Chapter 79 Mid-Autumn Festival

Chapter 79 Mid-Autumn Festival

Duan Yunlang's eyes widened.

What does this person want to do?

"Did Miss Kou come out from the Zhou family?" He Qingxiao asked Xin You.

Xin You lowered her gaze: "I heard that a friend's father passed away, so I came to pay my respects."

"That's quite a coincidence. Miss Kou, have a good journey." After saying this, He Qingxiao strode towards the Zhou residence.

Xin You resisted the urge to look back and walked onto the street.

"Cousin, do you still want to buy some pastries?" Duan Yunlang noticed Xin You was in a bad mood and cautiously asked.

Xin You smiled: "Of course, we're already here."

"Exactly, since we're here."

The two bought a lot of pastries and returned to Shaoqing Mansion.

In Ruyitang, several grandchildren were chatting with the matriarch. Upon hearing from the maidservant that the second young master and his cousin had arrived, they all turned to look at the door.

"Grandmother, I'm back." Duan Yunlang walked ahead and lifted the pastries he was carrying. "These pastries are for you, Grandmother, bought by me and Cousin."

Xin You lagged slightly behind and curtsied to the matriarch: "Grandmother."

The matriarch looked at the two of them, her tone gentle: "You two came back late. Were you just buying pastries?"

"Yes, Cousin said these pastries are sweet and soft, perfect for you."

Seeing Duan Yunlang's cheerful smile, Duan Yunchen frowned slightly.

Is Second Brother getting too close to Cousin Qing?

Xin You noticed a fixed gaze on her and glanced over, clearly seeing the sharpness in Duan Yunhua's eyes.

It seems that for the Mid-Autumn Festival, the matriarch has lifted Duan Yunhua's confinement.

Each of the grandchildren had their own thoughts, but the matriarch seemed completely oblivious, looking at the cousins with satisfaction.

After lunch in Ruyitang, Xin You returned to Evening Serenity Abode and instructed Xiaolian to prepare some items.

She had an appointment with Zhou's mother tonight.

Not long after, Third Miss Duan Yunling arrived.

"Am I disturbing Cousin Qing's rest?"

"Sister Ling, please sit. I don't live here often, so there's not much to offer, but please don't mind."

After some pleasantries, Duan Yunling mentioned Duan Yunhua: "Second Sister was released yesterday, but she talks less than before."

Xin You only returns a few times a month and doesn't care about Duan Yunhua's situation, so she merely smiled.

"Also, Grandmother seems to be considering remarrying Father." This is what Duan Yunling really wanted to tell Xin You.

Without the pressure of a domineering stepmother, Duan Yunling has been living more comfortably recently. The thought of a future stepmother with unknown temperament makes her uneasy.

This information is also useful to Xin You.

Unlike Duan Yunhua, as Duan Shaoqing's wife, she could influence many things. She promised Xiaolian to help Kou Qingqing reclaim most of her family's wealth, so fewer variables are better. Fortunately, for families like Shaoqing Mansion, even if they start considering marriage, it would take until next year to finalize anything.

"Sister Ling, don't worry prematurely; spend more time with Grandmother."

Among the four daughters of Shaoqing Mansion, the eldest, Duan Yunwan, has been sent away, and the fourth, Duan Yunyan, is still young. Recently, the matriarch needs to consider only Duan Yunhua and Duan Yunling's marriages.

Although Duan Yunhua holds the status of a legitimate daughter, her reckless behavior has caught the matriarch's attention. It's beneficial for Duan Yunling to get closer to the matriarch.

"I see, thank you."

After talking with Xin You, Duan Yunling felt reassured and left with a lighter heart.

Back at the office from the Zhou residence, He Qingxiao took a sip of tea and asked his subordinate: "As far as I remember, Hundred Householder Zhou came to the capital at the beginning of the year?"

The subordinate recalled that He Qingxiao hadn't taken over the Northern Pacification Office at that time and answered carefully: "Yes, Hundred Householder Zhou used to be stationed in Wanyang and was promoted to Hundred Householder when he came to the capital at the beginning of the year."

Hearing "Wanyang," He Qingxiao's expression darkened, immediately recalling his encounter with Xin You on the way to the Zhou residence.

Another connection to Wanyang.

Miss Kou becoming friends with Zhou Tong's daughter from Wanyang is probably not a coincidence.

Could there be more to Zhou Tong's death?

He Qingxiao remembered the merciless arrow that flew from the shadows that evening and a new doubt arose: If Miss Kou did it, did Zhou Tong's wife know or actively cooperate?

"Investigate who Zhou Tong associated with after coming to the capital and the backgrounds of Zhou Tong and his wife."

The reunion banquet was set in Ruyitang. Xin You kept her eyes downcast, answering the matriarch's questions and eating quietly when no one spoke to her.

Like Xin You, Duan Shaoqing was also quiet, causing the matriarch to glance at her son several times, thinking he might be troubled.

Receiving his mother's gaze, Duan Shaoqing silently ate another mouthful of rice.

It wasn't that he was being quiet; it was easier to avoid pitfalls and save money around his niece.

After dinner, Xin You politely declined the moon-watching activity and returned to Evening Serenity Abode.

"Miss, are you going out?" As soon as Xin You started changing her clothes and tying up her hair, Xiaolian asked with experience.

"Yes, I need to go out and take care of something. Please watch over the Evening Serenity Abode for me."

"But this place is not like the Bookstore; you don't have a key."

Xin You smiled. "I'll find another way."

Xiaolian hesitated for a moment and whispered, "This servant knows a place to get out, but I'm afraid you might find it distasteful—"

"Where can I get out?"

"It's a dog hole that this servant discovered by chance."

In such high-walled mansions, it was better not to climb over the wall if possible. Without hesitation, Xin You crawled through the dog hole and smoothly made her way onto the street.

The full moon hung in the sky, its light clear and bright, making the Mid-Autumn night livelier than usual. As Xin You walked along, laughter and conversation occasionally drifted into her ears.

The festive atmosphere persisted until she entered the alley where the Zhou family lived, where it was replaced by a somber pallor of white.

Xin You approached and, following their arrangement, mimicked three cat meows.

According to funeral customs, someone needed to stay up all night to watch over the deceased. Zhou Tong had only one daughter, so last night, two of Ji Cailan's brothers helped keep vigil. The reason Xin You didn't knock directly on the door was that she feared Zhou's mother hadn't managed to send the Ji family away, and if they saw her arriving late at night, it would be hard to explain.

Soon, the front door opened slightly, and Zhou's mother peeked out, seeing Xin You. She quickly pulled the door open wider to let her in.

Walking beside Xin You, Zhou's mother lowered her voice. "The servants are sleeping deeply. Chunya is in the western wing with Yue'er keeping an eye on things. Apart from that, there is no one else."

The entire Ji family had been present during the day and intended to stay overnight to help with the vigil, but Zhou's mother had refused them, citing the Mid-Autumn Festival. The kitchen maid and the laborers who were supposed to have time off due to the incident at the Zhou residence had their holidays canceled, but they would return home to sleep at night.

This was also why the action was chosen for the Mid-Autumn night.

Inside the hall, long-burning lamps illuminated the space, filled with the strong scent of incense and burnt paper offerings. The black coffin lay quietly in the center, making timid people shudder upon sight.

Fortunately, neither Xin You nor Zhou's mother were timid. Together, they moved the coffin lid aside, revealing the person inside.

Zhou's mother watched as Xin You took out bottles and brushes from her bag and busied herself. The horrifying wound left by the dagger was gradually filled, blending seamlessly with the surrounding skin.

"Aunt, please be careful not to let anyone touch this spot."

Zhou's mother nodded vigorously.

She was confident she could manage this. Even if her sister-in-law grew suspicious, at most, she might lift the clothing for a quick look but wouldn't randomly grope around.

"This isn't the right time for a detailed discussion. After the storm passes, I hope to hear that secret."

After witnessing the young girl's skill and courage, Zhou's mother lost all hope of luck. She softly agreed and escorted Xin You to the front gate.