Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

Liu Wenying hesitated. Normally, she only needed to report on official matters. She shouldn't say much about her private experiences, especially those involving the Third Master.

But today's events have caused quite a stir. Rather than waiting for them to reach Wen Jingshu's ears from elsewhere and arouse suspicion, it's better to be honest first.

"The audit went fairly smoothly, but I ran into Third Master after leaving the manor, and he accompanied me."

"Are you alright after running into him?"

Huh? Shouldn't we be concerned about whether Third Master is alright?

Liu Wenying didn't quite understand, but still shook her head and replied, "This servant is fine, but Third Master is in trouble."

"What's wrong with him?" Wen Jingshu's expression turned slightly serious.

Liu Wenying will briefly recount her encounter with Chen Yindi, omitting the beginning and end.

"On my way back, I ran into my sister-in-law from my husband's family. She recognized me and got emotional, which led to some misunderstandings and arguments."

She omitted Chen Yindi's specific vulgarities and accusations about having a lover, but how clever was Wen Jingshu?

Hearing the hesitation in her reply, one could tell that the argument was no ordinary dispute.

Then, recalling her mention of Third Master's presence, a bad feeling crept into her heart, and she pressed, "And then? Third Brother didn't interfere, did he?"

"That Chen family member kept pestering him, spouting wild words that implicated the Third Master, and even incited passersby to clash with him."

A conflict in a busy street can escalate quickly, and Wen Jingshu looked surprised. "Are you all alright?"

"I'm fine, it's just that Third Master suffered some minor injuries on the back of his hand, which I've already treated."

She later mentioned that the matter was resolved only after the intervention of the Prefect of the Capital.

Finally, she bent down and knelt on the ground, saying, "No matter what, today's events were caused by me. I am guilty, please punish me, Madam."

Liu Wenying could foresee that her trip outside the manor would not only fail to perfectly resolve her master's affairs, but would also cause trouble.

The First Madam will surely punish her, but she has already accepted it.

But the expected reprimand did not come. After a moment of silence in the room, Wen Jingshu gently comforted her like an elder.

"Silly Wenying, I'm so glad you're alright."

Liu Wenying almost thought she had misheard.

Seeing her stunned expression, Wen Jingshu's smile deepened, and she said helplessly, "I've known what kind of person my third brother is since I married into this household all these years, how could I not know?"

"From childhood to adulthood, he's gotten into a lot of trouble. Climbing onto roofs, fishing in rivers, and getting into fights are all commonplace for him."

"It's just a flesh wound, nothing serious. He's got a tough build, he'll be lively and energetic again after a few days of rest."

She paused for a moment, then said, "As for you, you encountered such entanglement and almost got dragged into a fight. You must have been quite frightened. It's a miracle you weren't injured."

The First Madam doesn't blame her...

Liu Wenying's nose tingled with emotion. The First Madam's attitude towards her was no longer simply lenient, but rather a kind of favoritism and concern.

Having traveled here more than a year ago, Liu Wenying had been extremely cautious, and the tension in her heart suddenly eased at this moment.

There was gratitude for the First Madam's protection, and an overwhelming sense of being flattered by such kindness.

There is also a bittersweet warmth, like a lone boat adrift and without support being sheltered in a harbor.

Liu Wenying held back the tears welling up in her eyes, "This servant thanks Madam for her understanding..."

"Alright, let's leave it at that. There's no need to bring it up again."

Wen Jingshu asked Zizhu to help her up, saying, "You must be tired from checking the accounts today. Go back and get some rest."

After thanking her, Liu Wenying returned to her cottage.

Luo Luo played happily in Xiao Zhu's arms. After talking with Xiao Zhu for a while, she calmed down and walked to the rattan box.

Liu Wenying took out a small bag wrapped in a plain-colored brocade handkerchief.

Unfastening the handkerchief reveals five exquisitely woven and elegantly colored mosquito-repellent bracelets.

Unlike the ones she had made for the people of Tinglan Courtyard before, the colored threads of these bracelets had been soaked in a special medicine before being woven.

The medicine was obtained from the local physician and was prepared according to a prescription. It should be even more effective at repelling mosquitoes.

The production process was quite complicated, and she only managed to make these five pieces intermittently during her recovery and leisure time.

She had originally planned to present it to the First Madam when she had some free time, as a token of her appreciation.

Having experienced what happened today, perhaps now is the right time.

After tidying up briefly, Liu Wenying returned to Tinglan Courtyard once more.

Wen Jingshu was no longer in the inner room. Seeing her return, she asked in surprise, "Is there anything else?"

Liu Wenying presented the improved bracelet and explained the differences from the previous one.

Wen Jingshu took the bracelet, examined it carefully, and smiled, "You're really overthinking it."

"I'll accept the things. You should go back and get some rest. Ye'er will need your care tonight."

"Yes, thank you, Madam."

That night, the interior of the Ministry of Justice was brightly lit.

The aftermath of the abduction of the young master of the Duke's mansion has not yet subsided, and it has touched the thread of a vast black network.

Following the clues, a major case involving the disappearance and trafficking of people that had been entrenched around the capital for many years was gradually uncovered, and the Ministry of Justice is working day and night to push forward the investigation.

After several days of interrogation, investigation and tracking, the yamen runners and constables followed the clues and gradually uncovered their complete criminal chain.

From how children and women were abducted in the city and countryside, to how they were transported through secret carriage shops and waterway docks.

Then, they proceed with tiered pricing and resale at fixed, unsecured locations.

Finally, how the spoils were distributed according to levels is clearly presented in the case file at every stage.

Once the order to close in was given, the Ministry of Justice, in conjunction with the officials of the Jingzhao Prefecture, launched a multi-pronged attack and wiped out the entire human trafficking gang.

Pei Dingxuan sat upright behind a large rosewood desk, his official robe making his face appear even more cold, pale, and solemn.

Standing before the desk were the head of the Ministry of Justice and two experienced constables.

This case not only involves the security of the capital region, but also the direct relatives of the person in charge.

They gave their reports with utmost care, striving to cover every detail.

"...A total of thirty-seven people were involved in the case. Except for one person who was shot and killed on the spot, the rest have all been imprisoned. The evidence is conclusive, the confessions and signatures are correct, the joint trial by the three judicial departments has been completed, and the case is awaiting the autumn verdict."

Pei Dingxuan nodded slightly, tapping the edge of the file with his fingertips, signaling to continue.

A subordinate stepped forward and then reported.

"An investigation revealed that the gang operated meticulously with a clear division of labor. Their primary targets were children, ranging in age from teenagers as young as twelve or thirteen to infants as young as three or four months old."

"The younger ones are the most naive and easy to control. As for the slightly older ones, if they show even the slightest sign of struggle or resistance, they are drugged and taken away."

"When the abducted children woke up, they had already been transported to a place hundreds of miles away and could not even recognize where their home was."

After saying this, the subordinate took out a small celadon bottle from his pocket and presented it to him.

"This is the drug that was found in the human traffickers' den. It is colorless and odorless. If you soak a handkerchief in it and cover your mouth and nose, you will lose your ability to resist in an instant. If you put it in food or let it into the air, it will take effect in a short time."

According to the suspects' confessions, the sedatives were highly effective but not fatal. They purchased them at a high price from the black market, and the source was concealed; their subordinates are still investigating.

After the subordinates have reported all the details, the person in charge will give a timely summary.

"Sir, the case is now basically clear, the chain of evidence is complete, the ringleader has been brought to justice, and all accomplices have been captured. We can close the case now."

The candlelight popped and sparked, illuminating the cold pool in Pei Dingxuan's eyes.

"Yes, this case involves a wide range of people. You've all worked hard. The follow-up matters can be handled in accordance with the law. Everyone should go back and get some rest for a few days."

"Yes! Thank you for your consideration, sir!" The men were delighted, and the redness in their eyes faded considerably. They left the duty room and gently closed the door behind them.

Silence returned to the duty room. Pei Dingxuan sat alone behind the desk, his gaze fixed on the celadon vase.

He tucked the bottle into his sleeve and blew out the candle.

…………