Chapter 56: Sent to the Manor

Chapter 56: Sent to the Estate

"Wei Xun, where is your sense of propriety?"

Madam Wei's words rang sharply in Wei Xun's ears, directly exposing the thoughts he had tried to hide.

Wei Xun was well aware of the harm caused by showing undue favor to a concubine at the expense of his wife, yet he couldn't control himself.

He was overly fond of A Yuan, even willing to stake his future and reputation for her, setting terms with his lawful wife.

He stubbornly wanted to create a shield to protect his concubine behind him, ignoring all rules and decorum.

But Madam Wei's words shattered his illusions.

He was not just Wei Xun; he was the heir to the Marquisate of Anning, carrying the responsibilities of the marquisate.

He could disregard his own reputation, but not that of the marquisate.

His father was stationed at the border, defending the Great Zhou dynasty, and the reputation he had built in the court and among the people could not be tarnished by him.

Wei Xun didn't know how he arrived at the Jade Clear Courtyard.

The concubine was sitting by the window, embroidering a kerchief. The person who used to help her with the embroidery threads was no longer there, and her charming face was now devoid of a smile.

Wei Xun stood outside the window for a long time.

His gaze was so direct it was impossible to ignore. The woman inside seemed to sense it and looked up.

Seeing Wei Xun, A Yuan's expression wavered, then she quickly averted her eyes, refusing to even look at him.

Wei Xun's heart ached, and he opened the door.

"Young Master."

A Yuan stood up and greeted him, bowing her head as she stood near the couch.

The window was slightly ajar, allowing a cold breeze to enter, making A Yuan's dress flutter, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.

They had just seen each other last night, yet Wei Xun hadn't realized she had become so thin.

A Yuan stood there, her pale, delicate face lacking any vitality.

Wei Xun's throat was dry, and the words caught in his throat for a long time before he could speak.

"I will arrange for you to be taken to the estate for a few days. Once the mistress enters the household, I will bring you back. Is that alright?"

He dared not look into A Yuan's eyes, afraid of being burned by the accusation in them.

But he didn't know that A Yuan wasn't sad. Leaving the marquisate was a good thing for her.

A Yuan slightly bent her knees and curtsied, "This concubine will obey your commands."

Seeing her obedient and compliant demeanor, Wei Xun felt even more guilty.

He held her slender wrist in his palm, his voice filled with pity, "A Yuan, wait for me."

......

A Yuan didn't have much luggage. She only packed a few dresses, but as she packed, she inexplicably included her money pouch.

Chang Yuan and Nanny Zheng were waiting outside. As soon as she stepped out, Nanny Zheng draped the fox fur cloak around her.

"The estate is not as comfortable as the main residence, and the servants there are often less competent. The young master is concerned that Lady Xie might be mistreated, so he specially sent this old servant to accompany her."

Nanny Zheng was the most trusted servant in Wei Xun's household. With her taking care of A Yuan, Wei Xun felt at ease.

However, A Yuan clutched the money pouch inside her bundle tightly and shook her head at her.

"The young master relies on you, Nanny. There's no need for you to go through this trouble... Moreover, if Madam Wei finds out, it might anger her again."

Someone as sharp as A Yuan could easily guess that sending her to the estate was Madam Wei's command.

Even someone as reserved as Wei Xun had to obey Madam Wei, let alone Nanny Zheng.

Sure enough, after A Yuan spoke, Nanny Zheng hesitated.

"But if you're alone at the estate, there will surely be times when the servants don't serve you properly..."

If only Chun Tao were still here. That little maid was utterly devoted to Lady Xie and would never let her suffer.

But Chun Tao was gone...

Nanny Zheng turned away to wipe the corner of her eye, not letting A Yuan see the tears in her eyes.

A Yuan clenched her fingers slightly, then suddenly pointed to a lowly maid holding a broom in the crowd.

"If Nanny is concerned, let her come with me."

"Mute Sister?" Nanny Zheng's eyes widened in surprise.

"But Mute Sister can't speak. How can she possibly take care of Lady Xie?"

This maid had lost her voice after a childhood fever and was somewhat slow-witted. The mistress, out of kindness, had kept her in the household as a cleaning maid, but she was far from capable of serving a lady.

What Nanny Zheng didn't realize was that A Yuan wanted someone who couldn't speak.

"It's fine. As long as she can fetch tea and water, that's enough. I'm not used to having overly clever maids."

She lowered her gaze, a bitter smile playing on her lips. Nanny Zheng guessed that the sight had brought back memories of Chun Tao and sighed softly before agreeing.

"Then let Mute Sister come with you. Lady Xie, please wait a moment. This old servant will go and teach her some rules."

Mute Sister rarely interacted with others, so Nanny Zheng had to shout and gesture to get her to understand what she needed to do.

The little maid went back to her room to change into clean clothes and packed a simple bundle before following A Yuan onto the carriage.

She huddled timidly by the carriage door, having never left the household before, and was filled with fear.

A Yuan gently took her hand and smiled warmly, "Don't be afraid."

Mute Sister couldn't hear the woman's words, but seeing A Yuan's gentle gaze, her heart gradually calmed.

She knew A Yuan. This Lady Xie was kinder than any other mistress in the household. Perhaps following her wouldn't be so bad after all.

As the carriage drove out of the marquis's residence, Chang Yuan stood beside his master, watching the carriage disappear around the corner of the street. He asked in confusion, "Why didn't you personally escort Mistress Xie, sir?"

Why didn't he?

Wei Xun's jaw tightened, his dark eyes as deep as ink.

He was naturally afraid that Madam Wei would trouble A Yuan again.

Luckily, he is about to get married. Once his official wife enters the household, he plans to bring A Yuan back.

And Chun Tao, that maid, is really lucky. She has already regained consciousness and will be fully recovered after two more months of rest.

When A Yuan sees Chun Tao lively and energetic again, her lingering sorrow will naturally fade away.

Just a bit longer... just a bit longer...

Wei Xun stood at the side gate for quite some time until Chang Yuan warned him about the cold winter weather and the risk of catching a chill. Only then did Wei Xun head back to the mansion.

"Have you found any trace of Taoist Nun Ma yet?"

As soon as he entered the study, Wei Xun got straight to the point.

Chang Yuan's eyes flashed with frustration as he replied, "I'm still investigating. These Taoist nuns are known to wander far and wide, following their own paths. After Taoist Nun Ma left the mansion that day, she headed out of the city, and no one knows where she went."

The nuns of Zhengqing Temple are used to this, and no one questions her whereabouts.

While the Capital Prefecture officials are quick and decisive in the capital, investigating people outside the city is tough for them.

Wei Xun knew this well, but he couldn't help feeling a bit anxious.

"Then find out who she was closest to before. Make sure to track that person down."

Taoist Nun Ma came to the Marquis's mansion at Wei Jin's recommendation. Since Wei Jin had been married into the Li family for many years without conceiving, she often visited temples and Taoist temples in the capital.

Zhengqing Temple is the most accurate for praying for children. Wei Jin had been offering incense for less than a month when she became pregnant, naturally elevating Taoist Nun Ma to the status of a deity.

When Madam Wei was bedridden with illness and the doctors were at a loss, Wei Jin thought of Taoist Nun Ma and invited her over.

What followed was the incident where Chun Tao offended her, and A Yuan was implicated.

Everything seemed to fit together perfectly, but Wei Xun wasn't buying it.

He feared that someone was manipulating things behind the scenes, playing his household like a puppet.

It might be better for A Yuan to leave now.