Chapter 78 Mysterious Origin

  The wine is fragrant and the dishes are delicious, the atmosphere is warm and harmonious.

  A group of people in the hall were enjoying an unprecedented happy life, with plenty of wine and food, no need to worry about not being full, nor did they have to worry about being caught by the sudden arrival of officials and soldiers when eating halfway through. Such days are truly as lively as can be.

  Although Pei Hu and his group were rough, they weren't heartless stones either. Everyone was making a ruckus here, and it was exhausting for the servants, not to mention Third Miss couldn't rest either. Zhao Shu discussed with Pei Hu and thought it was better to disperse. There's always tomorrow, and working for Third Miss would provide them with food and drink anyway.

  Qin Dai Xin saw that everyone was of the same mind, so she didn't stop them and made an excuse about not being able to drink anymore, then left first. After sending off Qin Dai Xin, the crowd looked at the table full of wine cups and were momentarily stunned on the spot. A strange feeling unknowingly surged up in every person's heart, as if they were reluctant to part with something, yet also looking forward to it. Two feelings competed with each other, taking turns to emerge, unable to say whether it was bitter or sweet. They felt that there was something within reach, but couldn't grasp it.

  Also don't know how long he was stunned, the hall suddenly rang out a silly laugh, in this unusually quiet deep night, it looks extremely abrupt. The crowd seemed to be awakened by this silly laughter, and instantly understood what that complex aftertaste on their mind was, not only a farewell and nostalgia for the future, but also a yearning for future life.

  Just thinking about that hopeful new life, even Pei Hu couldn't help but crack a smile, everyone's mood was excited, laughing non-stop, all looking forward to the day arriving sooner!

  "What's so funny? Rabbit kid, go back to sleep." Pei Hu laughed and scolded, his tone full of joy that he couldn't hide.

  "Disperse! Disperse." Zhao Shu also chimed in, advising everyone to go rest.

  "Oh!"

  Everyone shouted and got up, but they all walked out and returned to their respective side rooms to rest.

  The people waiting outside the hall had long been unable to hold back their drowsiness, each leaning against a pillar on one side and dozing off. The burst of laughter and playfulness in the hall suddenly startled them awake, and after rubbing their eyes, they only saw the backs of a group of "brewing masters". Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what had happened.

  Everyone was satisfied and contented, so they slept soundly through the night till dawn broke.

  The next morning, Qin Dai Xin sent someone to find Zheng Jiufu and told him her own thoughts.

  "Ask Zeng Yu to carefully review the account book of the Zhuangzi, record any discrepancies or unclear parts, and keep them for future reference. Additionally, make an inventory of all private belongings of the Long'an family in the Zhuangzi, seal and record them, and either send someone to deliver them after the new year or have them settle accounts."

  Zheng Jiufu listened and was even more impressed. In this way, the Chang'an family would find it difficult to turn over again. Once their crime of embezzlement is discovered, the well-preserved money and goods will be evidence, and at that time, they won't be able to deny it even if they want to.

  In just two days, Qin Dai Xin used her resolute decision and meticulous thinking to subdue this capable steward, which probably even she herself did not expect.

  "I've taken note of it, Miss Third. Is there anything else you'd like to instruct?"

  Qin Dai thought for a moment and said, "Let's do it this way! We must arrange the lives of these winemaking masters well, as they are the future of our small front village's prosperity. Although we don't need to make special arrangements for their food and lodging, we should still be careful. If anyone has any special requests, if it's not excessive, try to satisfy their demands. You're more familiar with the affairs of the village than I am, so handle big and small matters according to your ideas. For important matters, send someone to inform me and I'll have someone reply to you. Other things can be discussed after the new year."

  Zheng Jiufu immediately wrote down her instructions one by one and followed her orders to let Niu Dazhuang harness the carriage.

  Today is the sixteenth of the twelfth lunar month. Qin Dai Xin didn't dare to linger any longer, no matter what, she should pay attention to the impact, in case someone makes an issue out of this, even if Fang Wanru had agreed with her beforehand, it's likely that something will still happen.

  Qin Dai's heart let Ruyi pass a message to Pei Hu, saying that it was not necessary to send it, thinking that Zhao Shu was a transparent person and would certainly understand the reason behind it.

  A big target is easily hit.

  After everything was settled, Qin Dai Xin prepared to set off. Zheng Jiu Fu accompanied by his two sons and several well-behaved servants saw him off all the way to the gate until Qin's carriage gradually disappeared from view before they turned back.

  The horse cart couldn't run fast in the village, until it left the village and got on the official road, then gradually accelerated its speed, trotting all the way, raising a lot of dust.

  It was just past noon, and Qin Dai Xin and the others returned to Taizhou City. At this time, it was already lunchtime, and there were not too many people on the road. Niu Da Zhuang slowed down the horse carriage, and they slowly headed in the direction of the Qin Manor.

  Before long, Qin Dai Xin heard Niu Da Zhuang's loud shout, and the carriage immediately came to a stop. Ruyi pushed open the door and jumped down, then helped Qin Dai Xin jump down from the carriage. Seeing that the two were standing steadily, Niu Da Zhuang drove the carriage to the side gate, preparing to unload first and feed the livestock.

  The two master and servant lifted the sedan chair and were about to enter the main gate when they suddenly heard someone shouting from behind: "Benefactor, stop in your tracks."

  Qin Dai Xin heard the shout and her eyebrows jumped involuntarily. She turned around to look at the mother-daughter pair already kneeling in front of her, and a sense of powerlessness from getting into trouble arose in her heart.

  "Big sister, what are you doing? Our young lady is helping you, not trying to get into trouble!" Ruyi felt that this mother and daughter seemed to be relying on their own young lady, and a few points of displeasure arose in her heart. Aren't they supposed to return the money? Not returning home for New Year's, what are they doing here?

  "Miss, don't be annoyed. We wouldn't dare to trouble you, but since you helped us and we really have nowhere else to go, we can only ask you to show some kindness and take us in." The big sister's words were no longer as sharp as they had been when she came to collect debts that day, and her tone was respectful, making Ruyi feel a bit more at ease. She suppressed the displeasure she had felt earlier and decided to hear what Miss had to say.

  Qin Dai's eyes coldly sized up the mother and daughter, seeing that the girl didn't say a word, but her eyes were full of determination, knowing that this matter wouldn't be easily settled. The Qin estate was located in the midst of the bustling city, although it was quiet in front of the gate, but it was inevitable that there would be passersby, and if someone from a neighboring estate saw them, it wouldn't be a good thing. She turned around and said to Ruyi: "I'll go see my mother first, you bring these two back to the garden, and don't make any noise."

  Ru Yi didn't dare to disobey her, although he was unwilling, but had no choice but to agree. After seeing the master and servant enter the mansion first, he said: "Get up, kneeling like this doesn't look good, those who don't know might think our young lady is bullying you, follow me!" After finishing speaking, he led the way into the gate.

  The mother and daughter knelt on the ground, looked at each other, then got up and followed Ruyi.

  As they walked, Ru Yi carefully observed the mother and daughter. The mother had a fair complexion and a dignified appearance, with an air of refinement that suggested she came from a wealthy family. The daughter's skin was slightly darker, and although young, her features and demeanor were not as impressive as her mother's. However, her two eyebrows gave her a strong and masculine aura, which was quite distinctive. Their movements and behavior were all very proper and dignified, and after entering the mansion, they did not curiously look around like ordinary people would. This pair of mother and daughter must have had an extraordinary background, so why had they ended up in such a situation, even considering selling themselves?

  Although Ru Yi was a bit worried, she wasn't anxious. After all, if she could figure it out herself, how could Miss, who was so clever, not understand?

  Three people came to Changxiaoyuan, and Yu Yi arranged for the two of them to stay in a tea room where an old woman was chatting idly, then turned around to take care of her own affairs.

  She had just come out of the tea room when Chunli poked her head in and asked in a not-so-quiet voice, "Ruyi sister, what are these two people doing? Are they not the old maidservant and maid that the young lady bought back?"

  Ru Yi knew that this girl was very curious, but after all, the matter had not been settled yet and it was still unclear how things would turn out. The young lady hadn't told her anything, so she didn't dare to speak nonsense. At this time, she said: "You're coming to me again to ask for news? I think you're bored and looking for a fight!"

  Chun Li stuck out her tongue: "Good sister, you are the most capable one by Miss's side. Tell me quietly, I won't tell others."

  I really can't deal with this girl.

  Ru Yi deliberately put on a stern face and intimidated her, saying: "Just you wait, Miss, I'll teach you a lesson for being so garrulous."

  Chunli knew she was joking and also knew that nothing would come of it, so she let out a sigh and hung her head to find something to do.

  Ru Yi watched Chun Lian's back and smiled, but also fell into deep thought. This mother-daughter pair had an unclear background, they wouldn't really be left behind, would they?

  P.S. I saw a friend's comment saying that the plot I wrote was too idealized and had a hint of fairy tale. Well... how to put it? Fantasy or time-travel, aren't they just fairy tales for adults?! Let's just laugh about it!