Gu Jinghui said, "That’s right, women like to chat idly, and when they talk too much, secrets can’t be kept, and inevitably something will slip out."
At this point, Marquis Gu’s heart was stirred.
"Have him thoroughly investigate again, which families are closely connected with Mrs. Zhao, and what topics do they usually discuss?"
This is meant to get to the bottom of things with Mrs. Zhao.
Gu Shiliu asked, "Marquis, are you suspecting something?"
Gu Jinghui said, "Nowadays, I increasingly feel that Mrs. Zhao is enveloped in suspicion. Those two nannies around her, now that I think about it, also seem off. This outbreak has blocked our hands and feet, and the Magistrate can’t properly adjudicate the case. If it weren’t for the decisive lockdown of the residence, now the Capital City might have already been ravaged by the outbreak, all blamed on us. Who would care to investigate the whereabouts of a woman then?"
Gu Shiliu nodded in agreement.
Gu Jinghui continued, "Madam firmly believes that Mrs. Zhao intends to make a comeback. We have survived real battles from the Northern Border; such scheming and ruthlessness from Mrs. Zhao is not something a woman with love in her heart would normally exhibit."
Gu Shiliu said, "Indeed, that nanny in the dungeon won’t relent no matter how she’s interrogated, which is not something ordinary women could withstand."
Gu Jinghui sighed, "What Madam said today reminded me, but regrettably, despite her intelligence, there are times when she can’t see the forest for the trees. Alas, it’s because her heart is filled with thoughts of me."
Marquis Gu frowned worriedly, "She thinks sometimes that Princess Fuyun has feelings for me, and other times she suspects Mrs. Zhao’s malicious schemes are for me... Alas, how can that be possible?"
Gu Shiliu: "..."
Could it be that Princess Fuyun isn’t interested in the Marquis?
As a princess of noble birth, why would she fast for the sake of unrelated people’s safety?!!!!
Gu Shiliu cast a skeptical glance at Marquis Gu, who was absorbed in the thought of his small wife loving him too much, showing some disapproval.
Wutong Garden.
Qin Yuan chased Marquis Gu out again, and Hong Ye and Cui Ming moved back in.
The three of them focused solely on checking the accounts under the lamp.
As night deepened, Qin Yuan stretched lazily and said, "In two more days, we can finish checking everything, transcribe them, record the figures and entries, and then hand them over to the Marquis."
Hong Ye asked, "Why hand them over to the Marquis?"
Qin Yuan said, "I estimate the Marquis wants to see them before making a decision."
Cui Ming remained silent, continuing to work the abacus.
Hong Ye said, "But the Marquis isn’t skilled in managing household affairs, he..."
Qin Yuan sighed, "No matter, let’s talk about it then."
Hong Ye wanted to say more, but Cui Ming said, "Since the lady has a plan, we should follow it. The Marquis said so, and the lady would not disregard the Marquis, but regardless of how we proceed, these accounts can’t escape."
Hong Ye thought for a moment and said, "That’s true."
Everything is recorded and clarified, and they can’t escape.
When it was time to sleep, Hong Ye and Cui Ming rested in the bedroom. Hong Ye tossed and turned, unable to sleep, and quietly asked Qin Yuan, "Miss, do you think Xiao Hong can handle what we’ve tasked her with?"
Qin Yuan laughed, "What are you worried about?"
Hong Ye said, "I’m not worried; if Xiao Hong is too lenient, who knows what trouble those two might cause."
Qin Yuan snorted, "No matter; being lenient could reveal what’s really going on."
Cui Ming joined in, "Miss, do you suspect there’s something hidden here?"
Qin Yuan said, "Perhaps I’m overthinking. I’m no god, able to predict everything, but I feel there’s something hidden here that isn’t clear. It’s like a basin of water mixed with mud and sand, murky and unclear. Let them settle down naturally, and it’ll become clear."
Cui Ming pondered and said, "What the lady says makes sense. Now the residence is in chaos with deaths, disappearances, and outbreaks. It’s too chaotic, better to set it aside for the moment and be externally loose but internally tight, giving those who wish to stir trouble a chance."
Hong Ye explained, "I’m just worried that Xiao Hong is too young, not reliable. No matter how smart, she’s still a child."
Qin Yuan turned over and said, "Let’s leave it for now. If we suddenly increase manpower, won’t it raise suspicion? As for some people, we don’t know if they are suitable."
At this, she suddenly remembered someone and laughed, "Oh, I forgot there’s someone we can use."
Hong Ye quickly asked, "Who is it?"
Qin Yuan smiled, "I won’t tell you. Go to sleep."
Hong Ye: "..."
Cui Ming, after a while, also laughed lightly, "I know too."
Hong Ye: "..."
The next day, Qin Yuan had her breakfast in Wutong Garden and began attending to matters under the silk umbrella in the courtyard.