Yu Zeyan lowered his eyes. If he had known he would be demoted and sent out of the capital, he should have asked Jing'er to stay behind. Now that only the women were left in the manor, he was truly worried.
Yu Zeyan cupped his hands towards Gu Bohao, "I hope so. Yishan (courtesy name Yishan) is only worried about his wife and daughters. If there are any difficulties, please, Old Madam Gu, lend your assistance."
Madam Gu was Cui Shi's maternal aunt, so her involvement in Yu family matters was not considered overstepping.
"Brother Yishan, rest assured."
As soon as Yu Zeyan left the palace, a eunuch from the Hall of Supreme Harmony caught up to him, "Duke of Dingguo, please wait."
The Emperor had summoned him. Yu Zeyan dared not delay. After briefly instructing his guards, he followed the eunuch back.
"Bad news, something terrible has happened! The Duke is suspected of being involved with the remnants of the former dynasty in a rebellion," a young maid from the outer courtyard ran, shouting as she headed towards Qingfeng Courtyard.
Before she could even enter the courtyard, Dong Zhi stopped her, "What are you shouting about? Stop it!"
Dong Zhi gestured, and immediately a matron from the courtyard went to gag the maid.
Dong Zhi, Cui Shi's head maid, possessed considerable authority. The Madam was pregnant, and hearing such baseless rumors could agitate her fetus.
This young maid was unfamiliar. She might have been deliberately sent by the Old Madam, who had been trying to harm the child in the Madam's womb for more than a day or two.
However, the young maid's voice had been too loud, and Cui Shi had heard it from inside the room.
Xining and Nanqin looked anxious, the situation had come too suddenly, leaving them somewhat helpless.
Granny Qin supported Cui Shi, "Madam, please calm down. It's probably just some mischief from that courtyard again."
Cui Shi did not speak. She stood up, leaning on Granny Qin.
Cui Shi was more than seven months pregnant, her body was somewhat clumsy. Due to the late stage of pregnancy, her legs were severely swollen. She moved a little awkwardly as she stood up.
"Madam," Dong Zhi's expression changed drastically when she saw Cui Shi emerge.
Cui Shi looked at the maid whose mouth was being covered by the matron, "Let her go. Which courtyard are you from?"
"Your servant is, your servant is... from Ci'an Hall," the young maid whispered.
"Ci'an Hall, very good," Cui Shi sneered. "I never knew a mere maid from Ci'an Hall could shout so loudly in my Qingfeng Courtyard. Dong Zhi!"
"Your servant is here."
"Have the matrons drag her to the front courtyard and beat her severely. Teach her some manners."
"Madam, Madam, your servant isn't lying, Master Gongsun..."
However, before she could finish speaking, she was dragged out by the strong matrons.
The autumn wind was not strong, but Cui Shi felt a chill spreading from the soles of her feet to her heart.
She knew that the Duke might truly be in trouble.
Two days ago, the Emperor had been attacked. He had gone to the yamen that very night and had not returned to the manor since. Zhan Qing had even taken his official robes to the yamen.
He always discussed matters at the yamen with Master Gongsun. No one understood what had happened better than Master Gongsun.
Cui Shi was certain that Yu Zeyan was loyal and had always been cautious. He would never do anything to betray the court. Perhaps he had made a mistake and was being punished by the Emperor. As for rebellion with the remnants of the former dynasty, it was absolutely impossible.
If he were truly implicated, he would most likely be framed.
In an instant, Cui Shi's mind raced with countless possibilities.
She did not understand court affairs and could not help. But now, she could not panic. If the Duke were truly in trouble, she had to protect the children.
At this time, the more chaotic it became, the more likely mistakes would occur. The first priority was to stabilize the manor.
"Nanqin, go to the young lady's courtyard and call her here. Beiyan, you take the guards and tell all the households to stay in their courtyards. No one is allowed to inquire about news randomly, especially the Old Madam's courtyard. Before the Duke returns, not a single living creature is allowed to leave the manor, or they will face family punishment," Cui Shi ordered calmly.
If the Duke were implicated, the Qianniu Guards would surely come to search soon. She had to watch over Yue'er, lest she be frightened.
As for the others, to prevent them from speaking nonsense out of panic and for self-preservation, she could only confine them all.
"Yes!"