After I traveled through the book, I fought back in the Hou Mansion

Chapter 284 Qiuliyuan

Chapter 284

This side of Qiuliyuan

Lu Zhaozhao barely slept last night, her mind preoccupied with the trap she had set. She was certain the village girl would be doomed this time. So, before dawn today, she rose early and carefully dressed, eager to witness the woman's disgraceful expulsion from the mansion.

Of course, Lu Zhaozhao's early-morning spies were also keeping a close eye on the goings-on at Cuizhu Courtyard. Seeing the Marquis and the eldest young master present, the servants dared not approach, and could only observe from afar. Even so, the spy had learned that the Marquis's wife had ordered Nanny Sang to search for the jade pendant. However, due to their distance, the spy only caught a glimpse of what had happened. He then hurried back to report to Lu Zhaozhao.

"You said that the Madam has already instructed the nanny beside her to take people to Chunhua Courtyard?"

Upon hearing this, the servant immediately clasped his hands together and bowed, saying, "Yes, young lady, it is absolutely true. When I arrived, I saw that nanny leading a group of people, following me. In my opinion, they have probably already entered Chunhua Courtyard."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaozhao looked toward the courtyard next door, raised his hand to signal the servant to be quiet, and then listened carefully. Sure enough, a commotion erupted from next door. Although the specific sounds couldn't be clearly heard, it shattered the usual silence. Lu Zhaozhao's lips curled slightly at the noise, but then quickly lowered it. He waved his hand at the man, feigning indifference. "Go back to Cuizhu Courtyard and listen carefully. Report back to me if anything happens."

The servant didn't dare to look up, but just nodded in response, then took a few steps back and turned to leave the yard.

Nanny Chu had been waiting nearby, and seeing the young lady's expression, she knew the matter would definitely be successful. Regardless, as long as the young lady's wish was fulfilled, she would be happy. With this in mind, she stepped forward, supported Lu Zhaozhao, and led her back to the house.

Lu Zhaozhao naturally did not refuse. In a good mood, she followed Nanny Chu's hand and the two of them returned to the house together.

After Lu Zhaozhao entered the room, she let go of Nanny Chu's hand, walked straight to the mirror and sat down, carefully looking at her outfit for the day. Today's makeup seemed simple, but not without exquisiteness, showing all the advantages of her original appearance. Even the fine hair on her face could be seen clearly. The more Lu Zhaozhao looked at it, the more satisfied she felt.

Seeing this, Nanny Chu smiled and praised, "I wonder which skilled craftsman had the ability to craft such a delicate and exquisite mirror. Look at this mirror. The girl's features are clearly visible. Every frown and smile of hers is captivating. It truly is more beautiful than a painting."

Lu Zhaozhao couldn't help but curl her lips as she heard Nanny Chu's words, which were actually praises for the person. Everyone loves to hear good words, and she was no exception. Besides, she was truly satisfied with the mirror. While it was a little pricey, it was much better than a bronze mirror. It was also the first time in years that she could see herself so clearly.

She raised her hand to stroke the delicate hairpin on her head, then smiled and scolded Madam Chu: "Madam, you are just sweet-talking. But this mirror is really useful. After today's incident, Madam, take some money and buy one for your own use."

Nanny Chu was delighted to hear this. This mirror was not cheap; taking it home would be a great gift for her granddaughter. Thinking of this, she quickly knelt and saluted, her voice filled with gratitude. "Oh, young lady, this gift is so precious. I really don't know how to thank you. From now on, I will serve you even more wholeheartedly and do everything you ask of me."

Lu Zhaozhao didn't turn around to acknowledge her loyalty. Instead, she glanced at Nanny Chu, who was beaming with joy, in the mirror. Then, she lowered her eyes and remained silent. Figuring it was almost time, she stood up, straightened her dress, which had become wrinkled from sitting, and walked out of the room with Nanny Chu's support.

The master and servant had intended to head to Cuizhu Courtyard, but before they reached the door, they heard a flurry of footsteps. Nanny Chu, puzzled, peered outside and muttered, "What's going on out there?"

The maidservant beside her was named Hongyu, a recent promotion from Lu Zhaozhao. Hongyu was clever and intelligent, always completing Lu Zhaozhao's assignments with impeccable precision, earning her considerable favor. Astute, she quickly stepped forward and opened the door. Upon recognizing the person, Hongyu looked puzzled and turned back to say, "Miss, it's Madam Sang from the Madam's office."

As soon as she finished speaking, Nanny Sang came to the gate of the courtyard with a group of strong maids. Seeing Lu Chaochao, Nanny Sang bowed slightly and said, "Miss Lu is well."

Lu Zhaozhao couldn't help but frown slightly, a sense of foreboding welling up in her heart. She really couldn't understand why Madam Sang, who had already searched Chunhua Courtyard, should have returned to report? Why would she appear here again? But even with her doubts, she remained calm and smiled as usual, saying, "Madam Sang, why did you have time to come to me today? You look so serious. Could something have happened in the mansion?"

Lu Zhaozhao was still under the Marquis's order to recuperate in the courtyard due to the incident a few days ago. She had dutifully followed orders and remained within the courtyard unless summoned by the Marquis. Furthermore, the Marquis hadn't sent anyone to inform her of yesterday's events. Even if she knew, she had to feign complete ignorance, hence her question.

Nanny Sang had a complicated expression and gave Lu Zhaozhao a meaningful look. The matter hadn't been settled yet, and she was just a servant, so it was hard for her to say anything to this cousin who was staying here as a guest. So, she simply changed the subject and asked, "Miss Lu, where are you going?"

Lu Zhaozhao didn't take Nanny Sang's strange look to heart and responded, "I just took a nap and had a nightmare. I dreamt that something happened to my aunt. I was panicked and wanted to go over and check on her."

At this point, she seemed to hesitate and said, "Look at the look on Madam's face. Could it be that something unexpected has really happened in the mansion?"

Nanny Sang pursed her lips and smiled, then put on a respectful look and said, "There were indeed some small incidents in the mansion, so I came here. I was ordered by the Marquis's wife to come here to search for valuables lost in the mansion. I hope Miss will be accommodating." After that, she raised her foot and walked straight to Lu Zhaozhao's yard.

Seeing this, Nanny Chu rushed forward to stop them, demanding, "Nanny, what are you doing? Searching my young lady's yard for no reason is detrimental to her reputation. This is absolutely unacceptable!"

Nanny Sang was well prepared and responded calmly, "Nanny Chu, please calm down. I hope you can understand. This is truly Madam's order. Besides, we've already searched Chunhua Courtyard next door, so coming to Miss Lu's is just a formality. Could it be... that Miss Lu is hiding something shameful in her courtyard?"

Upon hearing this, Nanny Chu stiffened, her expression becoming slightly unnatural as she instantly remembered what she had hidden under her bed. Fortunately, Lu Zhaozhao reacted very quickly, immediately stepping forward and gently pulling Nanny Chu aside, effortlessly defusing the awkward situation.

Then, Lu Zhaozhao turned and faced Madam Sang, a polite smile on her face. She said, "Since it's Auntie's order, there's no reason for us to disobey. I just hope Madam Sang will be more careful when searching. I have many precious items in my room, all relics left to me by my mother. They mean a lot to me, so please don't damage them."