"Rather, she continued to comfort her, saying, 'Ding Dong's misfortune this time is also due to my poor discipline of Chi Ling. You may go and rest. I will speak to Madam Bai on your behalf and arrange for you to work again once your injuries have healed.'
'Thank you, miss. My injuries are not serious and will heal in a day or two. The madam's courtyard is short-handed, and I don't know when Sister Hu Po and the others will return. They've been at the manor for quite some time now.'
Upon hearing the name 'Hu Po' suddenly, Feng Jin Yao smiled, her smile becoming even more sincere and amiable.
'There are many stones at the manor, so I asked her to go and help with them. She should be back in a few days. Are you usually close with her?'
'Sister Hu Po has always been exceptionally considerate to us new maids, so I was worried about her. Please forgive me, miss.'
'It's alright. We all serve your mother, and her helping you diligently is for your mother's good. When she returns, I will reward her.'
Hearing this, Ding Dong was overjoyed, thinking she had brought honor to Hu Po. She then kowtowed to thank Feng Jin Yao for her kindness.
Feng Jin Yao, too, smiled happily.
As she left Yun Hai Courtyard, the smile on her face vanished instantly. 'Send for He Huan and have her keep a close eye on this maid. She must not be allowed to send any messages. Also, guard this courtyard well. Tell Madam Bai's youngest son at the second gate to seize Ding Dong's parents without alarming anyone. Furthermore, no servant, male or female, is allowed to leave the premises. If anyone is found missing when Mother and Madam Bai return, they will be beaten to death.'
Yun Xu listened with a hint of trepidation to the indifferent and solemn tone.
However, she knew this was no time for softness. If her leniency were to allow the person behind the poisoning to escape, even her death would be insufficient atonement. Thus, she hardened her heart and immediately relayed the orders.
Upon her return home, Madam Feng was directly escorted to Ning An Courtyard.
She had thought something major had happened, but it turned out Ding Dong had been apprehended.
'Has the miss discovered the mole who poisoned us?'
'Yes, it's highly likely.'
As the medicinal powder was scattered on the ground, La Mei, carrying Chi Ling, had just approached when she noticed that its previously calm demeanor suddenly turned ferocious. It lunged at the powder, and the rug on the ground was instantly covered in claw marks, startling Madam Feng and Madam Bai.
'A Yao, what is going on?'
'This powder was brought back by Yun Xu from Shou Bo. It was made into powder using the Qing Yan Flower, which was used to harm Mother. Only a small amount was added, but it made Chi Ling so fierce. Today, Ding Dong in your courtyard was scratched by Chi Ling.'
'Ding Dong?'
Madam Bai was more surprised than anyone. She had searched this courtyard from top to bottom so many times. She had thought the moles led by Hu Po were all confined to the manor, but there were still remnants!
Her aged face, which had been kind and benevolent, now resembled a vengeful Yama, and she spoke fiercely.
'These damned wretches who are tired of living, how dare they attack Madam. Miss, where is she? Has she been detained? This old servant will deal with her. If she's not killed, people outside will truly think that everyone in our Bai family is a vegetarian!'
Madam Feng had never seen Madam Bai so fierce. She gently patted her shoulder.
'Madam Bai, you are getting on in years. Do not distress yourself over such unworthy people.'
'Madam, this old servant is truly ashamed. I have failed you. Managing twenty to thirty subordinates and still having repeated mistakes, I have no face to see you.'
As she spoke, she was about to kneel and admit her fault. Yun Xu immediately helped her up.
Feng Jin Yao comforted her, 'Madam Bai, do not be sad. Today was a fortunate accident that allowed Chi Ling to discover this trick. I have now secured everyone in the back courtyard. I will have Chi Ling inspect them one by one later, and the culprits and moles will naturally have nowhere to hide!'
External appearances can be changed, identities can be concealed, and the past can be erased, but the scent of the person who handled it cannot escape.
'The miss is right! This time, this old servant will see who else has the gall to trespass so recklessly!'
Madam Bai spoke indignantly. If there were a knife in front of her, Ding Dong would likely have been killed by her hand already!
A group of them, full of righteous anger, rushed towards Yun Hai Courtyard. Poor Ding Dong, still dreaming of daytime, was grabbed by the hair by a fierce old woman and thrown into the courtyard. Before she could even speak, several slaps made her eyes spin.
'Muzzle this lowly servant and tie her up, then throw her aside. She will be dealt with along with the other traitors later!'
Madam Bai acted with swiftness and decisiveness. Her management of servants over the years had been very strict. The female servants stepped forward and dealt with Ding Dong accordingly. Ding Dong's mouth was tightly gagged, her hands tied behind her back, and though she struggled forward, she was pressed to the ground, unable to move.
She had no idea where she had gone wrong, for things to have escalated so suddenly.
Thinking of the third miss's actions earlier, she suddenly understood.
Feng Jin Yao felt someone staring at her from behind. Without thinking, she knew it was Ding Dong. She turned back, glanced at her, and said in a low voice, 'Since you had the courage to betray your master, you should have known the consequences would not be good.'
Her eyes were filled with icy coldness. Although the weather in February was gradually warming, Ding Dong felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.
Soon, all the servants in the household were gathered in Yun Hai Courtyard. Ding Dong's parents, who had already been apprehended, were also brought over by Madam Bai's youngest son.
'Bai Deng, are these two them?'
'Reporting to Madam and Third Miss, these two are Ding Dong's parents. This is Old Fu, and this is Fu Li Shi.'
Judging by their appearance, both looked honest and simple. Their backgrounds were also impeccable, otherwise, Madam Bai would not have failed to find them after so many searches.
Feng Jin Yao glanced at La Mei, who gently placed Chi Ling down. All eyes were focused on it.
It stood still for a moment, then its fur bristled, and it lunged at the two individuals.
In the blink of an eye, their hands were bleeding from deep scratches.
Ding Dong instantly understood where she had made a mistake, but it was too late for regret.
The servants were all startled by this. They couldn't understand why their masters, who were usually amiable, would allow this beast to injure people wantonly today. They were somewhat displeased, but dared not show it.
'Chi Ling, go and see if there are any accomplices.'
Feng Jin Yao crouched down and spoke to the fire fox. As if it understood, it nodded and ran towards the servants, sniffing each one.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, it returned and leaped into Feng Jin Yao's arms, seemingly shaking its head to indicate it had found nothing else."