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

The next morning, the carriage departed from Qingzhou and headed towards Wujiang County.

The road narrowed as we walked, but the ridges between the fields gradually increased on both sides.

The rice seedlings in the field were sparse, with yellowing leaves and drooping.

Pei Zeyu lifted the carriage curtain and glanced inside, but said nothing.

Liu Wenying also saw it and understood that the tax figures were probably inflated.

Inside the carriage, Pei Zeyu explained the case in detail, and before he knew it, he was hoping that Liu Wenying could also get involved.

Liu Wenying listened attentively, "What happens if you falsely report taxes?"

"At the very least, they will be dismissed from their posts; at worst, they will be punished."

"If it involves collusion between superiors and subordinates, or embezzlement of tax money, it is a crime punishable by death."

Liu Wenying took a deep breath. If this case really involved a murder, her and the Second Master's trip south would be walking on the edge of a knife.

But she believed in Second Master, and that he would surely be able to resolve the situation cleverly.

At dusk, the carriage entered Wujiang County.

Two lanterns hung at the entrance of the county government office. Magistrate Li Tingyu stood below the steps, dressed in an official robe, with a protruding belly and a beaming smile.

He was followed by several men who looked like advisors.

"Your humble servant Li Tingyu respectfully welcomes Lord Pei and his wife."

Pei Zeyu got out of the carriage, straightened his robes, and said, "Magistrate Li has been waiting for a long time."

"Lord Pei, you flatter me."

Li Tingyu bowed and said solicitously, "You two have had a long journey. I have prepared a quiet and elegant courtyard for you to stay in, so that you will be comfortable."

"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Li."

Liu Wenying nodded, maintaining the proper demeanor expected of an official's wife.

But in that instant, she noticed that Li Tingyu's eyes were darting around as he spoke, and he never dared to look Pei Zeyu in the eye.

That's a sign of a guilty conscience.

Pei Zeyu clearly noticed this as well, but he remained calm and said indifferently, "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Li."

With such an important official from the capital in attendance, Li Tingyu naturally hosted a banquet.

He personally poured wine, offering toasts repeatedly, his words becoming increasingly intimate.

"Of all the counties under Qingzhou's jurisdiction, Wujiang County is the first one you have visited, sir. I am truly flattered. May I ask what brings you here, sir...?"

He didn't continue speaking, but just looked at Pei Zeyu, waiting for him to reply.

"It's just a routine review; Magistrate Li needn't be alarmed."

"Yes, yes, yes, this humble official will certainly cooperate."

Li Tingyu nodded repeatedly, another layer of sweat seeping from his forehead, whether from the heat of the alcohol or something else, it was hard to tell.

"It's just that you've come at an inopportune time, sir. The county government's accounts for the past few years are being compiled and filed, and it may take a few days before they can be presented to you for review."

"It's alright. Bring what you can take first, and I can wait for the rest."

Upon hearing the words "can wait," Li Tingyu's hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly, and the wine almost spilled.

But before he could speak, Liu Wenying put down her chopsticks and gently pressed her temples.

Pei Zeyu immediately looked over: "Madam, what's wrong?"

"Perhaps I am feeling a little dizzy from the long journey. I would like to go out for some fresh air, but I am afraid of spoiling the mood of my husband and Magistrate Li."

"Madam, what are you saying?"

Li Tingyu pulled his wife, who was standing beside him, and said hurriedly, "It's common to be tired from traveling. I'll have my wife accompany you for a walk to help you relax."

Madam Li also put down her chopsticks and affectionately took Liu Wenying's arm.

"This way, madam. There are several magnolia trees in the garden, their fragrance is delicate and refreshing."

Liu Wenying stood up, exchanged a glance with Pei Zeyu, and then followed Madam Li out of the flower hall.

That was something she and the Second Master had agreed upon in the carriage. Once they arrived in Wujiang County, they would each start with Li Tingyu and his wife.

The back garden was much quieter at night. Madam Li held Liu Wenying's arm and walked slowly.

"Are you feeling better, Madam? If you still feel stuffy, there's a pavilion up ahead; let's go sit there."

Liu Wenying smiled slightly and said, "It feels much better to come out and get some fresh air."

She paused for a moment and glanced sideways at Madam Li.

"I heard that Madam Li's health is not very good either? Yesterday in Qingzhou, Madam Zhou mentioned that you often go to the city to see a doctor."

Madam Li's smile froze for a moment.

Liu Wenying stared intently, clearly seeing the fleeting panic in her eyes.

Unexpectedly, Liu Wenying suddenly asked this question, catching Madam Li completely off guard.

Fortunately, she quickly realized, "These are all old ailments, symptoms of a woman. I hope you won't laugh at me, madam."

"What are you saying, Madam Li? Since you frequently go to Qingzhou for medical treatment, your illness must be quite serious."

Liu Wenying pressed her for details, determined to pry something out of her.

The two had reached the pavilion, where gauze lanterns hung at the four corners, casting a brighter light than on the path, making Madam Li's face appear somewhat pale.

She hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's just that my heart pulse is weak and difficult to treat, but it's not a serious illness. You're overthinking it, Madam."

Liu Wenying was already skilled in nursing before she traveled through time.

Working with Doctor Ye at the Duke of Yu's residence, I learned a great deal about common ailments and pharmacology, though I wouldn't claim to be an expert in traditional Chinese medicine.

Symptoms of a weak heart pulse include palpitations, shortness of breath, and insomnia.

But the lady in front of me spoke with a strong voice and walked steadily.

He was quick-witted and agile while socializing in the hall just now; he doesn't look like someone who has been ill for a long time at all.

"Then Madam Li, you must take good care of yourself. The Wujiang County government relies on Magistrate Li for everything, both inside and out. If you are ill, wouldn't he have to be even more distracted?"

Madam Li nodded, her expression relaxing as if she had escaped a disaster.

"You are right, madam."

The two strolled in the garden, chatting about trivial matters.

Liu Wenying confirmed that Madam Li was faking illness.

Why would a county magistrate's wife feign illness? And why would she frequently visit Qingzhou City?

Liu Wenying wrote down everything she had discovered, and knew she had to tell Second Master as soon as possible.

In the flower hall, Pei Zeyu finished his social engagements and returned to his lodgings.

Madam Li also escorted Liu Wenying outside.

She pushed the door open and came in, only to find Pei Zeyu still sitting at the table, flipping through documents.

The candlelight illuminated his profile, revealing a clear and focused expression, showing little of the intoxication one might expect from a banquet.

"Is Second Master not drunk?" she asked softly, closing the door behind her.

"I took some hangover medicine beforehand. Thank you for taking care of me last time."

"You're too kind, Second Master."

There was no conversation for a moment, as Liu Wenying was still organizing and connecting the news she had just received in her mind.

She was about to speak when Pei Zeyu interrupted her.

"It's getting late. Hot water has been prepared in the next room. Please go and use it."

"But……"

"There's no 'buts' about it, your health is the most important thing."

What he said made sense; Liu Wenying did indeed feel sticky and uncomfortable all over.

After traveling all day and sitting at the banquet for so long, my clothes were soaked with the smell of food and wine.

Without further ado, he turned and went into the next room.

The screen was made of sandalwood and carved with a pattern of magpies perched on plum blossoms. As the steam rose, it blurred the wings of the magpies.

The shadow of the oriole was reflected above, like a willow branch wet with rain.

She loosened her hair, and another layer of shadow appeared, like ink splashed across the entire screen.

Splash...

She stepped into the water, and the warm water washed over her shoulders and neck, seemingly melting away her fatigue.

Liu Wenying closed her eyes, her mind filled with the evasive and deliberately concealing words of Madam Li...

Outside the screen, Pei Zeyu held the document, but his gaze could not focus on the words.

…………