Chapter 16: Does it matter to me whether you listen or not?

"In the mansion, some people are very strange, and the guards are very tight." Zi Wu also didn't know if what he said was right or wrong.

She and Su Xin were two maids brought as part of the dowry; although in front of the Princess Consort, their status would be a bit higher.

But in the Wang Fu, there are many things and people she and Su Xin need to understand; they cannot be completely clueless, always pointing at others, or else they'll be deceived and end up paying for others.

These days, when she and Su Xin are not attending the Princess Consort, they wander around the Wang Fu, and they also bring snacks for some maids, who in turn tell them what to watch out for.

"Tell me in detail." Jiang Yun Chu raised her eyebrows and looked at Zi Wu.

"Su Xin and I just arrived; there's a lot we need to learn, so we're looking from an unfamiliar perspective."

"For example, the old woman who manages the big fire room must go out to buy supplies every two days, but yesterday I noticed she came back empty-handed, even though she had been out for a full two hours."

"For example, the gatekeeper's boy goes out every night, and I don't know where he goes."

"There are also some courtyards that have no recorded master, yet the guards are very tight, even tighter than those around the Princess Consort."

Zi Wu spoke point by point, and Su Xin added from the side; they have a special perspective, and they are people who often stay in the Wang Fu, noticing places not easily noticed.

Because they bring curiosity, they bring inquiry, they bring a spirit of exploration.

Only then will they discover these things.

"I understand." Jiang Yun Chu nodded.

"Feng Mama of the Gathering Snow Pavilion was not found by a matchmaker, nor was she hired by the Wang Fu from outside; she was sent here by the Imperial Noble Consort's natal family."

These days, Zi Su has taken on Jiang Yun Chu's task, which is to investigate those two handlers.

One is Feng Mama beside Yue Yue, and the other is Xiao Hong beside Ning Hanmo.

"What about that Xiao Hong?" Jiang Yun Chu raised her eyebrows, already having a guess in mind.

"Through investigation, and according to the Wang Fu's records, Xiao Hong was also sent from there."

"One or two, they were all sent from there."

"The natal family of the Imperial Noble Consort is really interesting."

"Have you investigated it thoroughly?"

"They were all sent from various sides, and then that side sent them to the Wang Fu." Zi Su nodded, following the line she conducted an investigation; although the information was limited, there was still some useful information.

"Keep investigating." Jiang Yun Chu thought for a moment; she actually had become very interested in the Imperial Noble Consort's natal family.

"My lord, I've discovered a problem." Bai Zhi looked toward the Princess Consort; actually she didn't know whether she should say it.

"What?" Jiang Yun Chu looked at the hesitant Bai Zhi, which was unlike her nature.

"Madame Jiang of the General's Manor has been frequently returning to the Kang Clan lately."

"Return to the Kang Clan? The Kang Clan is her natal family; actually, over the years they have had little contact, especially after Xiao Kang Shi married into the Jiang family, the Kang Clan severed ties with the Great General's Manor."

"She herself has married out, yet Xiao Kang Shi frequently returns to the Kang Clan, always feeling that something is amiss."

"Alright, I understand." Jiang Yun Chu nodded, then looked at the four senior maids.

"Since I've asked you these things, you should also know that the Wang Fu is not peaceful now; danger may lurk everywhere."

"One could even say more seriously, 'How can there be intact eggs when the nest is overturned?'"

"I hope that in the future you will pay attention to your words and deeds, and be able to see more different aspects."

"Her intention today is actually quite simple: to warn them and let them recognize the danger."

"Yes."

After the four left, Jiang Yun Chu sat at the desk, which had just been newly made by the carpenter, and on it were already placed brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

She wrote a few characters on the paper.

"Natal family."

"Jiang family."

"Kang clan."

She thought for a moment, then wrote, "Wang Fu."

"For these four places, why did Xiao Kang Shi insist on marrying herself into the Wang Fu?"

"And what exactly is the purpose of the Imperial Noble Consort's natal family?"

"Everything seems like a mystery that needs to be unraveled bit by bit."

"\"Jiang Yun Chu! \" That angry voice—no need to discern—she knew it was the little brat coming."

She put away the written characters, then lifted her head to look at Ning Hanmo, "You called me?"

That flat tone, together with that innocent expression—yes, it was innocent! It really made people's teeth itch with anger.

"Do you know how long my stomach has hurt?" Ning Hanmo now feels his legs are floating, his whole body weak as if he'd never experienced this before from childhood.

Jiang Yun Chu blinked, "I haven't told you, have I?"

As he said that, Ning Hanmo waited for her next words, but he saw Jiang Yun Chu's lips slightly curl up, just like when she gave him the porridge bowl.

"Using the person's own method to treat their body."

……

Quiet.

Ning Hanmo and Jiang Yun Chu, at this moment, neither spoke.

After a pause, Jiang Yun Chu calmly said, "This counts as the second lesson I'm teaching you."

"If you want to be a bad person, you must be prepared to bear the consequences; if you're not ready, you might as well wash up and go to sleep early."

"If you can't even be a bad person, what else can you do?"

Cold.

Ning Hanmo had never noticed before, but after these few incidents, he suddenly realized that Jiang Yun Chu is a very cold person—cold to others, and seemingly cold to herself as well.

But she is coldest toward him!

Hmph, don't think that because he's young he wouldn't notice.

"I can still obey!" Ning Hanmo said. As he spoke, his eyebrows actually lifted a bit— that gesture, he had learned it perfectly.

……

Jiang Yun Chu looked at him speechlessly. "Ning Hanmo, do you have some misunderstanding about yourself?"

"Obey?"

One part "listen", one part "speak"— which character does he have anything to do with?

"That was before; young master didn't want to obey, now young master wants to listen."

What's with that proud look?

"Does whether you listen or not have much to do with me?" Jiang Yun Chu didn't quite understand— where does his pride come from?

Ning Hanmo's face suddenly fell so bitter, his little mouth all pouted— could hang a bottle of soy sauce.

"Jiang Yun Chu, can't you just speak properly?"

"You just want me to obey, don't you?"

"Now I've said it, I'll obey from now on— what's with this attitude?"

A child's complaint is always so sudden.

Jiang Yun Chu thought it over— had she ever wanted Ning Hanmo to obey? Actually, never from start to finish; she just wanted him to learn something, wanted him to become a pillar of heaven and earth even without the Regent Prince's Manor's aura.

Children's natures differ— where is there any obedient child?

However……

Jiang Yun Chu kept staring at Ning Hanmo; seeing his gaze, the corner of her mouth kept a smile, somewhat nonchalant.

"Ning Hanmo, if you want to weaken my will, I have to say, you've failed again."

Kid, your gaze is all too easy to give you away.

She had seen it, but just wouldn't say it.