Сhаpter 59: Тhе Wоmеn оf the Inner Chаmbеrs
Madаm Zheng spоkе uр аt this mоmеnt. "We arе all women here. What's wrоng with сhatting аbout wоmеn's tорics? Маdаm Shеn, уou nеedn't feel аwkwаrd. Just treаt this placе as yоur own homе аnd sау whаtеvеr is on yоur mind."
"Yеs, yеs. Sinсе our hоstess hаs sрoken, wе nаturallу can't hold bаck. Let's all sреаk freеly," Zhu Yan chimеd in, gоing with thе flow.
Маdаm Таng slоwly роured а cuр of teа and brоught it tо hеr lips. "Тhе tеа has a rich flаvor and a mellow frаgrance. Тhis must be this yеar's nеw Вiluoсhun."
"Madam Tang certainly has a discerning palate. This is indeed this year's new Biluochun," Madam Zheng replied. "I personally selected and set aside these tea leaves. It's a rare occasion for us to gather today, so I brought them out to entertain you. Come, Madam Shen, you and the others have a taste as well. This tea is truly a rare, top-grade product."
Zhu Yan felt very awkward listening to this, but she quickly joined Lu Chuichui in raising her cup to her lips to taste the tea.
Madam Tang set down her teacup and turned her gaze to Zhu Yan. "Some time has passed. Is the case progressing smoothly?"
Hearing this, Zhu Yan nodded with a smile. "It's fine. Everything is going smoothly. We should be able to catch the murderer soon."
At the mention of this, Madam Zheng sighed from the side. "If only that were true. Look at the state of things now—the entire city of Chang'an is in a panic. It's gotten so bad that even children don't dare to go out on the streets to play."
"We can't blame the Inner Guard Bureau for being ineffective," Madam Tang interjected in a gentle tone. "We can only blame the murderer for being so cunning, escaping justice time and time again. Wouldn't you agree, Madam Shen?"
As she spoke, Madam Tang looked at Zhu Yan, her words seemingly laced with a hint of provocation and mockery.
"It's fine, it's fine," Zhu Yan replied casually, her expression a little pale as she agreed with Madam Tang's words.
Lu Chuichui, who was beside her, also caught the underlying meaning in the words and quickly took over the conversation. "Isn't that the truth? If the murderer weren't so insidious and crafty, we probably would have caught him long ago. He's caused this widespread panic. If I ever get my hands on him, I definitely won't let him off."
Madam Tang lowered her head and chuckled softly. "It's rare for Officer Lu to have such aspirations. I'll toast you with this tea and wish you an early capture of the murderer."
Lu Chuichui was taken aback by this, then quickly raised her teacup and shared a toast with Madam Tang.
The conversation gradually grew stale. After the serious matters were discussed, Madam Zheng skillfully shifted the topic back to women.
Once the subject of skincare came up, it was as if a floodgate had opened for the women. They chattered away, one after another, the conversation growing quite heated.
Just then, a house servant came to report again, "Madam, the Great Pavilion Commander has arrived with his men."
Hearing this, Madam Zheng looked at Zhu Yan. "The Great Pavilion Commander and his wife must be deeply in love. You've only been apart for a short while, and he's already missing you."
"Madam Zheng, you're just teasing me." Zhu Yan offered no defense. After hearing Madam Zheng's words, she even lowered her head with a hint of coyness.
This very scene was witnessed in its entirety by Shen Du as he approached from a distance.
It was the first time Shen Du had ever seen Zhu Yan appear before him like a demure young woman. That bashfulness and lowered gaze were so beautiful.
Shen Du led his men into the pavilion. Seeing Zhu Yan in the middle of a lively chat with the ladies, he stepped forward and said, "Have I come at a bad time? Am I interrupting you?"
"Not at all, not at all," Madam Zheng said, rising to her feet at once. "When women get together, we just have our women's topics. It's not holding up anything important. Someone, serve tea! Great Pavilion Commander, please have a seat."
Shen Du sat down next to Zhu Yan and glanced at her. Her expression was calm; she merely nodded slightly as a gesture of politeness.
At that moment, Zhu Yan suddenly remembered her real purpose for coming to the Liang residence today and asked, "The last time I was at the Liang residence, I met a maid who seemed quite clever. Why haven't I seen her today?"
Madam Zheng looked somewhat puzzled. "There are many maids in the residence. I wonder which one Madam Shen is referring to?"
Zhu Yan thought for a moment. "I don't know her name, but I know she wore a distinctive piece of jewelry on her hand—a red string tied with a peach-shaped silver charm."
"Oh..." Madam Zheng had a flash of realization. "You must mean Tao'er. That girl was clever, wasn't she? A few days ago, I asked her to clean a room, but somehow she broke an antique vase. It was a gift from the late emperor, extremely valuable. My elder brother was furious, but he was merciful and just sent her back."
"Sent her back where?" Zhu Yan pressed.
"Back to the agent who introduced her, of course. She was recommended by that agent, so we returned her safe and sound. That way, it doesn't affect her finding work with another family, does it?"
"Oh..." Zhu Yan nodded thoughtfully, the cause of the matter already taking shape in her mind.
At this time, Liang Jiren arrived with his men. Madam Zheng quickly stood up. "Perfect, my elder brother is here. He also knows about this matter. You might as well ask him."
Overhearing their conversation, Liang Jiren walked over on his own accord. "What's this? What do you want to ask?"
Madam Zheng greeted him with a smile. "It's nothing much. It's about that maid who made a mistake a few days ago. Didn't you send her back, brother? I didn't expect that she and Madam Shen had a connection."
"You mean that girl named Tao'er?"
Madam Zheng nodded repeatedly.
Liang Jiren looked at Zhu Yan. "I didn't realize that maid had a connection with you, Madam Shen. She made a mistake a few days ago, so I sent her back to the agent. But then I thought about how she had worked in the residence for some time, so I gave her some extra money before she left."
"Lord Liang is truly generous and merciful. I am impressed," Shen Du suddenly interjected. He glanced at Zhu Yan, who understood his meaning.
"If she's gone, then it's no matter. By the way, this is some calming incense I requested from Foguang Temple." As Zhu Yan spoke, she took out a block of incense tightly wrapped in a silk handkerchief. "Although Foguang Temple isn't as famous as Western Brightness Temple, it has a long history and profound Buddhist teachings. The last time I came, I noticed Madam Wei didn't look well. This incense might help calm her spirit and aid her sleep. I made a special trip to request it as a gift for Madam Wei."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of both Liang Jiren and Madam Zheng changed instantly.
No one else spoke. Madam Tang, too, just gently waved her silk fan, remaining a quiet observer as if the matter had nothing to do with her.
"Since my wife sincerely requested it, it must be quite effective. Lord Liang, surely you won't disappoint my wife's kind intentions?"
Shen Du stood up and said. Liang Jiren, unable to maintain his composure, quickly replied, "Of course, of course. Since it is a token of Madam Shen's goodwill, how could I possibly disappoint her?"
As he spoke, Liang Jiren descended the steps and made a gesture of invitation. "Everyone, please follow me."
The group followed Liang Jiren to the courtyard where Madam Wei lived, only to see her sitting dazedly in the doorway.
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