Chapter 4: The Confiscation

Ziling thought to herself: her mother-in-law must have believed what that guard said—that her father was involved in the affairs of the General’s Manor, and had come to hold her accountable. What a slander! She was just about to defend herself.

Her mother-in-law said in a deep voice, “Come here, I have something important to tell you. You need not worry. Even if what that guard said is true, I will not take my anger out on you. You’ve only been in my General’s Manor for less than a day; you’re not yet truly of our family. I will simply have my son write you a divorce letter, and you may leave on your own.”

After some hesitation, Ziling said, “Mother-in-law, I have nowhere to go. My father has always valued profit over kinship, and my stepmother and younger sister treat me as a thorn in their side. If I return now, he will surely dispose of me at will. But now that I have bowed before the ancestral hall with Mo Han, since we have already held the wedding ceremony, I am a part of this household. Besides, we don’t yet know where Mo Han is, nor how he fares. I swear, my father’s deeds have nothing to do with me. From this day forward, I will conduct myself with propriety and do my utmost for the General’s Manor.”

Ziling sensed a hostile gaze upon her. Turning her head, she saw her brother-in-law, Gong Hao, staring at her as though she were his enemy. Well, well—looks like this brat has taken the guard’s words to heart and thinks I colluded with that scoundrel father of mine to harm their family.

But I am a modern person, a medical doctor no less—how could I possibly fear a little brat? Let him glare all he wants. I don’t have the time or mood to deal with a child right now. What matters most is finding a way to snoop around the manor and see if there are any valuables left. I need to stash everything into my space before that dog of an emperor seizes it!

She lowered her voice, her expression grave, and said to her mother-in-law, “Mother-in-law, I wish to find a chance to visit the back courtyard.” The old madam, weathered by a lifetime of hardships, immediately grasped her intention. She gave a subtle signal to the old nurse at her side.

Ziling then said to the guard in a solemn tone, “Sir, may I go to the back courtyard to relieve myself? I promise I won’t wander. Truly, I can’t hold it any longer.”

The guard glanced at her and said, “You’d better behave. Hurry back.”

The old madam’s nurse quickly added, “Sir, this old servant will accompany our young madam. She’s only just married into the family and isn’t familiar with the courtyard. If she gets lost, it’ll cause you trouble.”

The guard waved impatiently. “Go, go, but be quick. Don’t waste our time—and don’t get any funny ideas.”

So Ziling followed the nurse into the back courtyard. She left the nurse to stand outside the latrine while she pretended to relieve herself. Then, slipping away, she quietly entered the buildings, stuffing everything of value into her space.

Passing through the kitchen, she saw the leftover dishes and pastries from the wedding banquet still laid out. By now it had been a whole day since she had eaten, and her stomach was growling furiously. She snatched up a pastry and devoured it like a starving tiger, then swiftly swept every leftover dish, meat, and cake into her space. Lifting a pot lid, she found a whole pot of steaming buns—gone in a flash, as if they had grown wings. On the road to exile, such things would be treasures beyond measure!

Looking at the space now brimming with supplies, Ziling felt as though she had stumbled upon a treasure trove. Pleased as a lark, she returned to the main hall with the nurse.

Just as she stepped back into the hall, a squad of guards stormed into the courtyard.

The leader, Captain Li, cast a glance at the old madam. He remembered once serving under the late General and receiving his mentorship. Though he would have liked to show leniency, this was an imperial decree—he dared not defy it.

“Old Madam, forgive us. We are only carrying out orders. There is truly no other way.”

The old madam said nothing. She merely rose to her feet and turned her back.

“Search the back courtyard!”

Before long, the courtyard resounded with the crash of furniture being smashed.

Moments later, two guards came running back. “Captain, there’s nothing in the rooms!”

“What did you say?”

Another guard rushed over. “Captain, the storeroom’s empty too. Only a few empty chests left—nothing else!”

“How could there be nothing at all? You—come with me to see for ourselves!”