The Dark Moonlight returns to the capital, and the mad prince is accused of forcing love.

"What do you mean by that?"

Xu Qianhui lowered her eyelashes slightly, still massaging the old lady's legs with her hands.

"Ah Hui can't be sure either."

"Hmph, does anyone in the Duke's mansion dare to harm this old woman?" The old lady said, her eyes half-closed, her face devoid of emotion. "If word gets out, the whole capital will laugh their heads off."

Xu Qianhui lowered her head and said, "The old lady has been in charge of the household for many years, and the rules in the mansion are very strict. Naturally, no one dares to overstep them."

"If that's the case, why are you still saying all this?"

"Ah Hui only remembers that when we were in the manor, the imperial physician came to check on Madam's health." Xu Qianhui raised her face and spoke softly, "At that time, the imperial physician said that the old lady was in good health and that if she took good care of herself, she would surely live a long life."

The old lady did not respond.

Xu Qianhui continued, "Madam, do you usually take care of yourself?"

Why don't I have it?

Over the years, the kitchen has been delivering health-preserving meals every day, and she also practices two sets of boxing every morning.

But later he got tired, so he practiced boxing less and instead went for walks in the garden.

Later on, even strolling through the park made her feel that she had the will but not the strength.

In particular, her headaches became more and more frequent.

I used to think it was because of her old age, but now that I think about it carefully, even the old lady herself has her doubts.

Yes, when exactly did my body start to break down?

Xu Qianhui knelt upright, without adding a single word.

The old lady had been in charge of the household for many years, and what she had in abundance was suspicion.

That's enough.

Saying more would only make it seem like you're in a hurry.

A moment later, the old lady raised her hand and pressed her forehead.

"This is alarmist."

Xu Qianhui immediately bowed: "Ahui wouldn't dare."

The old lady spoke with sarcasm: "I have managed the Duke's mansion for over forty years. From the stewards to the gatekeepers, who would dare to plot against me?"

"You come from a merchant family and have never managed a household before, how would you know the power of authority?"

"As long as one holds power, anyone who dares to disobey will bring disaster upon their entire family."

"Who would dare to do that?"

Xu Qianhui listened quietly, then rose and bowed, saying, "What the old lady says is true. I am ignorant and may have been overthinking things. I dare not keep the old lady from resting, so I will take my leave now."

Watching Xu Qianhui's light green skirt disappear through the courtyard gate, the old lady stared at the empty space for a long time before raising her hand.

Granny Fang came out from behind the corridor and quickly stepped forward: "Madam."

The old lady leaned back in her wicker chair: "Did you hear that?"

"I heard you."

What do you think?

After a moment's hesitation, Granny Fang said, "Could it be that she still harbors thoughts of becoming the Crown Prince's consort?"

"Her?" The old lady scoffed. "A down-on-her-luck merchant's daughter. If the Xu family hadn't sent her to the Duke's mansion five years ago, she would have been married off to some widower or scoundrel."

"She can't reach that spot, she knows that better than anyone."

"Besides, even the most confused person, after going through that experience, would no longer have any delusions."

Granny Fang asked, puzzled, "Then why did she say all this?"

"Although she is not exactly benevolent, she wouldn't speak without reason." The old lady closed her eyes. "Go, investigate Ci'an Hall thoroughly. I want to see what kind of monsters and demons dare to bully this old woman."

Granny Fang immediately agreed.

......

Xu Qianhui walked slowly outside Ci'an Hall.

After passing through the moon gate, we did not go to the flower hall.

Since Madam Fu didn't send anyone to guide her, she didn't need to rush back to avoid offending her.

The banquet hadn't ended yet, and Lin Zuo'an wouldn't be able to come out anytime soon.

Xu Qianhui went around to the back garden and went to the pavilion where she used to love to stay.

The koi carp in the pond squeezed to the surface, their red and green colors mixed together, plump and fat. I wonder if they were the ones she used to raise.

Fish food was placed beside the pavilion.

Xu Qianhui picked up a small pinch and sprinkled it down.

The water surface immediately became chaotic.

"They all love to compete, and they're not afraid of overeating."

As soon as she said it, Xu Qianhui laughed.

Given the old lady's temperament, she should have already begun the investigation by now.

The highest authority in the Duke's mansion... I really look forward to it...

Whether she can return to Jiangnan with Zuo An soon depends on the old lady.

Just then, the sound of women laughing and talking came from the other end of the winding corridor.

"Have you seen the Second Young Master? He's quite handsome, almost as so as the Young Master."

"In my opinion, the young master is better. He was a top scholar in his youth and is now the Prefect of the Capital." Another person said, "I really envy Sister Lin for getting such a good husband."

The voice that followed was, as Xu Qianhui remembered, that of Lin Zhiwei, whom she had seen at Linlang Pavilion the day before.

She said, "The young master is certainly good. It's just that too many people are bothering him, both before and now."

Xu Qianhui looked down at the fish fighting for food: Could it be that this Miss Lin has heard about my story?

Sure enough, Lin Zhiwei uttered her next sentence.

"There was even someone who jumped into the river for the young master; they were willing to risk their lives."

No sooner had Lin Zhiwei finished speaking than someone exclaimed, "What's that vixen doing here?!"

Xu Qianhui turned her head and saw a woman in a pink dress pointing at her.

She recognized that person.

Qiu Zhiqing, Lin Rulan's close friend and daughter of the Minister of Revenue.

This girl once slapped herself twice every time she came to the Duke's mansion because she admired Lin Zuoqing.

Xu Qianhui put down the fish food, stood up and bowed.

"Miss Qiu, it's been a long time."

Qiu Zhiqing walked over quickly, her pink skirt sweeping across the stone steps.

"Xu Qianhui, why are you back again?"

Xu Qianhui stood in the pavilion, her posture upright.

Her light green dress was refreshing, and a white silk ribbon embroidered with bamboo leaves was tied around her waist, making her waist look slender.

A few strands of hair hung down her snow-white neck, making her appear gentle yet not weak.

"I wonder if Miss Qiu is referring to the Duke's mansion or the capital?"

"Don't play dumb with me! After all that trouble back then, how dare you come back?"

"Miss Qiu still remembers those days." Xu Qianhui nodded slightly. "Indeed, when Miss Qiu came to visit, she always liked to teach me manners."

Qiu Zhiqing's face flushed red: "What do you mean?"

"It's nothing." Xu Qianhui raised his hand to straighten his sleeves: "It's just that after three years, Miss Qiu is still as warm-hearted as before."

I had only been in the mansion for a short time when Miss Qiu asked me all the questions on behalf of the master.

Those who know say that Miss Qiu is straightforward and outspoken.

Those who didn't know better would think the Minister's residence was now in charge of managing the gates for the Duke's residence.

The girls around looked at each other, none of them reacting.

She felt that the woman in front of her was very eloquent; she managed to get Qiu Zhiqing on her feet in just a few words.

Qiu Zhiqing shouted angrily, "Xu Qianhui, how dare you!"

"Did I say something wrong?" Xu Qianhui smiled. "Today is the second wife of the Duke's mansion's birthday. Miss Qiu is a guest, and so am I. Which matron taught you this custom of asking a guest why they've entered?"

Qiu Zhiqing raised her hand to point at her.

Xu Qianhui took a half-step back first.

"Miss Qiu, please be careful. There is a pond right outside this pavilion. If I move aside and you accidentally fall in, it won't sound good if word gets out that you jumped into the water."

"You dare bring this up again?" Qiu Zhiqing gritted her teeth. "Do you think I don't know, even if others don't? You were so shameless back then, clinging to the young master like that!"

"Since Miss Qiu has brought it up, I can certainly accept it," Xu Qianhui said calmly. "But the Duke's Mansion didn't pursue the matter from back then. Miss Qiu, who are you trying to interrogate me on behalf of by bringing it up today?"

"Young Master?"

"Still Miss Lin?"