Shi Buyu again bowed respectfully to Zhuang Nan and the others, but they quickly stepped aside to avoid him.

Zhuang Nan said, “You must not worry, sister-in-law. Shi An really drank quite a lot today. It’s quite possible he’s just passed out somewhere drunk. We’ll split up and search; we’ll definitely find him.”

After saying this, he glanced at He Yisheng, “Hurry and help your young lady inside, don’t let her catch a chill.”

He Yisheng nodded and helped the frail young lady into the house.

Dou Yuancheng came up and said a few comforting words before quickly leaving. To avoid suspicion in such a sensitive place, and because he was truly worried about his brother, he had to go look for him.

Shi Buyu watched his back as he left. A servant quietly stepped forward and reported, “Miss, there are several drunken young masters resting inside. What do you want to do?”

So there were still outsiders here, and they were suspicious.

Shi Buyu wiped the corner of her eye and softly ordered, “Since these are guests invited by my cousin, they must be well taken care of. Don’t neglect them just because my cousin isn’t here. Prepare hot water and hot meals.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Going further inside, the original scene of the elegant gathering came into view: leftover food floating in the water, wine cups and jugs at the edge, and further away, the zither, drums, and swords.

Shi Buyu walked along the flowing water. Before the incident, this place must have been a “qushui liushang” — where wine cups floated down the stream, with singing and dancing girls, wine and songs, people composing poetry and sword dancing. What a splendid scene it must have been.

But alas, it was not a prosperous era now.

Shi Buyu secretly scoffed — with an emperor like this, how could there be a flourishing age? Countless restless souls were devouring the fortune of Dayou.

Concealing the disdain on her face, Shi Buyu went to the room she stayed in last time. After the man in blue checked the room and arranged guards at key points, she allowed Yan De to come in for questioning.

Yan De was the second steward, usually working closely with Luo Qing.

“Where is Yan Yi?”

“The young master is missing, but Yan Yi is safe. The chief steward locked him up.”

Shi Buyu nodded slightly. The act had to be complete — locking him up was necessary. If he had been sent to another household, they would have likely beaten or killed him first.

“What time is it now?”

He Yisheng, having noticed the time on the water clock, replied, “Just reached Wei hour.”

Wei hour was still early; the night was when secret things happened.

“Among those who came today, who seems suspicious? What about Zhu Ran’s behavior?”

Yan De respectfully answered, “Zhu Ran is one of the four who passed out drunk.”

Shi Buyu smiled. Did they think that sleeping it off would clear suspicion? Their relationship with Yan Shian was nowhere near close enough for him to stay over. Even if drunk, servants should have brought him home. Was this to take advantage of Yan Shian’s humble household background, not understanding these matters?

“Investigate the other three well, too.”

“Yes.”

Shi Buyu accepted the tea cup from Yisheng and held it warmly, then asked, “Who came forward to cover for Yan Shian when he was missing?”

Yan De, trusted as the second steward, was well-informed about these matters and could explain clearly when questioned by the young lady.

“The one who came forward was the second young master of the Chen family. His maternal grandfather is Elder Yu, a third-rank official, and he studied with the young master. Normally, their relationship is not bad.”

Shi Buyu recalled the Chen family. It was no wonder Yan De mentioned his maternal grandfather — the Chen family’s grandfather had died early, and the rest were useless. The highest rank in the Chen family now was only sixth rank.

After sorting out the tangled relations of the Chen family, Shi Buyu ordered, “Have Luo Bo investigate the connections between the Chen family and Chancellor Zhang.”

Yan De responded.

At that moment, Zhai Zhi, standing guard outside, reported, “Young Master Zhu has sobered up. He sent someone over to say he was very rude and will apologize to the young master when he returns. Meanwhile, he is helping look for the missing person.”

“Acting so perfectly without leaving room for gossip — Zhu Ling was well taught.”

Zhai Zhi asked, “Should I follow him?”

“No need. It won’t gain anything and might alert the enemy. Just note the time he leaves,” Shi Buyu said as she took a sip of tea. “Have the servants act flustered and disorderly. Considering Yan Shian’s well-known family status, the servants can’t be too competent or sensible in situations like this. We need loose control outside but tight inside. As for the outside matters, leave them to Dou Yuancheng and Zhuang Nan.”

“Yes.”

Yan De agreed, then asked, “If the two sides start arguing again like before, what should we do?”

“Then I will step in. Just inform me.”

“Yes.”

Seeing that the young lady had no further instructions, Yan De took his leave.

Shi Buyu sat quietly holding the tea cup, occasionally sipping. When the tea was almost gone, there was a commotion outside.

Yan De came in to report, “Miss, Young Master Zeng Xian has arrived.”

Zeng Xian was Yan Shian’s schoolmate and rival, and had also passed the imperial exam, ranking seventh.

Shi Buyu was not familiar with him, but knew his father well. The white-bearded man said Zeng Zhengren was as upright as his name suggested — too upright, too rigid.

Zeng Xian was his late child, also strictly taught to be uncompromising. He was not on Yan Shian’s gathering list this time.

“Did he say why he came?”

Yan De said, “There is a residence nearby that belongs to the Zeng family. After Dou inquired, he sent someone to petition all families in the city. The Zeng family was the first to come, and Zeng Xian personally came.”

Shi Buyu thought for a moment: “Inform Dou Yuancheng about this. Since he started this, let him handle it. I, a timid and weak lady, will temporarily stay out of meeting outside men.”

“…Yes.”

He Yisheng brought fresh tea for the young lady.

Shi Buyu held the warm cup again and sighed, “The Zeng family will have trouble.”

He Yisheng was puzzled, “They are just here to open the door and help find someone — why would that cause trouble?”

“If the emperor’s wishes are not fulfilled this time, his wicked rage will definitely explode. If Zeng Xian is not involved, the one suffering will be the notorious Dou family,” Shi Buyu said, lightly stroking the tea cup. “Zeng Zheng once submitted a memorial accusing Chancellor Zhang of allowing his family to seize commoners’ fertile land. The chancellor is narrow-minded and likely holds a grudge. Now that there is a chance to take down Zeng Zheng, he won’t let it go.”

While they were talking, the man in blue led in a familiar face.

“Miss, the madam has replied.”

“Quick, quick,” Shi Buyu hurriedly put down the tea cup, face full of anticipation. “Let me see how she scolds me!”

The young master was in danger, and this was no time to be happy, but her expression was truly amusing.

The man in blue handed over the letter, trying hard to keep a straight face.

A thin piece of paper, with only a few words on it:

“Shi Buyu, sooner or later I will kill you!”

There was no scolding.

Shi Buyu folded the letter along the crease and threw it on the table, feeling a bit sorry for Yan Shian. Some scolding would be good, at least that would mean some concern for Yan Shian.

But there was none.

She looked at the messenger and recognized him as someone who often stayed with Luo Qing.

“Anything else?”

“Yes. Aunt Orchid said the madam has entered the palace and sent a letter to Lord Zou.”

She threatened to kill her, yet everything was still done as ordered. Shi Buyu hummed inside, “You’re so mean to Yan Shian, next time I’ll be even angrier at you!”