To be honest, ever since Xu Mao began to suspect Xiao Tian, Yi Qing had not held much affection for this fellow.
So when the emperor sent him here, Yi Qing paid little heed to him. She only told him what she considered important, but it was far from a detailed account.
After frowning and pondering for a long time, Xu Mao said, "Madam, would you mind acting as bait to draw out the person in the dark and eliminate the threat once and for all?"
"I do mind," Yi Qing replied bluntly.
Xu Mao said, "Madam, this is for your own safety."
"Of course I know that, but I don't trust you."
"Don't trust me?"
"I don't trust you to protect me. With Xiao Tian away, I won't entrust my safety to others. I'm afraid of being silenced right under everyone's noses."
"That shouldn't happen."
"What if it does?" Yi Qing said coldly. "I haven't lived enough yet. I don't want to take risks."
Xu Mao said excitedly, "Madam, how could you be like this?"
"This is just the kind of woman I am," Yi Qing raised her eyebrows. "The emperor sent you here to investigate the case, not to judge me. Didn't you keep saying that you respect Xiao Jinghan? Then respect his widow too. Aren't we somewhat related? Don't push me into the fire."
Acting as bait? That was simply a joke.
If the person behind this was really powerful, wouldn't she just be throwing herself into the lion's den?
Xu Mao was eager to solve the case, and having no other leads, he could only try to persuade her earnestly, but Yi Qing rebuffed all his attempts.
Xu Mao returned dejectedly. After much thought, he decided to ask Ran Ran for help.
As expected, he was severely scolded by Ran Ran.
"My elder brother is already gone. My sister-in-law has been through a terrifying experience and is already scared. How could you force her to be bait! If anything happens to her, Baozi will be an orphan! I never knew you could be so cruel!"
Xu Mao was scolded until he didn't dare to say a word.
He found that since he fell in love with Ran Ran, he began to doubt his own intelligence.
Why, no matter how hard he racked his brains and tried every method, couldn't he win Ran Ran's favor?
Women were really more of a headache than solving cases; but a woman he liked was like a case he was obsessed with. Once he got into it, he couldn't extricate himself.
"I'm not talking to you anymore. You only told me about what happened to my sister-in-law today, even though it was such a big deal," Ran Ran stamped her foot in anger. "I have to go back and prepare something quickly to visit my sister-in-law."
"Hey, don't... don't go!" Xu Mao watched her walking further and further away, leaving only her back to him. He slowly lowered his outstretched hand helplessly, and his voice gradually faded away. "Oh no, now my plan to propose marriage can't be hidden."
But fortunately, although he was frustrated in love, he still had his career to console him. Xu Mao soon threw himself back into the investigation of the case.
Because of what happened to Yi Qing, Jushuang entered the mansion a few days earlier than the previously agreed time, full of guilt.
Yi Qing had someone draw up a three - year contract for her to sign. Since she planned to make good use of Jushuang, there had to be some constraints, and signing a contract was essential.
Since it was a flexible contract and not a purchase but an employment contract, Jushuang was very grateful to Yi Qing.
After Jushuang pressed her fingerprint on the contract, Yi Qing said, "Your father is not in good health, and I know you miss home. I'll give you two days off a month to go back and visit."
Jushuang never expected this extra benefit. Her eyes were full of surprise and gratitude as she said, "Thank you, madam. One day is enough. As long as I see that my father is well, I'll be relieved."
As long as Accountant Zhang could recover and return to work, it wouldn't be difficult for the Zhang family to hire or even buy a servant. Whether she was at home to take care of him or not wasn't that important.
Yi Qing said, "I only have one requirement for you. Remember your place! Keep the accounts of the mansion in perfect order, and you'll deserve what you get."
"Yes!"
Jushuang was very diligent and professional. On her first day, she looked through more than a dozen account books.
It was said that in front of the mansion's accountants, she flipped through the account books with one hand and worked the abacus with the other, making it so dizzying that no one could see clearly. But she could point out every tiny mistake in the accounts, amazing everyone.
Leaving professional matters to professional people, Yi Qing was very satisfied with her judgment and choice.
Jushuang was well - behaved and dedicated, so Yi Qing treated her kindly and told her not to stay up late looking at the accounts and ruin her eyes.
Jushuang smiled and said, "I only stayed up late on the first night. I've already sorted out this year's accounts. Now I'm checking last year's, and I'll check the year before next..."
Yi Qing was very surprised to see her so enthusiastic. Was her efficiency really that high?
Why did she feel like Jushuang was overqualified for this?
She waved her hand and said, "You don't need to check the previous years' accounts. I didn't ask you to find their mistakes. I just want them to be afraid and not dare to deceive me."
If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. As long as she had a clear idea in her mind, she could turn a blind eye to many things that didn't involve principles and bottom - lines.
Jushuang said, "Yes, madam. But if that's the case, I'm afraid I'll have nothing to do... How about I come and serve you?"
Yi Qing smiled and said, "You can come to my courtyard to play if you like, but there's no need to serve me. I'm not short of maids."
"Then I'll take it as your consent."
Although Yi Qing had said so before, Jushuang was grateful for her life - saving grace, so she was very diligent everywhere. Without Yi Qing's orders, she arranged everything properly.
Yi Qing couldn't help but say, "You're really going to spoil me. Be careful that I'll be so possessive that I won't let you go after three years."
Jushuang smiled and said, "I'm afraid it'll be me who won't leave even if you beat me with a stick. I'll cling to your legs and never let go."
For her, there were only Yi Qing and Baozi as masters in the general's mansion. Yi Qing was kind - hearted and didn't require her to be servile and trembling. She lived a very relaxed and happy life.
Because of the kidnapping incident, Yi Qing stayed quietly in the mansion; and because Jushuang accompanied her and Mrs. Di often came to visit, the days weren't so boring.
However, this quiet life of staying at home was interrupted by an unexpected event.
"Madam, Headmaster Lu asks you to go to the academy. He said that the prince has fallen off his horse and is injured. He asks you to go quickly."
When Yi Qing heard this news, her mind went blank.
Fortunately, the maid continued, "The messenger said that it doesn't seem to be a serious injury. It's just that his right ankle is severely swollen and he can't move. Headmaster Lu didn't let anyone move him and said to wait for you."
Yi Qing let out a sigh of relief, but she was still extremely anxious. Since the person brought Lu Tianxun's note, she didn't think much and had someone prepare the carriage. Then she took Jushuang and left the mansion.
On the way, Jushuang kept talking to Yi Qing, constantly comforting her.
Yi Qing said, "It's okay for a child to have a few bumps and bruises. I'm just afraid he might hurt a vital part."