Yang Chuxia raised an eyebrow, wondering if this girl was overreacting, even committing suicide.
"Search her room and see if thereâs anything unusual, and while youâre at it, pack her belongings and send them to her mother." After thinking for a moment, she added, "Send Liu to inquire about her family, see if theyâve been in contact with anyone recently. As for the body, return it to her mother, and give a bit more silver at that time."
"Yes!"
Quickly, Hongyeâs body was taken away, and Ming Lan led people to Hongyeâs room, but found nothing that didnât belong to Prince Anâs Mansion.
However, by the afternoon, the people who went to Hongyeâs home returned with unpleasant looks.
"Madam, Hongyeâs mother wants to come to our mansion to make a scene, saying weâve caused the death of her good daughter."
"Hmph, let her come and make a fuss if she wants. Hongye was sold on a death contract, meaning her life or death is up to the master. Besides, Hongye committed suicide by biting her tongue; does she not distinguish between that and being murdered?"
"Madam, sheâs just unwilling to accept it and wants more silver."
Yang Chuxia then asked, "How much silver did you give them?"
"The people who went to Hongyeâs home said they gave fifty taels of silver."
"Fifty taels are not little; enough for her and her two children to live well for years." Yang Chuxia remarked, "No need to give more; she doesnât have the courage to cause trouble."
"Yes!"
After the messenger left, Liu arrived shortly.
"Madam Daâan."
Yang Chuxia saw him about to kneel and quickly let him rise.
"Did you find anything out?"
"Madam, you hit the nail on the head." Liu scratched his head, "I heard, that Hongyeâs mother hasnât been the same these past two months. Rumor has it that her family has been eating meat and fish every meal, very well indeed, and that Hongyeâs brother has been sent to school, while Hongyeâs sister got four new outfits this month. Even Hongyeâs mother has a new hairpin, and people in the courtyard say Hongyeâs mother has struck it rich."
"Madam, this little tramp Hongye must have an issue." Ming Lan continued, "Hongyeâs family has three kids, her mother does no work, and when Hongyeâs father was alive, they relied on him selling sugar figures to earn silver for the family. Hongyeâs father died the year before last, so they relied on Hongyeâs odd jobs to support the family, barely making ends meet until Hongye entered our mansion when their days improved. Yet, Hongyeâs monthly silver allowance barely covers basic needs, let alone affords fish, meat, new clothes, and jewelry."
"Sister Ming Lanâs analysis is correct." Liu chuckled, "A brother of mine happened to stay near Hongyeâs home, and he said he once saw a fat nanny come looking for Hongyeâs mother."
Yang Chuxiaâs eyes lit up, "A fat nanny? Could he remember what she looks like?"
"He can, why wouldnât he? My brother has the sharpest eyes."
Seeing how happily Liu spoke, one might think the person was his own brother.
Yang Chuxia asked with a smile, "Is he someone youâve recently met in the Capital City?"
"Yes." Liu scratched his head again, "Although Iâm with madam now, not having to worry about food and drink, if madam doesnât assign me tasks, I also get quite bored. Sometimes, out of sheer boredom, Iâll do my old trade and happen to meet some brothers nearby."
Yang Chuxia nodded, "In that case, Iâll send someone along with you, and let your brother describe the nannyâs appearance and have it drawn."
"No problem, leave it to Liu."