Ling'er nodded thoughtfully, took a step forward, carried the pastries, and followed Lin Wanyu towards the front yard.
Just as they entered the yard, they heard Wang Jinsong's angry roar.
"Tell me, how did the young lady go missing? You always seemed the most loyal on weekdays, but I didn't expect you to be a stupid traitor!"
Furong was kneeling in front of the hall. By now, she was sobbing uncontrollably.
"Please forgive me, Master. Please forgive me. This morning, I accompanied the young lady to the gate and waited for the carriage. Who would have thought that suddenly a lot of burly men rushed out, grabbed the young lady, and ran away. I wanted to chase them, but I was punched and knocked unconscious. When I woke up, there was only this letter under my hand. Please forgive me, Master. Please forgive me!"
While begging for mercy, she kowtowed. Her disheveled hairpin completely came loose. From the back, she looked like a madwoman.
Wang Jinsong took a deep breath, returned to his chair, and sat down. Then he looked at the letter again, frowning tightly.
Gu Nianci, who was sitting beside him crying bitterly, didn't care about her demeanor at this moment. "Master, you have to think of a way quickly. Yurou has been abducted by those villains. If this gets out, her reputation will be ruined!"
Seeing this, Wang Jinsong suppressed his annoyance and said in a deep voice, "I've already sent people to raise money and look for the Flying Swallow Beauty. These villains want ten thousand taels of silver and a beauty called the Flying Swallow. It's not that easy to find."
"Master, Madam, this servant made some pastries and specially brought them here for you to taste."
Taking the opportunity, Lin Wanyu lied to the maid guarding the door, carried the osmanthus cakes in her hand, and stepped inside.
Seeing this, Nanny Li quickly scolded in a cold voice, "Who allowed you, a servant girl, to come to the main hall on your own? Hurry up and get out. Don't cause any more trouble."
Hearing this, Lin Wanyu quickly knelt down to plead guilty. "This servant is guilty. Please forgive me, Master and Madam. I just heard that the second young lady was coming back today, so I thought I'd make some simple pastries for you, Master, Madam, and the second young lady to taste."
Nanny Li gave a look to the two maids guarding the door. The maids rushed in. Just as they were about to drag Lin Wanyu out, Wang Jinsong spoke.
"Miss Lin has good intentions. But since Yurou hasn't come back yet, please sit here and wait with us, Miss Lin!"
It's really a case of searching high and low without success, but finding it without even trying.
Wasn't there a Flying Swallow Beauty right in front of them!
Wang Jinsong glanced at Gu Nianci. Gu Nianci immediately understood. She grabbed her handkerchief, wiped the tears from her face, and then turned to whisper, "Go and get Miss Lin's indenture."
Nanny Li understood and led several maids in the hall. They helped Furong, whose eyes were black and blue from the beating, and retreated.
The hall suddenly became quiet, and there was a terrifying atmosphere surging in the air.
Lin Wanyu sat there quietly. Her heart, which had been hanging high, gradually calmed down after Nanny Li left.
So, it was a success.
The wedding date between Lu Huaijin and Wang Yurou was just these few days. Anyway, she was going to die. Instead, she might as well exchange Wang Yurou back for them before she died.
As long as they acted quickly, no one would know that Wang Yurou had been abducted, and there would be no changes on Lu Huaijin's side.
Moreover, everyone in the capital city now knew that the marriage between the Lu and Wang families was requested by Lu Huaijin. If the engagement was broken at this time, Lu Huaijin would be disgraced. Even if he didn't care about his reputation, there was still the Princess of Xiang. She couldn't not care.
As long as the Princess of Xiang insisted on this marriage, there wouldn't be any problems.
Lin Wanyu understood the Wang family's thoughts too well. I'm afraid that most of the rumors spread outside and the storybooks written were also from their hands.
All for the purpose of leaving Lu Huaijin with no way out.
Thinking of this, Lin Wanyu lowered her eyes and hooked her lips. There was more irony between her eyebrows.
She watched coldly. Lu Huaijin wasn't an easy person to be manipulated. Otherwise, he wouldn't have fought his way out when the Prince's Mansion was in decline.
But why didn't he break off the engagement that day?
Was it really because of her, or did he have other schemes?
She knew very little about the affairs in the court. Thinking too much was useless. Right now, she was about to regain her freedom. She should think about her future path.
After about an incense stick's time, the chief steward hurriedly stepped into the main hall. He walked up to Wang Jinsong and whispered, "Master, the silver has been prepared."
Wang Jinsong nodded slightly, looked up at Lin Wanyu, who had been sitting there quietly all the time, and ordered, "Go and prepare the carriage. Also, find the magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture and explain today's matter to him. Ask him to lead people and quietly follow behind our carriage. Be sure not to alert the enemy."
When he said the last sentence, his voice became even softer.
The steward nodded gloomily and quickly walked out.
After he left, Wang Jinsong gave a look to Gu Nianci beside him. Gu Nianci nodded slightly, grabbed her handkerchief, coughed lightly, and said, "I used to like making some sugar cakes and such. Today, after seeing what Miss Lin made, I want to make some for Yurou to eat. Miss Lin, come back with me and teach me!"
Saying this, she slowly got up, supported by the maid's hand, and walked outside.
Lin Wanyu frowned slightly. It seemed that she didn't expect what Gu Nianci was up to. She paused for a moment and then got up and followed.
When she went out, Ling'er also followed along.
Gu Nianci turned around, smiled gently, and ordered, "Ling'er, you can wait here. You don't need to follow and serve."
Ling'er curtsied and replied, "Yes."
Seeing this, Lin Wanyu suddenly understood. She shook the handkerchief in her hand and then followed Gu Nianci towards the back yard.
Along the way, Gu Nianci didn't say a word. Lin Wanyu was vigilant about her surroundings. Until they entered the yard, nothing happened.
"Miss Lin, please!"
Gu Nianci walked to the door of the small kitchen and smilingly motioned for her to go in.
Just as Lin Wanyu took a few steps forward, suddenly someone behind her covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief. The other hand clamped her body tightly, making her unable to move.
Gradually, she lost consciousness and slowly fell to the ground.
Gu Nianci looked down at her and indifferently ordered, "Later, put her in a sack and carry her onto the carriage. Don't let anyone see her. Otherwise, it will be another hassle."
Nanny Li replied and then turned to order the two young servants beside her, "Tie her up, put her in a sack, and then go out through the small path later. Don't let anyone see you, and don't let the news leak out. Otherwise, you know what will happen to you."
The young servants replied and quickly tied Lin Wanyu up, put her in a sack, and carried her out.
Gu Nianci took the indenture from Nanny Li's hand, turned around, and went back to the front yard.
After everything was ready, Wang Jinsong led the chief steward and several strong young servants and quickly walked outside.
Just as they reached the mansion gate, they saw a large crowd of people coming. Then, a luxurious eight - treasure exquisite covered carriage slowly stopped in front of them.