Ziling thought to herself that her mother-in-law must want to question her about the guards’ accusation that her father had impeached the General Manor. What a disaster this all was. Just as she was about to explain herself, the Old Madam spoke first.
“Come here. I have something important to tell you.”
Her voice was deep and steady.
“You need not worry. Even if what the guards said is true, I will not vent my anger on you. You have not been part of the General Manor for even a full day, so you are not truly one of us yet. I will have my son write you a letter of divorce, and you may leave on your own.”
After hesitating briefly, Ziling replied:
“Mother, I have nowhere else to go. My father only values profit, never affection, and my stepmother and younger sister have always treated me as a thorn in their side. If I return now, he will surely dispose of me however he pleases. Besides, I have already completed the marriage ceremony with Mo Han. Since we have bowed before Heaven and Earth, I am already a member of this family. We still don’t know where Mo Han is or what condition he’s in. I swear my father’s actions have nothing to do with me. From now on, I will fulfill my duties and do my best for the General Manor.”
She suddenly sensed a hostile gaze fixed on her. Turning her head, she saw her young brother-in-law Gong Hao staring at her as though she were his mortal enemy.
Ah, so the kid really took the guard’s words to heart. He thinks I’m working with that scumbag father of mine to destroy his family.
But she was a modern person—a medical doctorate holder, no less. How could she possibly be afraid of a little brat? Let him glare all he wants. This doctor had neither the time nor the mood to educate children right now. The priority was finding an excuse to search the manor for any remaining valuables and stash them all into her storage space before that dog emperor could get his hands on them.
Keeping her expression solemn, she lowered her voice and said to the Old Madam:
“Mother, I’d like to find an opportunity to go to the rear courtyard.”
The Old Madam, seasoned by years of hardship, immediately understood her meaning and gave a subtle signal to the old maid beside her.
Ziling then turned to the guards and said seriously:
“Sir, may I go to the rear courtyard to relieve myself? I absolutely won’t run away. I truly can’t hold it anymore.”
The guard glanced at her.
“You’d better behave yourself. Hurry back.”
The old maid beside the Old Madam quickly added:
“Sir, let this old servant accompany our young madam. She only married into the manor less than a day ago and isn’t familiar with the layout. If she wanders somewhere wrong, she might cause trouble for the officers.”
The guard waved impatiently.
“Go, go. Hurry up and come back. Don’t waste time. And don’t even think about trying anything.”
Ziling followed the maid to the rear courtyard. She told the old woman to stand watch outside the latrine while she pretended to relieve herself. Once alone, she quietly slipped into the courtyard and swept everything valuable from each room into her storage space.
Passing by the kitchen, she discovered that the dishes and pastries from the wedding banquet were still there untouched. She had been here all day, and her stomach had long been growling with hunger. Unable to resist, she grabbed a pastry and stuffed it into her mouth like a starving tiger. Then she swept up all the remaining meat dishes, vegetables, and desserts into her storage space. Lifting the lid of a steamer, she saw a whole pot of steaming buns. With a simple wave of her hand, they vanished instantly.
On the road to exile, these things would become treasures more valuable than gold.
Looking at the storage space now filled to the brim, she felt as though she were staring at a hidden treasure trove. Completely satisfied, she returned happily with the maid to the front hall like a cheerful little bird.
The moment she stepped into the hall, another group of guards stormed into the courtyard.
The leader was Commander Li. After glancing at the Old Madam, he felt conflicted. He had once served under the Great General and had even received the old general’s guidance and promotion in the past. Though he wanted to show some leniency, the emperor’s orders were absolute, and he dared not disobey.
“Old Madam, forgive us. We are only following orders. There is truly nothing we can do.”
The Old Madam said nothing. She merely rose silently and turned her back to them.
“Men, search the rear courtyard!”
Soon, the sounds of smashing and crashing echoed everywhere through the estate.
Not long after, two guards came running back from the rear courtyard.
“Chief! There’s nothing in the rooms!”
“What did you say?”
Another guard rushed over.
“Chief! Aside from a few empty chests, the treasury has absolutely nothing inside!”
“How could there be nothing?! You—come with me to take a look!”