Phrases like “I am forever grateful for your great kindness” were just polite formalities. Zhu Qingyu had used similar words at the Yangzhou Prefecture before—purely to express attitude and determination.
Zhu Qingyu knew all of the Zhang family’s business dealings and had reviewed the accounts almost every month. She was confident that the allegation of salt smuggling against the Zhang family was baseless, a deliberate frame-up.
She also trusted that Gu Zhao, with his upright character and noble status, would act impartially, investigating the truth without requiring any gifts or tribute.
Indeed, during Gu Zhao’s time in Yangzhou, neither Zhang Shen nor Zhu Qingyu dared offer him silver, worried it might backfire and tarnish the Zhang family’s reputation in his eyes.
Yet when Gu Zhao heard her empty formalities, he looked at her—so near, so tangible—and actually asked:
“How, exactly, are you grateful, Madam Zhu? I would like to hear the details.”
She was momentarily taken aback. Surely he wasn’t here to ask for money? That was far from the upright image he projected.
Zhu Qingyu hesitated, then tried cautiously:
“Y-yes, Lord Gu, the investigation must be taxing. My household has a century-old ginseng, excellent for revitalizing the body. I wish to offer it to you.”
Gu Zhao leaned casually back in his chair, amused:
“So that is your gratitude? You think I lack a single ginseng root?”
Of course, it made sense. In a high-ranking household like the Dingguo Duke’s, ginseng was hardly a rarity.
Zhu Qingyu thought over other fine items in her household. Not knowing Gu Zhao’s tastes, she carefully said:
“You have traveled far to Jiangnan, and it would be improper to return empty-handed. Perhaps some specialties of Jiangning would do. My household has several dozen bolts of high-quality Yun brocade and Song brocade, excellent for making clothes for your family’s women. I wish to present them to you as a token of respect.”
Mentioning Song brocade reminded Gu Zhao of the time he saw her at the ferry, meticulously dressed—so different from her current plain attire.
It was obvious now: her simplicity was born of husband absent, laziness, and indifference.
Deep down, she probably felt she was not someone who warranted elaborate attention.
Though unreasonable, a twinge of bitterness spread through him. Gu Zhao studied her from head to toe and, with subtle coldness, remarked:
“With dozens of bolts of fine brocade at hand, all suitable for clothing, why only give away, and not make a fine garment for yourself? Zhang Jingyan is so stingy he won’t even spare a good bolt for you?”
Zhu Qingyu was bewildered. She glanced at her own attire—freshly changed, neat, clean—and wondered how it had provoked him.
One moment he was approachable, the next, suddenly displeased. Was he naturally moody, or was he using some subtle art to manipulate emotions?
Ah, she realized she was not suited to navigating officialdom; reading a person like him was far harder than treating patients.
She tried to explain:
“I have never cared much for dressing up; it is not out of disrespect. You asked how I might show gratitude, and I honestly did not know what could express my sincerity. The salt smuggling accusation is purely Liu’s fabrication. I earnestly ask you to clear the Zhang family’s name. If in the future there is anything I can do for you, I will obey without hesitation, no matter the task.”
Gu Zhao rolled over the words “no matter the task” in his mind. Perhaps due to his own lack of clarity, certain inappropriate, intimate thoughts had surfaced.
He looked at her deeply, unable to tell if she was genuinely sincere or feigning ignorance, and finally said:
“No matter the task? I have taken note of your words. When I truly require your assistance, do not refuse.”
Zhu Qingyu nodded vigorously and tried to steer the conversation back to business:
“Of course, Lord Gu. I would never dare shirk duty. Please advise—how should we prove our innocence in this case?”
Gu Zhao sipped his tea, pausing briefly.
To obtain results, one can rely on fear or trust. Fear has its methods; trust has its means. With her, trust always prevailed.
He put down his cup:
“To resolve this, you need witness testimony and material evidence, both complete and thorough. An account book does not appear out of thin air. If I were Liu, meticulous as he is, he would have arranged a foolproof witness. Madam Zhu, who do you think that witness might be?”
In merchant families, the accounts were typically handled by the managers.
Zhu Qingyu recalled the second manager’s unusual behavior today and broke into a cold sweat.
He knew borrowing money from officials was a trap, yet strongly encouraged the Zhang family to do so—could it be him?
But the second manager had served the Zhang family for decades. Though hot-tempered, Zhang Shen had always trusted him, rewarding him generously each year. Why would he harm them?
Without evidence, one cannot accuse an old manager purely on suspicion.
Zhu Qingyu said:
“Please allow me to investigate.”
Gu Zhao stood:
“Of course, an investigation is necessary. I will not wrong a good person, nor spare a bad one. Think carefully today about any suspicious individuals. Tomorrow, I will ask again. Will you be at home or at the clinic?”
Previously, Zhu Qingyu had stayed home to avoid trouble. But now that trouble had found her, there was no need to hide.
Moreover, with Zhang Shen absent, a male outsider like Gu Zhao visiting the Zhang residence daily could easily arouse suspicion.
She replied:
“Tomorrow, at the Zhu Family Clinic, I await Lord Gu.”
Since some of the Zhang household had connections with the second manager, Zhu Qingyu, to avoid raising suspicion, went to the clinic immediately after Gu Zhao left.
She gave ten taels of silver to Qi Shu, saying:
“Qi Shu, help me investigate if any major events occurred with the Zhang managers this year—marriages, funerals, property purchases, disputes. Don’t let your efforts go wasted. Take this silver as you do.”
Qi Shu, formerly a wanderer, knew many people across various circles. Buying information was his specialty. He immediately set out.
By evening, Qi Shu returned with news:
“Nothing noteworthy from the head or third manager. But the second manager’s eldest son, last autumn, owed money at a gambling house. The debt went unpaid, and the gambling house ransacked the second manager’s home. The neighbors all saw it—quite a commotion.”