“Not good!”
Having served in the army for years, Zhou Hongbai knew instantly: Nanny He had chosen to kill herself to escape punishment, leaving no evidence to prove anything.
Silence fell over the entire gathering. A faint look of disappointment flashed across Cao Lingyun’s face. She realized now that Peng Xue’s last words had been meant solely to threaten Nanny He. Terrified that harm would come to her two children, the old nurse had seen suicide as her only way out.
“What do we do now?” Cao Lingyun turned back, looking as helpless and innocent as a frightened child. Now that Nanny He was dead, there was no way to get Canglang to identify anyone else as the mastermind.
Nanny He had been the middle link in the whole plot. Peng Xue would never have appeared in person. With the nurse dead, it was easy for Peng Xue to claim the woman had simply taken her own life out of guilt, leaving herself and her daughter completely free of suspicion.
“Young Duke, this disturbance within our household has caused you great trouble. I beg your forgiveness for the inconvenience!” Cao Jianfeng stepped forward quickly, bowing and making polite gestures, clearly eager to bring the matter to an end and see them off.
“Uncle Cao, you speak so readily of closing the case. But you have navigated official circles for many years surely you are far too wise to believe that a mere servant woman had the power or cunning to conspire with bandits and plot against her own mistress. Someone must have been directing her from behind the scenes.”
Cao Jianfeng’s expression darkened. Lingyun knew perfectly well he understood exactly who was behind it all. He wanted the matter closed quickly only to protect his beloved Aunt Peng.
“Young Duke, I am but a civil official. I know nothing of such intricate schemes and hidden motives. I pray you, General, will be magnanimous enough to overlook my ignorance.”
Seeing that Zhou Hongbai’s face had turned stern and angry, Cao Jianfeng hurried to smooth things over. He had always been quick-witted and skilled at talking his way out of trouble; settling disputes with a few well-chosen words was second nature to him.
“Since I have taken this matter into my hands, I will not let it rest until I have uncovered the true culprit. Otherwise, would not Madam Liu and Lingyun have suffered all this harm for nothing?”
At Zhou Hongbai’s words, no one present dared to speak further. Cao Jianfeng, though deeply displeased, finally said nothing more.
“Lingyun, rest assured now that I have taken charge of this case, I will find out who is truly responsible, for your sake and for your aunt’s.” Zhou Hongbai leaned close to Cao Lingyun, speaking in a voice only she could hear.
“A Zhan, take Canglang away. In consideration of his confession naming Nanny He, present my official warrant and see that his punishment is reduced accordingly.”
As A Zhan led Canglang off, Zhou Hongbai stood aside and said in a cold, steady tone, “Lingyun, as long as I am here, no one shall dare mistreat you. If anyone does, I will see that justice is done for you.”
His voice was not loud, but it carried clearly enough for everyone present to hear. The Young Duke, it seemed, was fully committed to protecting her and this only made Cao Linglan, standing nearby, grind her teeth in jealous rage.
That vile woman how dare she be so fortunate? But in this life, I shall make sure she ends up far more miserable than she did in the last!
She stands in my way. She must die!
“The Young Duke’s care for Lingyun is a blessing upon our entire family. We are all deeply grateful for your kindness,” Madam Liu said quickly. Seeing someone cherish and protect Lingyun brought her more joy than anything else. Her only wish was for her daughter’s marriage to go smoothly and for her to live a long, peaceful, and happy life.
“Madam, there is no need for such formality. If ever you need anything in the future, do not hesitate to send word to my residence.”
Half an hour later, Zhou Hongbai departed with his personal guards. As soon as they were gone, the heavy, oppressive atmosphere that had hung over the place seemed to lift and vanish with them.
“Lingyun, how did you know Nanny He was a traitor?”
Looking at her daughter, Liu Ruoyan suddenly realized how much she had grown up. She felt a deep sense of relief, knowing she no longer needed to worry so much for her.
“I had people watching her. She went to Peng Xue’s quarters time and again so clearly they were working together. Aunt Peng has long wanted to take your place as mistress of this household. How could she ever pass up such a perfect chance to frame us?” Lingyun looked at Liu Ruoyan. Time had worn away at her mother’s beauty, but it had never dimmed her gentle nature.
Lingyun thought back to her previous life, when she had died before even being able to enjoy her mother’s care and affection. It filled her with regret.
But in this new life, she would never let history repeat itself, nor give those wicked people any chance to succeed.
“Mother, Nanny He was one of your own people, yet she conspired with outsiders right under your nose and you never suspected a thing. If I hadn’t sent Rouge to keep an eye on her this time, who knows what disaster might have befallen us? From now on, you must be more watchful of those around you, so you are not betrayed by those you trust.”
Cao Lingyun spoke earnestly, but Liu Ruoyan still seemed stunned by what had happened. “I always thought Aunt Peng was merely jealous and fond of seeking favor. I never imagined she would scheme so viciously against us… it is truly…”
“Mother, you have managed this household for years without a single mistake. If she hadn’t plotted against us again and again, none of this would have happened. We may never wish to harm others, but we must always guard against those who wish to harm us. It is best to be cautious.”
Lingyun knew her mother might find it hard to accept the truth about her rebirth all at once, so she chose not to speak of it.
After the turmoil, the Cao household appeared calm and peaceful, yet Lingyun could not shake the feeling that it was only the quiet before a storm.
“Miss, look! The Zhou residence has sent so many gifts! The Young Duke truly dotes on you. Once you marry into his family, I am certain no one will ever dare mistreat you!” Rouge said, glancing excitedly at Lingyun.
Lingyun’s heart ached as she remembered how, in her past life, her breaking off the engagement had driven Zhou Hongbai to leave and fight on the distant borderlands. Perhaps the pain she felt now came from knowing how much she had wronged him before.
Seeing Lingyun frown, Rouge feared she had said something wrong and hurried over. “Miss, it is true you did not like the Young Duke before. But seeing how he stood up for you today, I think he is truly wonderful. This marriage was arranged by our grandfathers long ago. You were against it before, but truly seeing how he acted like a hero to save the damsel in distress I think he is perfect!”
Rouge spoke with great enthusiasm, so much so that anyone who didn’t know better might think she was a spy sent by the Young Duke himself to win her over.
“I know all that. But right now, that is not the most urgent matter we face.”
“Then what is it?” Rouge asked immediately, leaning closer.
“Why, the management of the household, of course! You silly girl you know how my grandmother has always disliked me. Why would she suddenly hand over all authority over the household affairs to me? I simply cannot believe there is no hidden trap or scheme behind it.”
Lingyun’s delicate, fair face crumpled into a frown. She remembered her grandmother well from her past life: the woman had never been kind to her. Even as a child, if Lingyun had eaten just two of her fruits out of simple craving, she would have been scolded and berated endlessly. For her to hand over such power now surely meant she had set a trap and was waiting for Lingyun to fall right into it.
“Miss, look who has come to see you!”