Madam Wen came from a respectable family, her father being the prefect of Shuzhou. When she married Feng Jinxu, her elder brother, they had enjoyed a period of harmonious and respectful companionship.
However, something changed later. A rift developed between them, which Linlang took advantage of. Linlang became pregnant, and over time, the marital affection between Wen and Feng Jinxu gradually faded.
Upon hearing Yunhe's explanation of the events, even if she were foolish, Wen could grasp some of the truth.
Some of the maids around her had likely been bribed. They constantly reminded her of the attention being showered upon the concubine and her illegitimate son, all to provoke her into action, thus allowing someone else to reap the benefits.
After learning that Feng Jinyao had taken over the management of the household, Wen deliberated for a long time before deciding to visit her.
"Why has Eldest Sister-in-law come? The snow is still heavy outside; can your health withstand it?"
"Don't worry, I've been ill for so long that I know my limits. I've come today, firstly, to thank you, sister, for helping resolve Linlang's matter yesterday. Secondly, to thank you for dispelling the doubts that have plagued my son and me for years. And thirdly... I'm not afraid you'll laugh, but I suspect someone has been placed around me. I've heard too much foolish talk over the years, which has led to more estrangement with the master, causing my son to suffer as well."
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, her maternal heart deeply touching.
Feng Jinyao patted her hand, wanting to offer words of comfort but finding herself at a loss for where to begin.
Her maid, Zhujin, offered a handkerchief. After wiping her eyes, Madam Wen smiled and apologized for her失态 (losing composure).
"Sister-in-law, it's good to vent the bitterness in your heart."
"Yes, yes. Enough of these old matters. I've come today to ask for your help in dismissing those in my household who have ulterior motives. Their slave contracts are not in my possession, so selling them off is troublesome. I can only ask for your assistance."
Eldest Sister-in-law Wen was direct and stated her purpose upfront.
"Do you have specific people in mind, Sister-in-law?"
With a bitter smile, Wen nodded gently.
This surprised Feng Jinyao. To identify and confirm those with ill intentions in her courtyard in just half a day was a skill she admired.
"Since that is the case, Yunxu, bring me all the slave contracts and deeds from Eldest Brother's courtyard so that Sister-in-law can take them. The year-end is approaching, and dealing with lazy maids and servants is quite normal."
Dealing with intelligent people was simple; even a reason for selling them off had been provided.
Madam Wen's admiration for her sister-in-law, with her benevolent appearance and decisive methods, grew.
Soon, significant changes swept through the Feng family.
The year-end was drawing near, and the Feng family had not had a peaceful time in the previous life.
Therefore, the first thing Feng Jinyao did after taking charge was to purge her family.
Under the guise of house cleaning, she thoroughly reorganized the household, exposing several servants and stewards who had been abusing their authority by leveraging the Feng family's influence.
After a round of beatings, they were immediately sent away to be sold.
The servants of the Feng family were all struck with a greater fear of her than before.
Meanwhile, the main character herself was living a carefree life. After her afternoon nap, she was soaking her fingers in fine fragrant dew to keep her skin soft and delicate.
"Your servant has checked carefully, and indeed, the courtyard has been tampered with. The most immediate threat was to Madam's food. For the past six months, they have been making dishes for Madam using sesame, peanuts, beans, and the like. A few days ago, they even sent a basket of the finest winter peaches. Fortunately, Madam developed a cough and did not consume them. Otherwise, if the fuzz from the peaches had clung to her, Madam's asthma might have truly flared up."
Feng Jinyao slammed the handkerchief into the bronze basin, splashing water.
Yunxu knew that her young lady was angry and served her with utmost care.
"Anything else?"
"The previous gardeners were also dishonest. Madam's courtyard should not have been planted with Yu Dingxiang. They were bribed to plant Yu Dingxiang in a few places Madam frequented. Not many, hidden among other flowers, not obvious. It was Mama Bai's meticulousness; only when she checked thoroughly this time did she discover the flower's roots."
"So, they are resorting to all sorts of despicable means to put my mother to death. What is the motive of the person behind this!"
"Where are the gardeners?"
"Mama Bai said that the Second Branch sent better gardeners, so they are temporarily not needed. They were ordered to work on the estate for now. The estate manager is Mama Bai's eldest son. After receiving the order, he had those men tied up and dealt with, only then did they confess."
"Who gave them the money?"
"They don't know. They only heard a man's voice and saw that he wasn't particularly tall."
It appeared to be an inside job, with accomplices both within and outside the household. There were external contacts, and no escape route was left for her mother.
Thinking of this, Feng Jinyao's eyes turned as cold as ice.
"I recall Mama Bai has two sons. Besides this estate manager, the other is a steward at the second gate."
"Miss is correct. I've seen that person a few times; he seems quite sharp."
"That's good. Have Mama Bai tell him to pay close attention to the young servants and stewards in the outer courtyard. If anyone is suspicious, do not alert them. Just report it."
"Yes."
Since their last heartfelt talk, Yunxu had become more capable and displayed the composure and maturity of a senior maid. Feng Jinyao felt much more at ease.
However, having only one capable person at her side felt a bit insufficient.
Xiūqiú was good, but her temper was a bit too hasty and needed more experience. Just as she was considering finding another reliable person from Mama Bai's side, a pleasant female voice came from outside the door.
"Greetings to Third Miss."
Xiūqiú lifted the curtain and entered, followed by a maidservant. She looked unfamiliar but was quite beautiful.
"Who are you?"
"Replying to Miss, your servant is Hehuan. I serve in the Eldest Madam's chambers. I only entered the manor a few days ago. Eldest Madam sent me to bring some tea and snacks for Third Miss and Young Master, saying they are Shuzhou pastries, rarely found elsewhere."
Pastries?
Her Eldest Sister-in-law had been sending things periodically since the last incident. Today it was pastries, yesterday it was covers for the hand warmer, and the day before that, a few storybooks.
The items were not expensive but were very practical, which made her feel quite happy.
Hehuan, the name was interesting.
"Then thank you, Sister-in-law. I was just about to head to the study. Bring the pastries along with me."
"Yes."
This girl was steady. Although she had only been in the manor for a few days, she had learned the rules well and was poised and natural, not at all timid.
Sister-in-law certainly had good judgment, selecting maids so effectively.
In the study, Feng Yunhe was diligently practicing calligraphy. His father had mentioned that his "Lihua Tie" was not written well last time, so he naturally had to practice more to live up to his father's teachings.
"Yunhe, take a break. Your mother sent some pastries, and I also had the small kitchen make lotus leaf soup. Try some."