Chapter 473: Liang Ruyi’s View of Love
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: End less Fantasy Translation
“Probably, they have all been sent away by Madame Zhang,” Liu Shimei said, almost certain of her words.
Nanny Li nodded. “In these past few years, the provisions for the mansion were all managed by Madame Zhang. Those people, if not sent to another estate, were most likely sold.”
Just like the servants in their own courtyard, the people in the eldest son’s mansion were of the same nature, all slaves bound by a contract. If they were not sent away or sold, there was only one possibility—they were dead!
“I’ll go find Ninth Brother and ask him to help investigate the whereabouts of these people!” Liu Shimei made a decision. “Although we have some clues, let’s not talk about it outside. It’s not wise to alert the enemy. If there’s something dirty going on behind the scenes, once any movement is detected, these people might be silenced. Our hard-earned leads would be lost again.”
Mo’er said, “We understand, Eldest Young Miss.”
Nanny Li sighed and asked, “Eldest Young Miss, since these case files were given to you by Master Grand Chancellor, why didn’t you ask him to investigate?”
Liu Shimei suddenly smiled, a smile so faint and cold. She looked at Nanny Li and said,
“He can’t see the bigger picture, blinded by a single leaf. Even if I tell him this, even if he has some doubts, do you think he would investigate carefully? He might consult his wife about it, but that woman, Madam Zhang, with her cunning and manipulative ways, do you think he won’t be easily swayed by her ‘persuasions in bed’? Men… ha, they get all dizzy in bed, what can they really remember?”
Nanny Li and Mo’er stared wide-eyed. They were speechless.
Eldest Young Miss is making a lot of sense!
“Master Grand Chancellor is indeed confused when it comes to managing the inner workings of the mansion!” Nanny Li sighed.
“Furthermore, I don’t believe whatever he finds out, his investigation skills are questionable…” Liu Shimei continued, “Nanny Li, you came with my mother as her dowry maid, do you remember if my mother truly loved Lord Xiang back then?”
Nanny Li was taken aback.
In ancient times, people were conservative, and discussing matters of romantic feelings between men and women was always a bit improper.
But encouraged by Liu Shimei, Nanny Li shared some details from the past. “Miss, you’re 16 now, and looking back, you do resemble Lady Ruyi when she was your age. However, you’ve been well-educated, quite different from Lady Ruyi, who has practiced martial arts since childhood. You have a scholarly air about you, while Lady Ruyi was more spirited.”
Liu Shimei listened in silence.
“Oh!” Nanny Li sighed, unable to contain her emotions, and continued, “Perhaps it was because our family was full of military men, rough and tough. Since she was 13 and received proposals, Lady Ruyi always hoped for a talented husband.”
Liu Shimei raised an eyebrow. “So, Mother liked scholars?”
Maybe this was a case of desiring what one didn’t have?
Unfortunately, Liang Ruyi’s desires led to her downfall!
Nanny Li nodded. “Yes, Lady Ruyi admired scholars. But she wanted a husband who excelled both in literary and martial arts. Sadly…”
Continuing Nanny Li’s thought, Liu Shimei said, “Sadly, the one who caught her eye in the end was my father, who never practiced martial arts?”
Liang Ruyi never found a husband who excelled in both literary and martial arts. Later, she gave birth to a son and focused on nurturing him to be proficient in both fields.
As for Liu Quan, he inherited the genes of a literary official and a military general. With his natural talent and careful cultivation, he indeed compensated for Liang Ruyi’s shortcomings.
But unfortunately…
“Yes,” Nanny Li sighed helplessly, saying, “I wasn’t originally a member of Lady Ruyi’s entourage. I was just a servant in the Liang family. When I was chosen to accompany the dowry, I couldn’t help but think that Miss Ruyi’s choice of marriage was opposed vehemently by the Old Master’s Wife. I feared that she would face hardships in the future.”
Liu Shimei furrowed her brows and asked, “Nanny, I understand that my mother has feelings for Master Grand Chancellor, but I want to know, what are Master Grand Chancellor’s feelings towards my mother?”