The legitimate daughter returns to the capital and embarks on a splendid life, tearing apart the fak

Yun Heting rubbed his temples, his voice weary: "Zijuan's matter has been exposed; she discovered a counterfeit worth millions."

Liu Zhixue gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief: "There are so many?"

Yun Heting nodded heavily: "Her dowry items were precious treasures. I specifically asked Zijuan to take them from the inner chests, and repeatedly told her not to touch the same chest. I never expected that she would still find out!"

Liu Zhixue steadied herself by holding onto the edge of the table, her fingertips turning white: "Did you ask? Why did she suddenly decide to check the storeroom out of nowhere?"

Yun Heting frowned and slowly said, "I asked, and they said they wanted to choose two things for Bai Jin today. For some reason, they suddenly thought of picking from the innermost box. But just today, Manager Qin from Zhenbaozhai came to the mansion to deliver account books, so..."

At this point, he suddenly realized something and stopped to look at Liu Zhixue.

Liu Zhixue also sensed something was wrong and blurted out, "This can't be a coincidence... they clearly came prepared!"

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and disbelief in each other's eyes.

"You mean..." Yun Heting's voice tightened, "She already discovered the items had been switched?"

As soon as he said it, he shook his head and denied it: "Probably not. If she had found out earlier, she would have discussed it with me first."

In the past, no matter what it was, Chu Wanqing would always consult with him and seek his opinion.

He preferred to believe it was a coincidence rather than believe that Chu Wanqing had escaped his control.

Seeing his words, Liu Zhixue did not insist, but shook her head helplessly and said, "Perhaps I am overthinking it."

Yun Heting remained silent for a while before asking, "Are the people you found reliable?"

Liu Zhixue nodded, her tone resolute: "Don't worry, the items didn't come from the capital. They went through several intermediaries, so it's not easy to investigate. Even if they were found out, it wouldn't trace back to us."

Yun Heting nodded: "I trust you to handle things."

Liu Zhixue leaned on his shoulder, her voice tinged with weariness: "Yunlang, I still feel uneasy. What if Zijuan can't handle it..."

Yun Heting's eyes sharpened, and he said in a low voice, "Don't worry, I won't give her the chance..."

Liu Zhixue raised her head, looking at him with a deep gaze: "Yunlang, do I really have to leave?"

Yun Heting was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Let's leave for now."

Liu Zhixue's eyes reddened slightly, and she said with a wronged expression, "But I can't bear to part with you and Xiu'er."

Yun Heting quickly put his arm around her and comforted her, "She's angry right now, so you should avoid her for a while and not provoke her. I'll find a way to bring you back once she calms down."

Liu Zhixue lowered her head, her voice choked with emotion: "I'm afraid that once I leave, I won't be able to come back."

Yun Heting said, "No, she has always valued you highly during the years you've been in the manor. She was already angry today, and then Xiu'er said those things, which is why she took her anger out on you. Once her anger subsides in a few days, everything will be fine."

Liu Zhixue sighed, her expression full of exhaustion and self-blame: "It's all my fault for not teaching Xiu'er well. If it weren't for what she said today, Madam wouldn't have gotten so angry."

Yun Heting held her hand and comforted her gently, "How can I blame you? Xiu'er is still young and simple-minded. She was just trying to help you out of filial piety. Just teach her more in the future. Besides, Wanqing was angry today. Normally, she wouldn't get so angry."

Liu Zhixue nodded, leaned against him, and said nothing more.

……

Yun Jin carried the tray into the main room and placed it on the table in front of Chu Wanqing.

She was drawn in by the aroma of the food. On the tray were two small dishes: one of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar and the other of stir-fried pork with green peppers. The bright colors made them look very appetizing.

There was also a small bowl of dumpling soup. The dumplings were all the same size, the soup was clear, and it was topped with a layer of shredded meat, green vegetables, and tomatoes. The red and green colors complemented each other and looked especially tempting.

"Jin'er, did you make this?" Chu Wanqing asked, somewhat surprised.

Yun Jin placed the food on the table, sat down opposite Chu Wanqing, served her and herself a bowl of dumpling soup, and said with a smile, "I learned this at home, Auntie, please try it and see if you like it."

Chu Wanqing looked at her, her eyes welling up with tears.

His own daughter should have been a princess, but instead she was doing the work of a servant in someone else's home.

She sniffed, picked up her chopsticks, and took a bite of the stir-fried green peppers and pork. The green peppers were crisp and tender, the pork was fresh and fragrant, and the cooking time was just right.

She scooped up another spoonful of dumpling soup. Yun Jin had specially used spiritual spring water, making the soup incredibly delicious. She nodded, her voice slightly choked, "Delicious, very delicious."

Yun Jin smiled and served her some food, saying, "I'm glad you like it, Auntie. I'll cook for you often from now on."

Chu Wanqing looked at her, feeling both bittersweet and warm inside.

At this moment, Qinghe lifted the curtain and came in to report: "Madam, the investigation is complete. Items were found in the rooms of several servants. There was silver exceeding their monthly allowance, and jewelry that did not belong to them. They said it was bought from outside, but how could they afford to buy such things with their meager monthly allowance?"

Chu Wanqing put down her chopsticks, her gaze turning cold.

Where are they?

"They're all kneeling in the courtyard," Qinghe said, "awaiting the Madam's judgment."

Chu Wanqing stood up, walked to the door, lifted the curtain, and looked outside.

Several people were kneeling in the courtyard; they were the same people Yun Jin had mentioned to her that day.

Chu Wanqing looked at them, her voice neither loud nor soft, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears: "I have never treated you badly. Your monthly wages are paid on time, never withheld. You receive bonuses during holidays, and the family physician treats you when you are sick. How have I wronged you?"

The kneeling person lowered their head even further.

"I won't ask where those things came from, nor will I ask who bribed you," Chu Wanqing's voice was as cold as ice. "I only know that you broke my rules. Things that betray their master cannot be kept."

She paused for a moment, then said to Qinghe, "First thing tomorrow morning, find a slave trader and sell them all."

The men panicked and repeatedly kowtowed, begging for mercy: "Madam, spare us! Madam, spare us! We'll never dare to do it again!"

Chu Wanqing didn't even glance at them before turning and going into the house.

The curtain fell, shutting out the cries and screams.

She returned to the table and sat down, picked up the dumpling soup and took a sip, but her trembling hands betrayed her emotions.

Yun Jin held her hand and said softly, "Auntie, don't be angry. They're the ones who are ungrateful."

Chu Wanqing looked at her and said with a wry smile, "Jin'er, don't you think I was too impulsive today...?"

Yun Jin shook her head, her gaze clear and firm: "No. Aunt did the right thing. They want to upset you, so let them experience what it's like."

Chu Wanqing nodded, naturally knowing who Yun Jin was referring to when she said "them". She took a deep breath and calmed herself down.

The mother and daughter had barely taken a few bites when Bitao lifted the curtain and came in: "Madam, the eldest young lady has arrived."

Chu Wanqing paused, her chopsticks stilled, and frowned. "What's she doing here? I don't want to see her."