. Only the faint aroma of tea lingered quietly within the room.
It was the Old Madam who finally broke the silence.
"I heard..." She slowly set her teacup down upon the table, "that something unpleasant happened in your courtyard this morning."
Wang Gege nodded. "Yes."
She was just about to explain what had happened when Madam Liu softly sighed.
"This old servant originally thought it was only a trivial misunderstanding." She lowered her eyes, "However, after giving it much thought, this old servant feared that if it was left unresolved, it might create unnecessary discord within the residence."
Hearing that, Wang Gege’s brows knitted together.
Years of navigating office politics had taught her one thing. The most dangerous people were rarely the ones who raised their voices. They smiled, spoke gently, and made every word sound perfectly reasonable.
Madam Liu’s tone was exactly that.
The Old Madam slowly set her teacup back onto the table.
"I’ve already heard a general account of what happened." Her voice remained calm and steady. "However, this old woman prefers hearing both sides before reaching a conclusion."
She turned her gaze toward Wang Gege, "Taotao... What happened this morning?"
Before Wang Gege could answer, Madam Liu bowed respectfully.
"Old Madam, this old servant believes Young Madam had no ill intentions." She sighed softly, "It was merely... some words that perhaps should not have been spoken."
Only then did the Old Madam look toward her. "What words?"
Madam Liu hesitated, "This old servant fears repeating them may cause Young Madam unnecessary embarrassment."
The Old Madam’s expression remained unchanged. "Speak."
Madam Liu lowered her head obediently.
"When discussing the burned blossom tree, this old servant merely mentioned that some people believed ill fortune could sometimes bring about unusual events."
She paused before continuing, "Young Madam then asked whether this old servant had requested the Taoist Master to examine this old servant’s fortune as well."
Madam Liu forced a faint smile, "This old servant understood Young Madam was speaking in the heat of the moment, so this old servant did not take offense."
She lowered her head once more. "This old servant simply feared the other servants might misunderstand Young Madam’s intentions."
Hearing those words, Wang Gege nearly scoffed.
’So this is how it is. The complaint reaches the boss before the accused even knows what’s happening.’
She slowly raised her gaze and locked eyes with Madam Liu. The latter continued wearing that same gentle smile, looking every bit like a loyal servant who had only the Xie Residence’s harmony at heart. Had Wang Gege not experienced everything herself, she might have believed every single word Madam Liu had just spoken.
The Old Madam looked toward Wang Gege. "Taotao... Madam Liu has already told this old woman what happened. Is there anything you wish to say?"
Wang Gege smiled.
"There is." She turned toward Madam Liu, "Actually... I’ve been wondering about something ever since this morning."
Madam Liu returned the smile gracefully. "What is it, Young Madam?"
Wang Gege tilted her head. "When Madam Liu said the blossom tree burned because someone’s bad luck invited disaster... were you referring to me?"
A deep frown appeared instantly as she faked her shock towards Wang Gege’s question. "This old servant never said Young Madam was the one with bad luck."
"Oh?" Wang Gege blinked innocently. "Then I must’ve misunderstood."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, Young Madam. That was never my intent."
"That’s a relief." Wang Gege smiled innocently. "Because after hearing Madam Liu’s words, this granddaughter-in-law truly believed Madam Liu was suggesting that my bad luck had caused the blossom tree to burn."
She paused before continuing in the same calm tone.
"Since Madam Liu now says she wasn’t referring to me at all, this granddaughter-in-law simply followed Madam Liu’s reasoning. If a fire can be attributed to someone’s bad luck, then naturally anyone present... including Madam Liu, could invite the Taoist Master to examine their fortune as well."
Wang Gege’s words sent the room into deep silence.