Standing high, one can see farther. If one could admire the lanterns along the ten-mile long street from the top floor of Mingyue Tower, it would indeed be a pleasant affair.
Lu Nianfu asked, "Which floor did you book?"
"The fourth floor."
Mingyue Tower had a total of seven floors.
The fourth floor was indeed rather disappointing. Lu Nianfu decisively declined, "Let's forget about going to Mingyue Tower. I prefer to stroll and admire the sights, and perhaps guess a few lantern riddles. Since Miss Zeng is already out on the street, why not choose to walk around? No matter how large the windows of Mingyue Tower are, the number of lanterns one can see is limited."
Zeng Weiyang said, "Madam Gu is right. I wonder if I am fortunate enough to accompany you for a stroll."
"Miss, you must not," her maid suddenly spoke up.
Lu Nianfu raised an eyebrow.
Zeng Weiyang quickly explained, "Please don't be angry. It's mainly because my health is so poor, I get breathless from walking a few steps. Yin Zhu is afraid I will spoil your enjoyment."
"Then you should still go to Mingyue Tower to admire the lanterns."
Zeng Weiyang: ...
Having had her olive branches rejected twice, Zeng Weiyang knitted her brows, her eyes misting over as if she would cry in the next moment. Yet, she bravely held back her tears. "Madam Gu is right. I've been out for a long time today, and if I don't return soon, my mother might worry. Weiyang will take her leave for now and visit you another day."
Lu Nianfu wanted to say that she was not a patient and did not need her to visit.
But seeing her frail little body, she swallowed the words. If she were to upset her and cause any harm, it would truly be a sin. She said considerately, "Then I will see you off."
"Thank you, Madam Gu. My maid can lead the way."
But Lu Nianfu insisted on seeing her off to the carriage.
Leading Qingya back to the room, Qingya eagerly asked, "Miss, what is her purpose for coming?"
"Probably to demonstrate sisterly affection."
"Your maid understands. This is surely a roundabout tactic from the Pingning Earl's estate. Since the Earl and Countess of Pingning have both failed, they've sent Miss Zeng out now. After all, she is a young lady and her health is delicate. Even if she disturbed you, you wouldn't feel comfortable saying so. Sooner or later, you might be moved and willing to return to the estate?"
Lu Nianfu laughed heartily, "Your logic is sound. Those storybooks you read have certainly paid off."
Seeing that her mood was good, Qingya said, "But Miss, why don't you want to go back? Your maid sees that the Earl of Pingning is indeed sincere, sending you gifts so many times?"
"Do you wish for me to return?"
"The status of an Earl's daughter is always better than that of a merchant's daughter."
Lu Nianfu mused, bringing the teacup to her lips. "Have you heard anything else while out these past few days?"
Qingya said indignantly, "Those insensible people are all gossiping behind your back, saying how a mere merchant's daughter like you cannot possibly be worthy of a third-rank official in the imperial court. Some are even gambling on when you will be divorced. Hmph! When you married the young master, he was still a constable without any rank. Yet, in less than three years, he is already a third-rank official. What's the use of a good family background? The most important thing is bringing prosperity to your husband. Among so many noble ladies marrying in the capital, which one is as prosperous as you?"
The tea Lu Nianfu had just taken into her mouth almost sprayed onto Qingya's face.
Fortunately, she was quick and only a couple of drops landed on her collar.
Just then, a few claps echoed from the doorway. Gu Yanchen walked in with a smile, casually taking out a silver ingot and tossing it into her arms, "Well said. This is for you."
Qingya grinned smugly, "The young master thinks so too?"
"Naturally."
Lu Nianfu was speechless, "She's nonsensical enough, why are you joining in the absurdity?"
"How is this absurdity? Isn't this the truth? My wife is indeed prosperous for her husband, something others cannot envy."
Lu Nianfu couldn't be bothered with him and changed the subject, "Why are you back early? Has there been any progress on the Fan family's matter?"
Gu Yanchen's face darkened, "The case has been concluded. Fan Wei was acquitted, and the shops have been returned to the Fan family. They asked me to convey a message to you, asking you to go to the yamen as soon as possible to handle the transfer procedures with them."
This turned out quite perfectly, Lu Nianfu asked with confusion, "Since that's the case, why do you have that expression?"
"Jian Shizhao's attendant voluntarily confessed, claiming he acted on his own greed for wealth, using Jian Shizhao's name outside. He was the mastermind behind everything concerning the Fan family. After clearing Jian Shizhao completely, he then rammed his head against a wall and died."
Lu Nianfu was stunned for a long time before saying, "I thought we were fast enough, but I didn't expect his reaction to be even faster. In such a short time, he managed to find a scapegoat. Then what about Fan Zizhou's sister? What happened to her?"
"Fan Yinghua was Jian Shizhao's concubine. She died of a sudden illness a month ago."
"Was it truly a sudden illness?"
"The government must have evidence when handling cases. Fan Zizhou had no evidence, and Fan Yinghua's body had already been cremated, so there was no way to investigate even if we wanted to." Gu Yanchen commented objectively, "This Jian Shizhao is meticulous and leaves no stone unturned. He is much more troublesome than his elder brother."
Lu Nianfu was a little unwilling, "The Qi Ying Marquis's estate is at odds with us. I was thinking of using this matter to bring down Jian Shizhao. I didn't expect him to be so slippery, escaping completely unscathed."
"Madam, that's not right. I have always enforced the law impartially, so how could I seek personal revenge? As for escaping unscathed, hehe..."
Lu Nianfu: ???
"You have an idea?"
Gu Yanchen smiled but said nothing.