Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Only after giving these instructions did Meng Die rise to rush towards the Jing Cui Pavilion. With Yao's assistance, both Wen and Meng found their burdens significantly lighter. However, the servants' noses were turned up even higher in the air. Not only had the imagined showdown between Third Aunt and First Aunt failed to materialize, but they now had another sharp-witted mistress to contend with, making them all the more cautious in their duties.

Exiting the Jing Cui Pavilion, Meng Die exchanged subtle glances with Yao and Jin. Meng Die then spoke up, "Xing Huang returned today and brought back quite a few desserts. Would you like to try some?"

Jin's eyes lit up. "I can eat them too?" Her belly had grown significantly, and while she could have normal meals, Meng Die had forbidden her from touching any sweets.

Meng Die replied, "Of course, there are special desserts in there that are suitable for you."

Madame Jin: "I'll go, I'll go."

Madame Yao: "How fortunate. I was just regretting the other day that if I had married in before Xing Huang went to the manor, I would have been able to enjoy so much more delicious food."

Madame Jin laughed heartily, while Meng Die found herself laughing and crying at the same time. "You seem so straightforward on a daily basis, but it turns out you're quite the glutton."

Amidst their chatter, they arrived at Meng Die's courtyard. Xing Huang promptly served a variety of delicate pastries and brewed appropriate teas for each of them before taking her leave. Only the four sisters-in-law were left in the room.

Meng Die: "Eldest Sister, there are no outsiders here now, so I'll ask straightforwardly. Is there something weighing on your mind? You seem rather listless today."

Madam Jin nibbled on her snacks, nodding repeatedly. Madam Yao followed up with a question, "If there's anything troublesome that we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to ask, Eldest Sister."

Madam Wen's slightly worried expression instantly lit up with a smile. "I wondered why everyone was so eager to visit Second Sister-in-law today. You all have such thoughtful intentions. Actually, it's not about me. It's about my third uncle arranging a marriage for my cousin."

Madam Yao inquired, "Is there something amiss?"

Madam Wen hesitated for a moment before whispering, "The third young master from Count Yongping's residence."

Meng Die paused, recognizing that this was the family of her own third aunt, Madam Zhou.

Jin spoke frankly, "Their family? When I was at home, my father mentioned that their family wasn't in the best state."

Yao looked at Jin curiously, "Indeed, it seems so. I recall that just a few days ago, they welcomed another lady into their household. She's the concubine-born sister of Aunt San, how peculiar! Aunt San is about to become a grandmother, really..."

"Misbehaved oldster," Meng Die added, completing Yao's unspoken words.

With his own daughter becoming a grandmother and him having another daughter, not a legitimate one, and no urgent need for an heir, no one would praise him for his virility in this situation; they'd only call him a misbehaved oldster.

Jin shrugged her hands, "I'm not referring to that. I'm not too clear about their current situation either. My family has long severed ties with them. Apart from the formal exchanges of gifts between noble households during festive occasions, there are no other interactions. My father mentioned this about ten years ago, when their family seemed to be considering asking for the hand of one of my aunts."

To begin with, Wen's reservations faded away. "Frankly, I never expected their estate to be in such disarray. As you all know, our estate has two large manors in the outskirts, and with not many inhabitants, we often have surplus rice and grain each year. Aunt Three facilitated a deal, selling our excess provisions to her maternal family."

Meng Die was aware of this matter, but the newlywed Jin Shi and the even more recently married Yao Shi were not. Both of them wore expressions of astonishment.

Wen Si sighed. "In truth, it doesn't really matter which family we sell to. They place their deposits in the spring, and we deliver the grains in autumn, with the silver settled promptly. This had been the arrangement for several years. But last year, things went awry. Near the end of the tenth lunar month, I sent our grain to their estate. They claimed to be occupied and didn't settle the payment on the spot. Later, they kept delaying it until the end of the year before finally paying in full."

Wen Si waved at the group, and Meng Die and the others leaned in. She lowered her voice significantly: "I've heard that Third Aunt contributed some extra funds to gather the silver."

She straightened herself and said, "The advance payment should have been made this spring, but not a single silver tael has been seen. Yet they send word that they expect things to be the same as in previous years. How can it be the same? If you're following previous years' custom, then pay the advance first. After all, we're relatives, and it's not proper to completely lose our composure. Mother is quite worried, and I am too. And now, this happens in our household!"

Madam Yao found it hard to believe that the Count's manor could be lacking in funds. "Could it be that they're simply short on silver for the moment?"

Meng Die chuckled. "Forget it. Let me tell you, they're really broke." Like Madam Wen, Meng Die waved at the three of them, and they all gathered around her. "Both Count Yongping and his son have fallen prey to gambling addiction."

"Ahh!" Madam Wen gasped, abruptly standing up. "I can't stay here. I need to return to my parents' home."

Madam Yao blinked, while Madam Jin whispered, "Those who don't gamble themselves may not understand the danger. According to Eldest Sister and Second Sister, once one gets hooked on gambling, it's inevitable that they'll lose everything, ending in ruin and family breakdown."

Madam Yao was left speechless.

However, Wen Yunxi failed to stop her uncle and aunt. They not only dismissed her words entirely but also scolded her for being envious of others' success. Even her cousin chimed in with a sarcastic tone, "It's fine for Elder Sister to catch the eye of a noble family, but am I that unbearable?"

Wen Yunxi was furious and stormed off in a huff.

Upon hearing the news, Meng Die couldn't help but comment privately, "Good advice is wasted on the doomed."

Meihong also grumbled, "Second Grandma didn't see it, but when Eldest Grandma returned, her face was ashen."

Tao'er added, "For someone as gentle as Eldest Grandma to be angered to such an extent, the other party must have been truly infuriating. Who knows what kind of life awaits in such a family? It's hard to fathom their thoughts."

Ying'er leaned close to Meng Die and whispered, "Didn't my aunt's family go to serve in the palace? Coincidentally, one of my cousins works in his courtyard. He says this man is an expert in drinking, gambling, and even...immoral activities."

Tao'er was astonished. "Will that Miss Wen have a good life after marrying him?"

Meng Die let out a cold snort. "That's her own doing." She had a terrible impression of this particular Miss Wen from the same family. "Ying'er, with a master like that, your cousin is likely to be corrupted too. Stay away from him."

Ying'er replied, "I understand. Not just him, I'll keep my distance from my entire aunt's family. I've also warned my own family to stay away from them."

Meng Die felt relieved. "You're right, but they might not listen. Keep an eye on your family members as well. Don't let them be influenced negatively by that family."

Ying'er nodded repeatedly.

"Miss Lu Wei has returned."

Hastily, Ying'er went to lift the curtain. "Miss Lu Wei."

Lu Wei entered from outside. "Everything is taken care of."

Meng Die inquired, "Did the sea merchant agree?"

Lu Wei chuckled outright. "He agreed immediately, without hesitation. I'm sure if no one was around, he would have jumped for joy knowing it was Second Aunt who wanted to sell him the items."

Xing Huang and the others burst into laughter.

Meng Die asked, "What's his character like? Let's hope he doesn't play two-faced games and cheat us. Once we're out at sea in a foreign land, we'll be clueless."

Lu Wei's smile widened with delight. "Wang Headman said he's very honest in business. Even if he has some hidden motives, it won't spoil anything. Second Aunt might not know, but Tamu and Li Teer, those two merchants, have multiplied their wealth several times over in just a few short years thanks to Second Aunt's influence. Many merchants out there are eager to do business with her. That sea merchant is well aware; if he fails, there are countless others who can take his place. So, he will undoubtedly work tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Meng Die nodded in satisfaction. "That's good to hear. Did he mention how much he plans to sell our silk carpets for back home per piece?"

A contented smile graced Lu Wei's lips. "He's a wise man. I priced the silk carpets equal to those of Shu brocades, and he immediately agreed to purchase them at that rate when he returns home, at fifty taels per carpet."

Meng Die nodded, equally pleased with the price.

Meihong gasped. "Fifty taels each? We only sell them to them for twelve taels!"

Meng Die replied, "The sea is unpredictable, and even familiar routes can lead to disasters. A single mishap could mean the loss of both ship and lives. It truly is a perilous pursuit of wealth. Fifty taels is not an unreasonable price."

Lu Wei concurred. "Indeed, it's not too expensive. In the previous dynasty, the sea was forbidden, so silk could only be transported through the Silk Road via the Hu merchants, a slow and arduous journey. Back then, fabrics like the Fuguang brocade would sell for around two hundred taels per bolt. But with our dynasty opening up the seas, the transportation time and effort were significantly reduced, causing the price of silk to plummet. In the past two years, the Emperor has opened two more ports, which is why the price has now dropped to fifty taels per bolt."

Meihong was still astonished. "Reducing the price to fifty taels is virtually plundering. Being a maritime merchant is truly lucrative."

Lu Wei gently tapped her forehead. "Don't just think about making money. Consider how much they'll need for bribes, how many people will be required for this journey, and also the risks involved."

Meihong chuckled softly.

Lu Wei remarked, "There is one more matter. Mama Fan has inquired about the identities of those men who interjected during our outing that day. The one who first spoke, remarking on the tragic fate of beauties, is the eldest son of the Chancellor of Mountain Sea Academy. The one who resorted to insults hails from the family of the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Punishment. As for the other three who remained silent, one belongs to the household of the Director of the Personnel Office, another to the family of Magistrate Wang, and the last to the lineage of the Prefect of Jiangyang."

Hulu inquired with curiosity, "Sister Lu Wei, isn't the title of 'Qianhu' a military rank? Or have I remembered it wrong?"

Lu Wei remarked, "You haven't erred in your recollection; a Thousand-Man Commander indeed holds the rank of a Fifth Rank military officer. It's said that Lord Wang's son was born prematurely and, due to inherent frailty that prevents him from pursuing martial arts, the family decided to steer him towards a scholarly path. He enrolled in Mount Sea Academy a year ago."

Within this Mountain and Sea Academy, several highly respected scholars impart knowledge. During the reign of the late emperor, this academy was still overshadowed by the Imperial Academy, but in recent years, with an increase in students admitted through family connections at the Imperial Academy, their academic performance has declined in comparison to the Mountain and Sea Academy. As a result, the latter's reputation has grown even greater. It is a source of pride for the youth of the capital to be able to study within its halls.

Meng Die chuckled softly. "Just so-so."

Lu Wei: "It would be wise for Second Aunt to exercise caution. Scholars value their lineage and fellow disciples. When you severed their prospects that day, especially for those two who spoke up, they and their families must feel resentful. It's likely that their teachers, who dedicated themselves to their education, also harbor some discontent towards Second Aunt."

Meng Die: "Am I afraid of them? If they don't cross my path, then so be it. But if they do, I'll deal with them all at once. The fact that such a disciple was produced indicates that their mentor is one who misleads the young."

Lu Wei chuckled. "That's true."

Xing Huang also laughed. "If I were to guess, they must have found out about Second Lady's identity by now. They're probably too scared to cause trouble. Those two who spoke up might be getting scolded by their elders right now."

"Bam! Bam! Bam!" The chaotic noise interrupted the merriment in the room. Meng Die looked outside, and Xing Huang dashed out of the house, shouting, "Hua-er, go see what's happening up front!"

"Hai."

In a flash, Hua-er rushed back in, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Second Lady, it's Nurse Jia. She's returned."

Meihong and the others all wore astonished expressions. Xing Huang was quite startled. "Didn't they chase her out? How did she come back?"

Hua'er caught her breath. "I ran to take a look. Grandma Jia had disheveled hair and torn clothes. She was crying and wailing as she rushed in. I only heard her shouting for Madam Elder's help."

Xing Huang asked, "If she was chased out, how could the gatekeeper let her in?"

Lu Wei replied, "After all, she served Madam Elder for her entire life. Seeing her in such a miserable state, how could the gatekeeper be so heartless as to stop her?"

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "I'll go over to the main house."

By this time, the sky was already turning dusky. Meng Die was dressed in something more casual. Ying'er and Meihong hurried to fetch an outer garment and redo Meng Die's hair. After a simple yet elegant preparation, Meng Die led Lu Wei straight towards the main chamber.

The main chamber was now bustling with people. The commotion caused by Nanny Jia had prompted attendants from each quarter to come out and investigate the situation.

Upon Meng Die's arrival, Nanny Jia was prostrated on the ground, weeping uncontrollably. "Matriarch, please save Songhua. She's been kidnapped by people from a brothel..."

Madame Hou's face was as grim as water. "Do they dare to snatch someone for no reason under the Emperor's rule?"

Nanny Jia's sobs grew even more sorrowful. "She was sold by Yier."

Lady Hou glanced from Lady Wen to Meng Die and said, "Both of you are right; this gambler can't be judged by ordinary standards. But that brothel is truly audacious. Pine Flower's father is still alive; how could her uncle have the authority to make such decisions? They dared to abduct her."

Meng Die looked at Nurse Jia with a cold smile before turning back to Lady Hou. "Grandmother, Beijing, the capital, is not comparable to Yangzhou. In Yangzhou, brothels and gambling dens are controlled by local powerhouses, but here in the capital, we don't have such local tyrants."

Nurse Jia paused in her sobs. "I was deceived by Yi-er. He said he would sell Pine Flower as a maid to a young lady. Considering our current hardships, I thought it might be for the best. Who knew... who knew that this rascal would actually sell her as a maid to the top courtesan of a brothel."

Everyone in the room fell silent.

Lady Hou spoke, "At this point, you're still trying to shield Jia Yi. Your heart has truly been bewitched."

Grandma Jia: "Madam, Madam, Lady Song is innocent. She's truly innocent. I beg of you, for the sake of her serving you all these years, please save her, save her..."

Lady Hou closed her eyes. "Grandma Xia, go and arrange for a few people to rescue her from that brothel."

Grandma Xia: "As you wish." Turning to Grandma Jia, she asked, "Which brothel is it?"

"Ba Yin Ge," replied Grandma Jia.

Grandma Xia promptly went to make the arrangements, while Lady Hou looked at Grandma Jia, swallowing back the words on her lips. A wave of sorrow surged in her heart.

Madam Jia was three years younger than Lady Hou, but having been by her side since childhood, she had never engaged in any strenuous work. With early retirement and proper care as she aged, her appearance was no less well-preserved than those of the elderly ladies from wealthy families.

Scarcely half a year had passed since leaving the Marquis's residence, and yet the few strands of white hair that once graced only her temples had now proliferated into a full head of silver locks. She had grown visibly thinner and darker in complexion, with wrinkles etching deep into her face. As for her once delicate and fair hands, they were now calloused and rough. She appeared a decade older than the Marquise herself.

Lady Hou let out a long sigh. "Your Eldest and Second Aunts are right. Once a gambler is in the game, they turn into devouring demons, caring for no one. Treat Jia Yi as if he never existed and sever ties with him. From now on, live a peaceful life with Jia Gang and enjoy your old age in comfort."

Granny Jia sniffled, as if she intended to speak, but ultimately closed her mouth.

The room was shrouded in a serene silence.

Wen Shi turned to Meng Die, who discreetly exchanged glances with Yao Shi and Jin Shi. The three of them cautiously looked at Madam Zhou, and indeed, her expression was now extremely grim, her hands on her lap trembled uncontrollably.

A commotion of hurried footsteps and sobs echoed from outside. A flash of joy flickered across Jia Ma's face, but it was swiftly replaced by surprise – she hadn't heard the voice of Song Hua.

With a trembling body and a pale face, Xia Ma entered the room. "Matriarch, they've beaten Jia Gang to death."

Lady Hou was utterly shocked. "What did you say?!"

Jia Ma rushed to Xia Ma's side, grabbing the hem of her robe. "What did you say?!"

Nanny Xia: "Just now, the person I dispatched went to the Baoyin Pavilion to ransom someone. When they arrived, they saw Jia Ning and Jia An being held down and beaten at the entrance. We managed to rescue them with great difficulty. That's when we learned that Jia Gang had died. While his body was still warm, Jia Yi sold his sister-in-law to a brothel. Those vile men then took Madam Jia back to the brothel and, upon noticing her attractiveness, intended to take advantage of her. Refusing to suffer such humiliation, Madam Jia chose to take her own life by banging her head."

Aunt Jia's eyes rolled back, and she stumbled, collapsing to the ground with a thud. "Impossible, impossible, Young Master Gang..."

Madam Hou was also startled. "And what about Pineflower?"

Nanny Xia: "The messenger who went there returned and said that the Baimiao Pavilion described the Marquis Manor as a land of riches and splendor. Presumably, they're not short of money. They've demanded three thousand taels of silver before they'll release the person."

As Nurse Xia finished her words, louder sobs echoed from outside.

Nanny Xia promptly explained, "Matriarch, this servant took the liberty to bring Jia Ning and Jia An back first."

Lady Hou: "Let them in."

Jia Ning was sixteen, while Jia An was ten. Both were covered in bruises and had swollen faces as they stumbled in from outside, falling to their knees before Lady Hou.

Grandsons were the lifelines of elderly sons, and Jia Yi was Nanny Jia's lifeline. The same could be said for Jia Ning; upon seeing her gravely injured grandson, she rushed over. "Ning'er..."

Jia Ning wriggled away from Nanny Jia, evading her embrace.

Auntie Jia froze, then she found herself under the glare of two Jia Nings and Jia An. It was a gaze filled with genuine hatred, as if they wished to drink her blood and devour her flesh. Auntie Jia shrank back, the truth she had refused to believe earlier now crystal clear in her mind. Her eldest son, Jia Gang, had been killed by her and her youngest son, and his wife had also perished...

Jia Ning bowed. "Matriarch, when those from the pleasure house came to seize someone, they must have had a deed of indenture with them, which would surely indicate the price of the transaction. Offering thirty thousand silver taels is against the law. I wish to report this to the authorities."

Madame Hou nodded. "At this point, there's no other choice."

Silence fell upon the room once more, everyone's expressions grim. It was already night, and the courthouse would be closed. The earliest they could file a complaint would be tomorrow. But who knew what might happen to an unmarried maiden spending a night in a brothel?

Meng Die sighed inwardly. "Grandmother, I have a rather dishonorable method in mind. I wish to try it first. If it doesn't work, we can report to the authorities tomorrow."

Lady Hou's eyes sparkled. "Very well, go ahead and give it a try."

Meng Die lowered her voice to whisper to Lu Wei, "Go to Madam Fan and tell her to convey what Xing Huang learned from that courtesan, Hailan, to the madam of the brothel."

Lu Wei's face contorted slightly, but she still nodded. "Understood."

After instructing Lu Wei, Meng Die said to Madam Xia, "Madam, send someone to accompany Lu Wei to Madam Fan's place, then have Madam Fan lead the way to the Hundred Melodies Pavilion to find that brothel madam."

"Yes, my lady."

Summer Mama, following Lu Wei along with the group of servants she had dispatched, promptly arrived at Mama Fan's residence. Someone had run ahead to deliver the message, so by the time Lu Wei's party arrived, Mama Fan and Fan Hong had already donned fresh attire and readied themselves properly.

Upon hearing Lu Wei's message, Nurse Fan's face contorted momentarily before she nodded and promptly set off toward the brothel.

Granny Xia, feeling uneasy, also climbed into the carriage. On their way, she elaborated on the current situation: "Pineflower has been detained, and Madam Jia's corpse is being held as well. I've just arranged for someone to retrieve Master Jia's body."

Nanny Fan nodded in agreement. "Thus, we must acquire the peony wine while also ransoming Madam Jia's remains."

Nanny Xia nodded and, with a sigh, dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief. She was an old servant of the Marquis household and had a certain familiarity with Lady Jia. Witnessing her current plight couldn't help but evoke a sense of sorrow. How did such a once-promising life end up in this state?

As night fell, every establishment along the Flower Street hung large red lanterns, casting bright candlelight upon the faces of those seeking pleasure, revealing the lustful expressions hidden within them.

A gentle breeze swept by, causing the flickering flames to dance, turning the brightly illuminated area into a scene reminiscent of the underworld with its uneven illumination. The women who frequented this place transformed into veritable ghosts of desire.

The Hundred Melodies Pavilion was an imposing structure, and from their distant carriage, both Nurse Fan and Nurse Xia could already hear the alluring sounds of silk and bamboo instruments. Both women frowned simultaneously, their faces reflecting disdain.

Since they were there to redeem someone, the young attendant parked the carriage at the side entrance. The gatekeeper turtle immediately inquired, "What business do you have here?"

Lowering his voice, the attendant replied, "From the Marquis Yongyi's residence."

The eunuch's face immediately lit up with delight. "Ah, have you brought the silver?"

Ama Fan and Ama Xia descended from the carriage and walked straight in, followed by a servant who said, "Go fetch your madam."

Both Ama Fan and Ama Xia were dressed in silk robes, adorned with gold and silver, presenting an elegant appearance. The observant eunuch had already gone to summon the brothel madam upon their arrival.

A middle-aged woman, in her thirties and dressed in a vibrant red dress, appeared and led them to a small chamber. "It's already late, and we've started receiving guests. Our mother is quite busy. My name is Peach Blossom. May I ask how I should address the both of you?" As she spoke, she poured them each a cup of tea.

Neither Ama Fan nor Ama Xia took a sip. Ama Fan merely said, "Miss Peach Blossom, there's no need for formalities or courting favors. Our connection lies solely in this matter. Let's speak frankly, as honest people do. You're aware of the reason for our visit. If you have the authority, let's discuss the matter of Songhua and Madam Jia's remains right now. If not, kindly invite someone who does have the authority."

Peach Bloom smiled, lifting her brows. "What do you mean by 'having the final say'? Our mother has already made it clear – if you bring thirty thousand silver taels, we'll release the person and give you the body."

Mammy Fan laughed instead of getting angry. "Are you sure you want that thirty thousand? You're certain?"

Peach Bloom replied, "If you have the courage to offer, we certainly won't shy away from receiving it. Not just thirty thousand, even three hundred thousand, we'd take it without hesitation. Many noble sons and lords have lavishly spent here."

Mammy Fan smiled, pursing her lips. "I do believe in their extravagant spending." Lowering her voice, she continued, "Take that Qiuhou Zhao for example, apart from your Endless Scent, he can't find satisfaction anywhere else!"

The smile froze on Peach Bloom's face, and she shivered violently.

Nanny Fan continued to divulge secrets: "They all say this place is filled with pleasures, every house adorned with peach-blossom reds and willow greens. But in my opinion, those other places are merely bragging. Where else can you find such vibrant willows? That's why Doctor Wan only sets his sights on this very…"

"Oh, my dear Nanny, please wait a moment. Our madam will be here shortly," Peaches-in-Bloom interrupted Nanny Fan, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief. She hurriedly sent someone to summon the brothel madam.

Madam Xia was wide-eyed with astonishment. How could anyone know such intimate details? Then, a surge of wild joy flooded her heart. With this knowledge, the Hundred Melodies Pavilion would have no choice but to yield. If these secrets were exposed, the officials wouldn't suspect Second Madam; they would only bring shame upon the brothel.

The madam's laughter soon echoed from outside the door. Like Nanny Fan, she was dressed in a vibrant red robe. "Terribly sorry, my dears, for neglecting you today amidst this busy crowd. Please, forgive our oversight."

Nanny Fan chuckled. "We understand that business is booming, and we wouldn't want to disturb. Why don't we settle matters now so as not to hinder your earnings? This way, we can also fulfill our duties and return."

Madame Old Mother's eyes curved into a warm smile. "What are you saying? There's nothing to worry about. Don't fret, Miss is in our secluded pavilion, undisturbed. That Lady was quite a strong-willed one; I admire her. Though we haven't had the chance to purchase a coffin, she's wrapped respectfully in fine mats. You can take her away together with Miss."

Nanny Fan replied, "Since there are indentures, let's follow the proper procedures so that no one can accuse our Marquis House of taking advantage of others."

Madame Old Mother nodded appreciatively. "Nanny, you're always so thoughtful. Here are the two indentures, please keep them."

Nanny Fan, not well-versed in reading and writing, passed the documents to Nanny Xia. As the general manager of the Marquis House, Nanny Xia was literate and could easily read an indenture.

After thoroughly examining them and ensuring their authenticity, she immediately nodded at Nanny Fan. Then, she pulled out a banknote from her sleeve. "According to this indenture, it states that Miss Songhua's redemption fee is one hundred taels, while Lady Jia's is thirty taels."

The madam took the banknote and confirmed, "This is the correct amount."

Mama Xia instructed the servants to carry Madam Jia's body to Jia Gang.

At that moment, Song Hua was brought in. She was dressed in a pink dress with vibrant red flowers adorning her head. Upon seeing Mama Xia, she burst into tears and threw herself into Mama Xia's arms, "Mama Xia."

Mama Xia's eyes were rimmed with red, and her nose was sour with emotion, "It's alright, it's alright. Come, let's return to the manor together."