Tiao Hong lowered her head. "Sister Xun Lu met a stable boy named Zhu Zi these past two days. He's always hanging around with him, and I don't know where they go, only that they've left the manor."
Song Chaoyu hadn't expected that this Zhu Zi would even seduce the maids around her!
In her previous life, she hadn't noticed anything, but in this life…
A few thoughts began to form in Song Chaoyu's mind.
She glanced at Tiao Hong. "Next time, make sure to remember the times she goes out and returns. Just tell me these times, you don't need to say anything else."
Tiao Hong nodded, knowing that Xun Lu had gone too far.
Song Chaoyu sighed and looked up at Tiao Hong. "You're with Xun Lu every day, and you know her character better than anyone. I know you're different from her. Time is long, and we must plan carefully."
—
Song Chaoyu could put Xun Lu's matter aside for now. It was a grand strategy, and she had to play it slowly.
However, Song Chaoyu also noticed that these days, Xun Lu was always praising Zhu Zi in front of her. She said he had followed them from the estate and was better than the servants sent by the First Madam of the Song manor. Although the inner court didn't allow stable boys in most of the time, mostly maids and old women, Xun Lu always mentioned to Song Chaoyu that she should find a way to have Zhu Zi assigned to guard the courtyard gate, making it easier for them to come and go.
Zhu Zi's current position was sweeping and cleaning in the kitchen. This was a tiring job with no benefits, and he often had to endure scolding from the head chef.
Since Song Chaoyu wanted to use the two of them, she naturally had to give them some incentives.
She had Aunt Liu mention to Song Yuan, under the guise of an "old acquaintance," that Zhu Zi should be transferred to the less strenuous study.
Although it hadn't yet fulfilled Zhu Zi and Xun Lu's wishes, it was enough to keep them quiet for a while.
Moreover, Song Chaoyu also noticed that Song Yanrou hadn't been bothering her much lately.
She had Tiao Hong go out to inquire and only then found out that Zhu Zi and Song Yanrou had been "hotly involved" recently. Song Yanrou was probably so preoccupied with how to exchange "sweet nothings" with Zhu Zi that she had no time to bother with Song Chaoyu.
On the other hand, Xun Lu kept her eyes on Song Chaoyu. Song Chaoyu now needed to confirm Xun Lu's intentions.
After the Qixi Festival, the weather in the capital grew hotter.
It was the tail end of high summer, but the midday heat was so intense it made one's heart flutter.
Since Song Chaoyu couldn't sleep at noon anyway, she got up.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw Xun Lu dozing by the entrance.
Song Chaoyu smiled slightly. "What are you doing here, girl? It's midday, don't guard me, go back and rest!"
Xun Lu quickly stood up. "Aren't you going to see Cousin Tang later? Your maid thought she'd wait here and accompany you!"
"Alright, let Tiao Hong stay to serve my aunt."
Song Chaoyu smiled at Xun Lu. "Cousin Tang is sending some pastries to Pingyang Courtyard. Knowing that my relationship with my sister-in-law is good, she's pulling me along. I don't know if sister-in-law likes Cousin Tang, but the peach cakes Cousin Tang makes are superb. Sister-in-law said that although my elder brother hasn't woken up yet, he can occasionally swallow something in his sleep. I don't know if he likes peach cakes."
Xun Lu lowered her eyes. "Miss, isn't this out of season for peach cakes?"
Song Chaoyu winked at her mysteriously. "Cousin Tang knows my brother loved peaches before, so she naturally found a way to get some new peaches. You little maid don't need to think so much, just follow us."
She didn't forget to "remind" Xun Lu. "Just one thing, when Cousin Tang brings the peach cakes later, you mustn't be greedy! You can't eat those things."
Xun Lu felt suspicious. "Why is that?"
Song Chaoyu didn't answer her but looked at Fan Jiangyue, who was walking in from outside. "I've been waiting for you for a long time! Have you prepared the oleander powder that Cousin Tang asked you to prepare?"
Fan Jiangyue hurried into the room. "Don't worry, it's ready!"
Xun Lu, standing nearby, blinked her eyes.
Song Chaoyu invited Fan Jiangyue into the room, and soon Song Xiuxiu also arrived with the peach cakes.
She had lost her child earlier, and it was a clean miscarriage. So, even though only two days had passed, under Fan Jiangyue's care, her complexion was quite good.
She hurried in with the peach cakes. Song Chaoyu mysteriously asked Xun Lu to guard outside, then called the two of them into the room.
It wasn't until the sun had moved further west that the three of them walked out.
Song Xiuxiu stood at the door and thanked Fan Jiangyue. "Thank you, Physician Fan. This time, I'll trouble Physician Fan again."
Fan Jiangyue specifically instructed, "When you're done with the things, remember to burn the packaging. Don't leave any traces. Be careful, all of you."
Song Chaoyu also nodded with a serious look in her eyes, then took Song Xiuxiu's hand and said earnestly, "When we go to my brother's place today, we must all act normal."
Song Xiuxiu nodded.
"Miss—"
Xun Lu, standing by, called out Song Chaoyu's name.
She saw her clutching her stomach, looking pained. "Your maid doesn't know what she ate this morning. Her stomach hurts so much right now! Miss, please let Tiao Hong accompany you. Your maid thinks… she probably can't go!"
Song Chaoyu looked at Xun Lu with concern and pointed in the direction Fan Jiangyue had just left. "Stomach ache? You can't be careless! I'll go ask Physician Fan to come back!"
"No need!"
Xun Lu, however, extended a hand and grabbed Song Chaoyu. "My status is low, why would Physician Fan need to be troubled? I'll just go to the outhouse in a moment. It's just that I can't accompany Miss to my elder brother's courtyard. I hope Miss will forgive me."
"Alright, what nonsense are you saying?"
Song Chaoyu supported Xun Lu, holding her hand, and felt that her palm was actually dry. "You hurry and go. I'll find Tiao Hong. It's just that I always feel more at ease when you're by my side."
Xun Lu then hurried off, clutching her stomach. "I'll go find Tiao Hong now. Misses, please wait a moment!"
After she left, seeing Song Chaoyu's gaze turn cold, Song Xiuxiu also stepped forward. "This maid has too many thoughts. Indeed, every family has its own difficult scriptures to read!"
Song Chaoyu gave a bitter smile. "She followed me from the estate and suffered a lot. I don't want to think of her this way. I hope it's just my illusion."
A moment later, Tiao Hong hurried over.
She was off duty today and was likely woken up from her nap, but she showed no displeasure. She happily followed behind Song Chaoyu, completely unlike the lazy Xun Lu.
Song Chaoyu liked this girl more and more.