Four Harmonies and Good Fortune

Chapter 702 Confirmation
Zhou Lanqi opened the food box, revealing the Fengting cake inside.

“We like to make this in Quanzhou. It’s made with glutinous rice and filled with peanuts and sesame seeds,” Zhou Lanqi said. “I usually make it better than this, but I’m not familiar with this place. Although it doesn’t look very appealing, it tastes good.”

Xie Yuyan looked over and saw that the Fengting cakes were white and neatly arranged. How could they not look good?

After placing the two packets of Fengting cakes aside, Zhou Lanqi took out another paper package. Upon opening the package, Xie Yuyan immediately smelled a familiar osmanthus fragrance.

"Osmanthus-flavored shortbread?" Mrs. Yu asked immediately.

What a coincidence! Madam was making this last night, and I didn't expect Madam Zhou to send over a package today.

Zhou Lanqi smiled and replied, "I always make some osmanthus shortbread during festivals. Madam, would you like to try it and see if it suits your taste?"

As she spoke, she went to check on Xie Yuyan, only to find that Madam Xie was looking at the osmanthus shortbread, seemingly lost in thought. Zhou Lanqi couldn't help but feel uneasy. Could it be... that these two pastries were too ordinary? Unworthy of Madam Xie's attention?
"If Madam doesn't like it..."

Just as Zhou Lanqi finished speaking, she saw Xie Yuyan reach out and pick up a piece of candy, then take a bite.

The osmanthus blossoms had a rich, sweet aroma that melted in her mouth. Xie Yuyan tasted that all-too-familiar flavor.

Seeing that Xie Yuyan had eaten it, Zhou Lanqi breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "I've loved eating this since I was little. Besides eating it directly, this candy can also..."

A voice followed.

"It can also be soaked in porridge."

Zhou Lanqi looked at Xie Yuyan in surprise: "Does Madam also like to eat like this?"

Xie Yuyan nodded: "I like it."

Zhou Lanqi suddenly felt that the two of them were even closer, and the little girl in her arms seemed even happier, waving her arms and legs and almost breaking free from her embrace.

Xie Yuyan also turned her gaze to Nannan, and after a long while said, "I heard from my family that my mother likes to eat it this way."

"I heard it from my family?" Zhou Lanqi found it strange and repeated herself, but she immediately realized that she had misspoke.

Xie Yuyan nodded: "My mother passed away a long time ago. I have no memory of her. Everything I know about her is from what others have told me."

Whether it was Xie Wenjing or her, they were both in the same situation, so Xie Yuyan didn't hide it. As for why she thought of the past? If someone really asked, she could just brush it off.

Zhou Lanqi truly felt sorry for this Xie Niangzi. A little girl, without her mother's protection, probably had no one to teach her many things. It was only after giving birth to Nannan that she understood that a mother's love for her children is irreplaceable. No one can replace the love of a mother for her children, no matter where they are.

Madam Yu said softly, "Madam hasn't eaten yet, I'll have the cook make some porridge."

Xie Yuyan nodded.

Zhou Lanqi smiled and said, "Madam, please try it. If you like it, I will make more in the next day or two."

Xie Yuyan finished eating all the candy in his hand and thanked Zhou Lanqi, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Madam Zhou."

Zhou Lanqi blushed, realizing that she had come to try and extract information, and felt a pang of guilt. She and her husband had originally planned to bring him to the courtyard, hoping he would be more likely to find out the information they wanted.

However, since the eldest daughter-in-law is a woman, it is not necessary to do so if there is no opportunity.

As Zhou Lanqi was pondering this, she heard Xie Yuyan say, "My lady, did you bring Nannan out by yourself again?"

Zhou Lanqi was at a loss for words. If she brought up her husband, she couldn't get over the hurdle in her heart.

Otherwise... let her ask as many questions as she can...

Just as Zhou Lanqi made up her mind, Xie Yuyan continued, "There are quite a few people gathered at the entrance of the yamen again today. When you leave later, I'll have someone take you back so you won't be jostled like last time." "No need, no need to trouble you, Madam," Zhou Lanqi hurriedly declined, "My daughter's father is waiting for us outside."

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhou Lanqi's gaze sharpened; she had actually spoken the words so naturally.

Xie Yuyan said, "Then let Nannan's father come in and wait!"

This result was truly both laughable and frustrating. Zhou Lanqi sighed inwardly, thinking that Xie Niangzi was still young and clearly lacked vigilance towards outsiders.

Zhou Lanqi said, "This...isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

“This courtyard belongs to the government office,” Xie Yuyan said. “There are soldiers, guards, stewards, and servants in the courtyard. There’s no problem with having one more man. Besides, I’m a merchant, and I often discuss business with people in the house, unlike ordinary women.”

“You live in Quanzhou, so you should know a lot about Fujian. I’d like to ask you for some information.”

Zhou Lanqi had thought of an excuse for a long time, but unexpectedly, it was Xie Niangzi who bluntly revealed it in the end.

“Alright,” Zhou Lanqi said thoughtfully, “then I’ll go call Nannan’s father.”

Zhou Lanqi carried Nannan out the door, and a moment later, a man followed them into the courtyard.

When Xie Yuyan saw the man's face, she suddenly understood why Zhou Lanqi only seemed familiar to her in some ways, because as Nannan grew up, she resembled her father more.

Especially their eyebrows and eyes, which are remarkably similar, only lacking some of their ruggedness, which has been transformed into a bright and heroic air.

Xie Yuyan's fingers, hidden in his sleeve, curled up slightly.

Just as the two were about to speak, there was a commotion at the door, followed by the steward rushing over to report, "Madam Xue Er has arrived."

Upon hearing the name Xue Er, Cao Yu's expression suddenly changed. He immediately turned around and saw a man walking quickly towards him.

Cao Yu stared at the man for a few moments and was certain that he was right; this Xue Er was the same Xue Er from the Demon Cult.

Wasn't Xue Er arrested by the imperial court? How come he's here?

Xue Er quickened his pace and, as he passed Cao Yu and Zhou Lanqi, his gaze lingered on them for a long time.

"Madam," Xue Er bowed to Xie Yuyan.

This surprised Cao Yu even more. He had no dealings with the Demon Sect, but he had heard a lot about it at sea and knew that Xue Er was the right-hand man of the Demon Sect's leader.

Now this man is so respectful to a woman.

"Was it all going smoothly?" Xie Yuyan asked.

Xue Er nodded: "Now more than sixty people have been selected. Lord Wang said that after the investigation is completed, he will report to the court and ask the court to treat them leniently."

Some people even escaped punishment.

Of course, since the matter was not yet settled, Xue Er dared not speak recklessly.

Cao Yu was wondering what Xie Niangzi would do. Could it be that she would sing a play with Xue Er to trick them into telling the truth? Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that Xue Er came looking for them right after they entered the courtyard?

If Lady Xie thinks that he will fall for this trick, then she is wrong.

"I had someone call you over so you could see them," Xie Yuyan said, pointing to Cao Yu and Zhou Lanqi. "Are they members of the Demonic Cult?"

(End of this chapter)