Chapter 11
When I returned to the County Office, Zi Su happened to come back as well. She took out her notes and told me about the afternoon’s inquiries.
“These three Concubines are all shrewd people. When I questioned them, it was like playing Tai Chi,” Zi Su said, pointing at the words on the paper. “Although I didn’t get anything about Huai Xi’s cause of death, I did find out quite a few other things.”
I flipped through the notes. “What other things?”
“This Third Concubine, Bai Wei. She said Huai Xi was a vixen and once seduced the Eldest Young Master, Dong Jingmo,” Zi Su said. “She claimed that Huai Xi’s death was most likely Madam’s doing.”
I raised my eyebrows. “I’m sure you found out more than just this. Anything else?”
Zi Su grinned. “Young Master, you know me well. While I was questioning them, I noticed that the Third Concubine and the Second Concubine don’t get along. So I stirred things up a bit, and the Second Concubine told me everything. She said the Third Concubine once tried to seduce Dong Jingmo, but was caught by Huai Xi. Since then, the Third Concubine has hated Huai Xi.”
Song Lan clicked his tongue in amazement. “I didn’t expect so many stories behind all this. Wait, isn’t it forbidden to gossip in Dong Manor? How did these two Concubines tell you so much?”
“You don’t know this,” Zi Su said mysteriously. “Madam has no children. The Second Concubine has a son and a daughter, both registered under Madam’s name. Originally, the Second Concubine’s status rose because of her children, so she looked down on the Third Concubine, who came from a theatrical background, and often made trouble for her. But last year, the Third Concubine gave birth to a son. Dong Jiao, having a son in his old age, treasures him dearly and spoils him. The Second Concubine now feels threatened, fearing that the Third Concubine’s son will compete for her own son’s inheritance. So their relationship has worsened, and the Second Concubine is now plotting how to get rid of the Third Concubine.”
Song Lan patted his chest. “There really are a lot of secrets in this big household. But these are pretty deep secrets-how do you know all this so clearly?”
“Of course Fu Ling told me. And not just that.” Zi Su pulled out a finely crafted mask from her treasure pouch, with distinct brows and eyes. “I’ve already finished Fu Ling’s mask. We’ve agreed that in two days, when she goes out shopping with the Housekeeper’s Wife, we’ll swap places, and I’ll enter Dong Manor.”
Before becoming my maid, Zi Su was a famous female thief in the martial world. Not only was her Qinggong exceptional, but she was also a master of Disguise Art, and even knew the Bone Shrinking Skill.
Later, she was injured by an enemy and I saved her. By chance, she became my maid.
Knowing her skills were formidable, I still cautioned her, “There’s something strange about Dong Manor. Be careful. If things get too dangerous, pull out. Your life comes first.”
“I know, Young Master. Don’t worry.” Zi Su patted her treasure pouch. “I won’t delay your business.”
“That’s not what I meant. Ah, forget it.” I shook my head. “Just do as you see fit.”
With Zi Su’s arrangements in place, the next step was to visit Drunken Beauty to investigate Mother Liu.
When Song Lan heard we were going to a rouge shop, he looked awkward. “That’s a place for young ladies. How can two grown men like us go there?”
Zi Su glanced at me, then at Song Lan, her eyes twinkling as she chuckled, “It’s not a problem if you’re not men, right?”
Song Lan shuddered and instinctively took two steps back. “W-what are you going to do?! D-don’t come over! Stay away! Stay away!!!”