Chapter 58: Bloody Hands, Steady Heart

Yiyun went to the west wing and found the young novice monk who had kept watch last night. She asked who had entered or exited the west wing during the night, but the answer surprised her.

“You’re sure not a single person from our side went out?” Yiyun asked again, unwilling to give up.

The novice monk shook his head again. “Truly, no one did. Monks do not lie. If I say no one did, then no one did.”

Yiyun had no choice. She pursed her lips and asked, “Were you the only one on night watch last night?”

“Yes, it was my turn last night,” the young monk answered, looking puzzled.

“Did you doze off at any point?” Yiyun pressed, still unwilling to let it go.

This question made the young monk’s face darken instantly. “What do you mean by that? I take night watch very seriously. I never slack off.”

Seeing that she had offended him, Yiyun could only purse her lips in frustration. She hadn’t gotten any useful information and had even upset the little monk.

“I was just inquiring. Please don’t tell anyone about this conversation.” She gave him a slight nod and turned to leave.

Once she was gone, Nanny Gui stepped out from a hidden spot.

“Thank you for your help today, young master.” Nanny Gui handed the young monk a pouch of money.

The young monk hesitated. “Madam, you’re my benefactor. If not for your recommendation, I’d still be begging on the streets. I’m happy to help however I can, how could I accept your money?”

Nanny Gui smiled and patted his head. “Keep it for protection. If you ever find yourself in need, use it.”

The monk was touched. “Thank you, truly.”

Having once been a beggar, he knew better than anyone the value of money. Even though he now had food and shelter, having some silver saved up gave a sense of security.

“Remember what I told you, no matter who asks, say exactly what I told you.” Nanny Gui reminded him sternly.

The monk nodded immediately. “Don’t worry, Madam. I’ll say no one went from the north wing to the west wing last night. I kept watch the entire night without dozing off.”

Nanny Gui nodded in satisfaction and left.

Yiyun reported the findings to Tang Ying, who paused in surprise before saying, “If Qianliu really didn’t go to the west wing last night, then let’s not mention this again.”

“Yes.” Though Yiyun still didn’t trust Qianliu, she had no evidence and could only let it go for now.

Meanwhile, Nanny Gui was on her way to report in when she saw Madam Qin and quickly bowed. “Greetings, Madam.”

Madam Qin didn’t even look at her and instead continued speaking to the old matriarch. “That child has followed Cao Xin closely and learned all of his cunning ways. If Mother doesn’t have a better candidate, why not let the child take Cao Xin’s place? What do you think?”

The old matriarch’s face turned stormy. If she didn’t have to protect Mi’er, she would’ve lashed out at Madam Qin right then. Cao Xin had harmed Mi’er, and now Madam Qin dared recommend his protege? She wasn’t stupid, she knew that child was just like his father.

This time, she would make sure to drive their entire family out!

Suppressing her rage, the old matriarch said coldly, “I already have someone in mind for the steward position. No need for your concern.”

Madam Qin panicked. “But”

“Leave now,” the old matriarch said curtly and turned back to her scripture chanting, ignoring Qin.

With no other choice, Madam Qin took her leave.

After she was gone, Nanny Gui shut the door and stepped forward. “Matriarch, I’ve taken care of everything.”

The old matriarch didn’t open her eyes, continuing to beat her wooden fish. “If you’ve handled it, I trust it’s done well.”

Nanny Gui hesitated, then said, “There’s something else I need to report.”

The old matriarch finally opened her eyes and looked at her.

Nanny Gui bowed and said, “The girl Yiyun from Miss Ying’s side came snooping earlier. I believe Miss Ying suspects something about Cao Xin’s death.”

The old matriarch’s heart skipped a beat. “Did she find anything?”

“No. I made sure everything was covered,” Nanny Gui assured her.

The old matriarch let out a sigh of relief. “She has no evidence. It won’t amount to anything.”

“There’s one more thing I found odd,” Nanny Gui continued. “Last night, aside from us, Qianliu the maid from Miss Ying’s side, also went to the west wing.”

The old matriarch’s face twisted with shock. “Are you saying what Cao Xin did to Mi’er might have something to do with Ying’er?”

Nanny Gui looked uneasy and lowered her gaze. “I wouldn’t dare make assumptions.”

Both girls were the matriarch’s granddaughters. Nanny Gui knew it wasn’t her place to speculate, only to report the facts.

The old matriarch’s expression darkened further. She no longer had the heart to continue her prayers. “Assign two people to keep a close watch on her. I don’t want what happened last night to ever happen again.”

“Yes,” Nanny Gui replied and left to carry out the order.

The old matriarch was furious. She had always hoped for peace and harmony in the family for the sisters to support one another. But why was it so hard?

Meanwhile, in the adjoining room, Tang Mi slept through the morning and only got up around noon.

Ban Xia had been worried about Cao Xin and didn’t dare go out to ask questions. But she’d overheard a few things from Yunxiang and now knew that Cao Xin had fallen off a cliff. She felt more at ease.

Seeing Tang Mi wake up, Ban Xia hurried forward to help her wash up. “Miss, did you sleep well last night? No nightmares?”

She still worried about Tang Mi. To her, the young lady had always been delicate and fragile. Surely she’d be scared after everything that happened.

Tang Mi curved her lips in a smile. “No nightmares. I slept soundly.”

In fact, it was the best sleep she’d had since her rebirth.

She’d thought she would have nightmares, but it turned out that once her hands were stained with blood, she slept more peacefully. She had too many enemies in this second life. Since bloodshed was inevitable, then she would take it one step at a time.

Getting rid of Cao Xin wasn’t just about earning Qianliu’s loyalty. It was also because Cao Xin had been Qin’s trusted confidant. Eliminating him was like chopping off one of Qin’s arms.

Let’s see how well Qin can manage things without Cao Xin.

“Miss, do you think Qianliu is truly grateful for what you did? Should I go remind her of your kindness?” Ban Xia asked. After all, her lady had done so much, Qianliu should be loyal.

“No need to approach her for now,” Tang Mi replied.

Tang Ying wasn’t easy to fool. She was probably already suspicious about Cao Xin’s death. Contacting Qianliu now would only raise more suspicions.

“I understand,” Ban Xia said, instantly grasping Tang Mi’s intention.

Tang Mi narrowed her eyes. Things had progressed this far. If Qianliu was clever, she’d know exactly what to do. And if she wasn’t? Then such a pawn wasn’t worth keeping.