Gu Yan Chen had just finished reviewing a case and was taking a break, drinking tea, when he heard Xiao Wu Zi's voice: "Why is Madam here?"
Lu Nian Fu smiled naturally, "I was just passing by, so I came to see him."
Xiao Wu Zi hummed, "I understand. Boss, Madam is here to see you."
"Why are you shouting so loudly? I'm not deaf." As he spoke, a large hand grabbed Lu Nian Fu's wrist and pulled her in.
Lu Nian Fu had managed to appear calm in front of others, but she couldn't hide her panic when facing Gu Yan Chen. Gu Yan Chen rarely saw her like this and was startled, "What happened?"
"It's not me, it's Second Aunt. Yan Chen, I suspect there was corruption in the imperial examination."
"Hmm?"
"It concerns Second Aunt. We'll discuss this at home. Oh, and don't forget to call Father and Second Uncle."
Gu Yan Chen gripped her hand, "Don't worry, I'm here. I'll take you home first."
Guangling Marquis Manor. Main Courtyard
Madam Qin, under Qing Ya's watchful eye, was restless. She tried to leave several times, but Qing Ya pressed her back.
No matter how she questioned, Qing Ya repeated the same two sentences:
"Second Madam, please don't worry. You can leave when my young lady returns."
"Second Madam, my young lady has her reasons for doing this. Please rest assured, she will return soon, and it won't take much of your time."
As a result, she didn't wait for Lu Nian Fu but saw Madam Fang first.
She didn't know how she got the news so quickly. As soon as she arrived, she questioned, "Qing Ya, what are you doing? Relying on your mistress to back you up, your guts have grown so big that you dare to imprison your superiors."
Qing Ya glanced at her, "Madam, my young lady is merely inviting Second Madam for a visit. Calling it imprisonment is too much."
"Hmph, is this how you invite guests? Hurry up and let Second Madam go! Sister-in-law, I apologize on your behalf first. But you know, Lu Shi comes from a humble background and doesn't understand these rules. You can go back with peace of mind. When Lu Shi returns, I will definitely seek justice for you."
"Thank you, Elder Sister-in-law. I have other matters and will take my leave. I will visit and thank you another day." Madam Qin's heart was in turmoil, her head buzzing. She couldn't hear what Madam Fang was saying. The mention of letting her leave was like a pardon. After thanking her, she was eager to leave. However, as she reached the door, Qing Ya lifted her plump leg and blocked her path, "Second Madam, you cannot leave."
Madam Fang let out a "Heh," "You've gone too far! Guards, seize Qing Ya. I want to ask Lu Shi how she teaches her maids!"
Two burly wet nurses rolled up their sleeves and approached Qing Ya.
Madam Fang's face was full of anger, but she was secretly pleased. She couldn't deal with Lu Nian Fu for now, but it was good to vent her anger by beating someone around her. If Lu Shi dared to seek justice for this maid, she would have plenty of reasons waiting for her.
Qing Ya had been ordered around by Wang Shou Cheng too much recently, and her plump figure had slimmed down considerably. Although still fat, she was no match for these two wet nurses. She said helplessly, "Madam, it's truly a matter of importance. Could you please wait a little longer? My young lady will be back soon."
"Hmph, when she returns, I'll have to ask her what kind of tricks she's playing. A junior imprisoning a senior, if this gets out, she'll ruin the reputation of Guangling Marquis Manor. Those who don't know will think I, as the mother-in-law, am incompetent in managing my household."
"No, why do you keep fixating on the word 'imprisonment'? I didn't even tie Second Madam up with ropes."
"What, you wanted to tie her up?"
Qing Ya: ...
She felt so tired. It turned out that when women were unreasonable, they truly wouldn't listen to anything. Seeing the two wet nurses raise their palm-like hands towards her, she shuddered and quickly dodged aside.
She wouldn't endure such an unjust beating.
But her action of dodging provoked Madam Fang, "You dare to dodge? Hold her down! Today, I will teach this ignorant maid a lesson."
"Mother is busy with state affairs. How can such a trivial matter as educating a maid trouble you again?" Lu Nian Fu's voice sounded from outside. Qing Ya breathed a sigh of relief and ran to her back, "Young lady, you're finally back. If you were a moment later, I would have been unable to hold back."
Lu Nian Fu patted her hand, "It's alright. Stand aside for now. Mother is a reasonable person and won't make things difficult for you."
Madam Fang had no intention of being reasonable. She snorted, "Lu Shi, if you don't give me a satisfactory explanation today, don't blame me for using family law on you."
"Mother, please rest assured, an explanation will be provided. Second Aunt, please sit down and rest. I apologize for inviting you back in this manner. Please wait a little longer. Father and Second Uncle should be here soon."