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The lad servant who arrived was from Yue’s Gold Pavilion, and he brought this news from Mr. Zhao. He stated that he was willing to sit down and negotiate for peace.

This signified a compromise, which was good news. It allowed for the time needed for the subsequent peace talks. After the lad left, Yu Dong reported to Qu Moying about the discovery of closely monitoring the Earl Ling’an’s Mansion for a few days.

“A manager named Shaw?” Qu Moying raised her eyebrows after hearing this. “A relative of Madam Shaw?”

It was also surnamed Shaw, and it left her with no choice but to contemplate further.

“Yes, I heard he is a distant relative of Madam Shaw, responsible for managing the procurement in the backyard. When you consider it, he is not really a servant of Earl Ling’an’s Mansion.” Yu Dong nodded. “He is the one who had contact with Young Master Zhao. Although he had some financial constraints in the past due to his responsibilities in procurement, recently he seems to have become more affluent. Suddenly, he had a substantial amount of money and even purchased an additional house.”

“During this period?” Qu Moying pondered for a moment before asking.

“Yes, during this period. It should be within a few days after Young Master Zhao arrived in the capital,” replied Yu Dong. She had previously gathered information and took the time to organize it.

Finding Yue’s Gold Pavilion within a few days and succeeding in one strike, even with Manager Shaw’s assistance, was extremely impressive. The speed of the operation was quite swift and urgent.

This Young Master Zhao was indeed extraordinary. He didn’t seem like an ordinary person.

“My lady, do you still want to keep an eye on Manager Shaw?” Yu Dong asked, concerned that their young lady might inadvertently face risks. After considering it for a while, she posed the question again.

“No need. Let’s put this matter aside for now. If Young Master Zhao is easy to deal with, we can consider it settled. As for Young Master Zhao’s specific intentions, it’s unrelated to us.” Qu Moying lightly pressed her hand in the air.

Since this Young Master Zhao wasn’t sent by Madam Shaw but approached on his own initiative, it became less significant. If Young Master Zhao remained agreeable during the upcoming negotiations, it wouldn’t affect them in the future.

Qu Moying was already occupied with her own affairs and couldn’t be too concerned about others.

She just hoped that Young Master Zhao had no connection to her future plans!

“Yes, I will arrange it.” Yu Dong turned to leave.

“Wait.” Qu Moying called out, stopping Yu Dong. “Where is the location of the house Manager Shaw recently purchased?”

“It’s not far from Earl Ling’an’s Mansion. The property prices in that area are quite high. Previously, it wasn’t something someone like Manager Shaw could afford. However, all of a sudden, he became wealthy and bought a house in that vicinity.” Yu Dong explained.

Qu Moying contemplated and nodded. She had only vaguely heard about Manager Shaw’s matters before. The procurement responsibilities had long been managed by the Shaw family since Qu Moying, as Lady Ji Hanyue, was still an unmarried lady. Some matters were not convenient for her to inquire about, so the Shaw family took care of most of them.

After hearing Yu Dong’s words, she suddenly recalled something related to Manager Shaw’s family. She carefully considered it and made a decision.

“Yu Dong, please investigate an incident that happened six months ago concerning Manager Shaw. I heard that his son was involved in injuring someone.”

Qu Moying instructed.

She had only caught a snippet of this matter when she overheard Shaw and Old Lady Ji’s conversation. But once she entered, Shaw didn’t mention it again.

Later, she casually inquired a bit. It seemed that someone related to Manager Shaw had caused harm, but at that time, it didn’t concern her, and since she learned that it was Shaw’s maternal family, she didn’t pursue it further. If there was any need for inquiry, it would be handled by the Shaw family.

“Six months ago?” Yu Dong nodded.

“Yes, approximately half a year ago. I don’t have the specific details. Please gather more information.” Qu Moying’s eyes flickered as she spoke.

“In that case, I’ll dispatch someone to investigate immediately.” Yu Dong said, her mind already processing the plan. She then retreated.

Qu Moying watched Yu Dong’s figure thoughtfully. After considering her options, she concluded that she needed to start investigating from Earl Ling’an’s Mansion. The Prince’s East Palace was too significant of a target, and the revelation would be too shocking. Therefore, she needed to dig deeper into the Shaw family’s side.

Manager Shaw. As a distant relative of the Shaw family, he must be one of their trusted confidants to be involved in the Yue’s Gold Pavilion matter again!

Being exposed by someone close certainly added an interesting twist to the situation!

Though she wondered if the information was truly reliable…

On the day of the Duke Qi’s chrysanthemum banquet, Qu Moying woke up early. Her two maids had already prepared a set of light, pale yellow attire for her. The shade of yellow was extremely subtle, worn over a white gown and topped with a delicate yellow veil, giving her a refreshing and ethereal appearance.

Qu Moying herself had always been slender, and despite her growing figure, she remained thin enough to elicit sympathy. As the breeze caught the billowing veil, she emanated an otherworldly charm.

The wide eight-layered skirt was adorned with delicate chrysanthemum embroidery, perfectly fitting the occasion. Cinching her slim waist further accentuated her slender figure.

As the long and voluminous eye veil was fastened, it concealed her breathtaking beauty while adding a touch of vulnerability.

Among all the people in the capital, no one appeared as delicate and fragile as she did.

Of course, her two maids were aware that this was all a facade. Only those who truly knew their mistress could understand her true nature beyond the surface.

After getting ready, Qu Moying went to see the Old Lady. Qu Qiuyan had arrived early and was already waiting. Upon catching sight of Qu Moying, a fleeting trace of jealousy flickered in her eyes. She couldn’t help but feel that even with the eye veil, Qu Moying remained captivating. Qu Qiuyan wished she could tear off the veil and reveal her own repugnant eyes, eliminating any romantic notions others might have.

Unaware of Qu Qiuyan’s momentary reaction, the Old Lady quietly instructed them on a few matters before dismissing them.

The two of them boarded the Qu family’s carriage one after the other, maintaining the appearance of sisters from the same mansion, as perceived by outsiders.

The carriage advanced steadily, and inside, both Qu Moying and Qu Qiuyan remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts. It had become their customary behavior when they found themselves alone together.

The masters’ silence was met with the same from the maids. Yu Dong and Qing Ju exchanged a brief glance before averting their eyes.

The carriage journey was peaceful. As it moved forward, it eventually arrived at the Duke Qi’s Mansion.

They were greeted by a smiling servant woman standing by the parking area.

“Third and Forth Lady Qu.”

Recognizing the servant as their guide from the Qi Mansion, Qu Qiuyan nodded with indifference and instructed, “Lead the way.”

The servant nodded in response and cheerfully led the way, prompting Qu Qiuyan to quicken her pace.

Qu Moying disembarked more slowly, only standing still. Qu Qiuyan had already followed the servant, leaving behind only her receding figure.

“Lady…” Yu Dong expressed her annoyance, realizing that the third young lady intentionally left their own young lady behind.

Qu Moying smiled faintly and shook her head. “It’s fine.”

Just as she was about to take a step forward, she noticed a young lad servant peering cautiously from around the corner. She furrowed her brow, perplexed by his intentions.

At the same time, Yu Dong also spotted the lad and glared at him disapprovingly, causing the lad to hastily retreat.

They didn’t pay further attention to the lad. They followed closely behind Qu Qiuyan, quietly trailing after her.

After a while, the lad cautiously extended his head once more. However, this time he didn’t see the fourth young lady; instead, he spotted County Lady Jingyu alighting from a carriage further behind. Seeing him, she waved her hand in greeting.

Initially reluctant to approach, the lad felt compelled to comply with her gesture, reluctantly making his way over.

“County Lady.” the lad bowed.

“Are you one of the first cousin’s servants?” Liu Jingyu examined the lad up and down and asked.

When she entered, she had witnessed Qu Moying noticing the lad. The lad had retreated upon catching sight of her, and with a single glance, she recognized him as one of the servants by her eldest cousin’s side. She deliberately waited until Qu Moying was far away before summoning the lad.

“Yes.” the lad reluctantly admitted.

“Why did you sneak in here? Could it be that you intended to pry into something?” Liu Jingyu’s expression darkened, her voice cold.

The words were rather harsh, and the lad became frightened, hastily responding, “My lady, I was sent by the Eldest Young Master to simply come and see…”

Realizing his words were faltering, he hurriedly stopped himself, his face filled with embarrassment.

“See what?” Liu Jingyu asked, her tone chilly.

“Just to see how many guests have arrived… The master wanted to make preparations!” The lad stuttered, giving the impression that he was not speaking the truth.

“Since when did such matters become the responsibility of the eldest cousin?” Liu Jingyu sneered.

“Well… that’s what the master said. My lady, if you don’t believe me, you can go ask him.” The lad hastily suggested, appearing increasingly guilty, avoiding eye contact with Liu Jingyu.

This manner made it evident that something was amiss, and that it was related to Qi Xiuran. However, if the lad remained resolute in not speaking, there was little Liu Jingyu could do.

With a cold snort, she retorted, “Wouldn’t he want to lay eyes on the two young ladies from the Qu Mansion?”

The moment those words were spoken, Liu Jingyu’s heart raced, her eyes suddenly brightening.

The lad’s complexion grew flustered at the question, further betraying his guilt. “How… how could that be, my lady? If you don’t believe me, you can go ask Eldest Young Master.”

Those were the only words he could muster, leaving the impression that there was indeed something going on, and his face displayed considerable embarrassment.

Liu Jingyu scrutinized the lad’s expression once more, her voice turning cold. “You may leave now!”

“Yes, yes, I will return immediately!” The lad felt as though he had been granted a reprieve, repeatedly assuring her, bowing to Liu Jingyu, and then swiftly turning to run off.

Liu Jingyu’s gaze remained fixed on the lad’s retreating figure, her eyes turning dark and cold. What did her cousin mean? Could it be that he had taken an interest in Qu Moying?

As for why Liu Jingyu didn’t think it was Qu Qiuyan, the answer was simple. Qu Qiuyan and Lord Jing were both figures well-known among noble families. Liu Jingyu had previously considered Lord Jing as a potential match, but had yet to confirm the news, partly because of Qu Qiuyan.

Now, if someone else had caught the cousin’s attention, it had to be Qu Moying.

The mere thought of Qu Moying caused Liu Jingyu’s gaze to darken immediately.

Qu Moying had once again caused trouble for her. She had gone through great efforts to place Qing Mei, the maid, by Qu Mingcheng’s side, only for Qu Moying to ruin everything.

Perhaps this was another opportunity.

After considering her options, Liu Jingyu called for a maid from the Duke Qi’s Mansion, instructing her with a few words before the maid turned and left.