Chapter 274: Chapter 274: People from Datong
Madam Lu sat in the main hallâs seat of honor, smiling as she watched two well-dressed steward women walk in with their heads lowered. But as soon as they knelt and greeted her, her smile vanished.
"Who are you?"
The people before her were neither her usual ones, nor any stewards from the mansion or the manorâs stores, but rather strangers she had never seen before.
The woman wore a low bun with a golden hairpin inserted in her hair, her face round and plump, with a flat nose and triangular eyes, and her ears adorned with silver earrings.
Beside her stood a middle-aged steward with a calm demeanor and eyes that seemed to shine with intelligence.
"Madam, please be informed, this old servant and my husband are stewards from the Song Mansion in Datong. This is my husband, Zhang Chengda. As for me, Madam can simply summon me as Zhang Chengdaâs wife or Mrs. Zhang," she explained with a smile.
Madam Luâs expression turned icy, and her hand resting on her lap curled up, while her thin lips pressed tightly together.
Nanny Zhou, noticing this, stepped forward and shouted sternly, "Nonsense! The steward of the mansion is Li Mu. Where have you swindlers from a backwater come from, daring to deceive your way into the Prime Ministerâs Mansion?"
Immediately, Mrs. Zhang cried injustice, "Madam, this old servant wouldnât dare, not even with a thousand courage! This old servant and my husband only started working at the Song Mansion in Datong a month ago. As for the previous Li Mu and his family, itâs said they committed an offense and were sold off."
Nanny Zhouâs face darkened too, and she glanced instinctively at Madam Lu.
Mrs. Zhang added, "By the way, this old servant has a letter personally written by the master. If Madam doesnât believe, the letter will clarify this servantâs authenticity."
As she spoke, she turned her back and took out a letter from her bosom, presenting it with both hands.
Nanny Zhou looked at Madam Lu, and seeing her nod, she stepped forward to take the letter. After glancing at it, her expression changed slightly.
"Madam, it is a letter from the master."
Madam Luâs breathing paused momentarily as she took the letter and indeed saw Song Zhiqingâs handwriting.
Upon opening, the letter explained from the start why Zhang Chengdaâs family was delivering the gifts. The previous stewardâs family was sold off due to offending colleagues, and thus this new steward was in place.
Madam Lu didnât read any further and asked, "Where is the gift list?"
Mrs. Zhang presented the gift list again.
Madam Lu casually asked, "Who prepared the gift list?"
"Naturally it was Bai... Miss Qiu Chan who prepared it," replied Mrs. Zhang with a smile.
Madam Luâs eyes narrowed slightly.
"Nanny Zhou, take Mrs. Zhang and settle them in, get some good food and wine to refresh them after their long journey."
Nanny Zhouâs eyes flickered rapidly, and she complied.
But Mrs. Zhang said, "Madam, I was also ordered by the master to pay respects to the esteemed Madam."
"I will pay respects in motherâs place. You can rest with Nanny Zhou now," Madam Lu said coolly.
"But..."
"Leave!" Madam Lu ordered coldly.
Mrs. Zhangâs neck shrunk, fearful to make a sound, and her dress was gently tugged by her husband, prompting her to force a smile and say, "Then I will take my leave first."
The two kowtowed, bowed, and retreated back a few steps before turning to leave.
"Prepare more wine and question them thoroughly," Madam Lu finally said to Nanny Zhou.
What nonsense about offending colleagues and being sold, she definitely didnât believe such a story. Something must have happened at the mansion, and she was unaware of it.
"Yes, Madam."
Once they left, Madam Lu threw the teacup by her hand forcefully onto the ground, shattering it.