Chapter 248
Chapter 248
On the way back, Shen Si dismissed everyone but Wen’an. Wen’an reported quietly, “I checked the gatehouse. A letter from Chiliarch Luo did arrive for Concubine Luo two days ago.”
Shen Si raised a brow, summoned an attendant to give several orders, and continued on.
Ji Hanyi was half reclining on the chaise longue reading when he entered. While confined to bed two days earlier, she had grown bored and sent Rongchun to buy storybooks. Rongchun brought three bestsellers, and Ji Hanyi happened to choose the tale of Widow Li.
She had meant only to pass the time but soon found it entertaining. Widow Li had numerous admirers, from a young general to a charming scholar. No wonder the book sold well.
It could only be read in private. If someone as strict as Old Madam Shen saw it, the household would be turned upside down.
Ji Hanyi had never read such a book before. Fascinated and eager to learn whom Widow Li chose, she had even discussed it secretly with Rongchun yesterday.
That afternoon, after Ji Hanyi’s nap, Madam Bai visited to say a few words about Concubine Luo and urge her not to dwell on it. They exchanged pleasantries until late.
Now Ji Hanyi had eaten and washed. She read while waiting for Shen Si, though her mind wandered and she absorbed nothing.
No one announced him, doubtless on his orders. Ji Hanyi slipped the book beneath a round peacock-and-peony cushion and looked up.
Nanny Fang had already told Shen Si that Ji Hanyi ate little that day, presumably because of the incident. Though she hid the book quickly, he recognized the same volume she had concealed before.
He sat beside her, studied her unusually listless face, took her hand, and asked softly, “How do you want Concubine Luo dealt with?”
Ji Hanyi realized he knew. “The Old Madam already punished her today.”
After thinking, she nevertheless explained her doubts, perhaps because Baihe had died too quickly.
Shen Si considered. “I know Baihe is dead. I have ordered an examination to determine how she died.”
“Concubine Luo’s brother, Luo Min, became chiliarch at Jubao Gate in the south three years ago and commands roughly a thousand men.”
“Merchants commonly pass through the southern gate, and its guards receive gifts from them. Fourth Brother used every connection he had to secure Luo Min’s promotion.”
“Shui County lies beyond that gate. I passed through it and dealt with him when I left. He did send Concubine Luo a letter these past two days.”
“I have ordered the letter investigated, along with Baihe’s background.”
Ji Hanyi had not expected him to begin investigating so soon after returning. She nodded.
She did not mention her suspicion of Madam Bai. It rested only on intuition and the coincidence of Madam Bai’s illness. Besides, Madam Bai had watched Shen Si grow up, and the First Branch had reportedly cared for him well. Ji Hanyi would not sow discord without evidence.
Shen Si repeated Fourth Brother’s request. “Ignore everyone else. This depends entirely on what you want. I will uphold your decision.”
Ji Hanyi decided to let matters rest until his investigation produced an answer. She still had doubts, and Concubine Luo had already been punished. There was no need to press her advantage relentlessly.
Moreover, First Master had personally pleaded. Ji Hanyi wished to live peacefully in the residence and had no reason to create another conflict.
A maid announced that First Master had brought Second Master to apologize. Second Master knelt outside, refusing to rise, and offered to accept punishment in Concubine Luo’s place.
Ji Hanyi was surprised. Though Concubine Luo was a concubine, her son honored her and her husband favored her. She could hardly be utterly wicked.
She said, “Concubine Luo has been punished. There is no enmity between us. Perhaps it was an unthinking mistake. I do not wish to mention it again.”
“It is enough that the rumor has stopped. A maid died because of it today-an ill omen-and Fourth Brother has pleaded for her. I never intended to pursue it further.”
Shen Si studied her peaceful face and bright eyes, finding her unbearably endearing. His attendant had recounted her clever performance that day, including the ink-and-teacup ruse.
He stroked her cheek. She was quiet and obedient, neither crying nor complaining after such an ordeal, almost as though she felt no grievance. Yet after everything she had suffered, how could she not?
“Hanyi, consider no one else. If you do not wish to see Madam Luo, she will disappear.”
Ji Hanyi shook her head. “I truly mean it. Go answer Fourth Brother, Marquis. Do not keep him waiting.”
After another long look, Shen Si said, “Remain here. I will see them outside.”
Shen Changying knelt holding a whip, inviting punishment. Shen Su stood beside him. “Changying came willingly. Do not spare him, Fifth Younger Brother.”
Shen Su feared Shen Si might suppress Changying’s career. Changying had only just entered the Hanlin Academy, and a single word from Shen Si before His Majesty the Emperor could destroy his future.
Shen Si looked from Changying to his brother. His voice held less coldness than it would with an outsider. “There is no need for this, Fourth Brother. Hanyi has always been mild and seeks only harmony in the residence. She does not intend to be unforgiving.”
“Madam Luo has been punished. If no more rumors arise, the matter ends here. Hanyi will not pursue it.”
Relief crossed Shen Su’s face. “Rest assured. It will never happen again. I will replace the maids serving Rong’er as well.”
Shen Si’s expression darkened. He knew for himself whether the matter was truly over.
Shen Changying bowed sincerely. “Fifth Uncle, I apologize to Fifth Aunt on my mother’s behalf.”