Capture the Jade (Attacking the Jade) - Chapter 25
Chapter 25
After the Duke of Zhenguo and Lin Chengyou left, the hall once again became lively. Guests were busy toasting each other, trying to cover up the awkwardness between the hosts and visitors. The drumbeats were as rapid as a sudden rainstorm, and the Hu people began performing their swirling dances in front of the steps. The dance was enchanting and dazzling, spinning faster and faster, but neither the hosts nor the guests were in the mood to appreciate the beautiful spectacle before them.
Everyone’s hearts were filled with mixed emotions. The Duan family would not be able to salvage the situation tonight. Young General Duan had gone too far. Despite being engaged, he had secretly been involved with Dong Erniang, and to prevent her from suffering, he had willingly taken the poison onto himself. If this matter were to spread, not only would Teng Shao, an important minister of the state, feel disgraced, but even ordinary families would consider it a great humiliation.
Many women at the banquet cast sympathetic glances at Teng Yuyi, whose face was pale. She silently put down her wine cup and rested her forehead on her hand.
Du Tinglan asked with concern, “Ah Yu, are you feeling unwell?”
Teng Yuyi replied weakly, “I feel a bit dizzy from the wine.”
Madam Du stood up with a stern expression and went to support Teng Yuyi.
“Good child, let’s go.”
Old Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin suddenly came to their senses. Once Madam Du and Teng Yuyi left, there would be no room for reconciliation between the two families. After the banquet ended tonight, the Duan family would surely face widespread gossip and criticism throughout Chang’an.
Old Madam Duan trembled as she raised her hand and said to the Duan family women beside her, “Quick, quick, stop Madam Du and Yu’er.”
The Duan family women, forcing themselves to appear composed, surrounded them and tried to comfort them. “Madam, please don’t leave in such a hurry. Yuer is drunk, and going out now might expose her to the wind. Why not rest in a side room and leave after she sobers up?”
Madam Du sneered, “No need. Yu’er came happily to celebrate Old Madam’s birthday, but she has been repeatedly humiliated. She is a kind-hearted child and wouldn’t speak of her grievances. Earlier, she endured it for the sake of both families’ dignity, but someone has gone too far!!!”
She suppressed her anger and bowed slightly to the guests, declaring firmly, “Everyone here can bear witness to what happened tonight. When Yu’er’s father returns tomorrow, there will be a fair judgment.”
The guests all understood clearly. Even if they couldn’t openly agree, they nodded in their hearts. With Young General Duan’s actions, no one could defend the Duan family.
The Duan family women couldn’t stop them and watched helplessly as Madam Du left the banquet.
Madam Du led Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan to Old Madam Duan’s table and said respectfully, “Old Lady, take care. Yu’er is unwell, and I am also not feeling well. We have disturbed you all evening and will take our leave now.”
Old Madam Duan pushed aside her maid and grabbed Madam Du’s hand herself.
“Madam, please be patient. We elders know well what kind of person eldest son is. Tonight’s events are tangled like a mess of threads, and there might be some misunderstanding. Why not wait until eldest son is detoxified and let him explain to Yu’er himself? If he truly made a mistake, I will not spare him and will personally beat him to death!”
Her eyes glistened with tears, and her voice trembled. “I have been suffering from illness and have long hoped for these two children to marry. If the banquet ends like this tonight, both families will inevitably face gossip. It’s not that I want to shield my own, but a match made in heaven is hard to find. If the engagement is called off, it will be detrimental to both families.”
Madam Du cursed inwardly. At this point, they still expected Yu’er to endure and compromise.
“Old Madam, I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean,” she said with a smile. “What do you mean by ‘detrimental to both families’? It was Young General Duan who made the mistake, what does it have to do with the Teng family and Yu’er? We came happily to celebrate your birthday, but Yu’er has been publicly humiliated repeatedly. We had been holding onto a sliver of hope that there might be some misunderstanding. But now that the facts are clear, what more is there to say? To be honest, both the Teng and Du families are honorable and would never do anything deceitful. We have already shown the utmost tolerance tonight. Old Madam, it’s natural to dote on your descendants, but their mistakes must be borne by your own family. Outsiders cannot and will not bear that burden. The wind is strong outside, Old Madam, please stay inside.”
Old Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin were left speechless, watching helplessly as Madam Du left with the two children.
As Madam Du reached the door, someone from the men’s banquet also stood up and walked to the shadow of the lanterns at the steps. It was Du Yuzhi and his son.
The guests at the banquet were startled. Although Du Yuzhi was known for his eccentric temper, he also had a reputation for being upright and outspoken. Even those who disliked his harsh demeanor had to admit that he was a man of integrity.
Du Yuzhi led his son to Old Madam Duan and said, “Old Madam, I should have stayed at the banquet, but now I must take my wife and children and leave first. I also have a message for Young General Duan. A gentleman should live with a clear conscience. It’s not terrible to make mistakes, as long as one corrects them. What is most detestable is having no sense of responsibility and constantly covering up one’s faults!”
After saying this, Du Yuzhi clasped his hands and bowed. “That’s all I have to say. Old Madam, take care.”
Du Shaotang expressionlessly kowtowed to Old Madam Duan, then stood up and followed his father out.
Old Madam Duan stared at the departing figures of the Du family, suddenly clutched her chest, and collapsed softly.
The women were horrified and rushed forward.
“Old Madam!”
Duan Wenyin urgently said, “Grandmother has a heart condition, and it’s acting up. What are you all standing around for? Go to the Imperial Medical Bureau and fetch Physician Yu. Come, quickly help Grandmother to the inner room.”
The hall immediately descended into chaos. Du Shaotang and Madam Du had been determined to leave, but no one expected Old Madam Duan to suddenly fall ill.
Madam Du cursed inwardly, never imagining that Old Madam Duan would resort to such a tactic to salvage the situation. She must be planning to use this to delay them and then gently persuade Yu’er to change her mind, thinking that Yu’er, being young and tender-skinned, would be easy to manipulate. As long as Yu’er forgave Duan Ningyuan, outsiders would naturally not interfere further.
The problem was, she knew this but couldn’t leave. Old Madam Duan was of advanced age, and if she suddenly fell ill, it would be too rude and foolish to leave without regard.
Just as she was unsure what to do, Teng Yuyi let go of Madam Du’s arm and pretended to go over to check on Old Madam Duan. However, before she could even step onto the stairs, she stumbled and fainted.
“Ah Yu!” Du Tinglan rushed forward.
Madam Du also hurried over to support her.
“Yu’er!”
Seeing Teng Yuyi’s pale face, Madam Du’s heart ached with fear.
“My dear child. She’s fainted from a surge of blood, which is very dangerous. Quickly prepare the carriage to return home.”
Du Yuzhi and his son were frantic, and in the chaos, they found a sedan chair.
For a moment, the women were busy attending to both sides. Compared to Old Madam Duan’s rosy complexion, Teng Yuyi looked truly ill. Everyone scrambled to carry Teng Yuyi onto the sedan chair, while Old Madam Duan was left unattended.
Old Madam Duan lay on the bed, moaning, but the attention of the women had suddenly shifted to Teng Yuyi. Except for the Duan family’s own juniors, almost no one paid attention to Old Madam Duan.
Duan Wenyin insisted on blocking Teng Yuyi’s sedan chair.
“The night wind is strong, and Yu’er’s condition might worsen on the way back. We’ve already sent for the imperial physician, why not let him examine Yu’er before you leave?”
“Thank you for your kindness, but there’s no need,” Du Tinglan said indifferently, urging the servants to lift the sedan chair.
“Ah Yu has been taking prescribed medicine these past few days, and it’s not convenient to change the prescription now. She fainted from a sudden surge of anger and urgently needs to return home to take her medicine. You’ve seen Yu’er’s complexion; any delay might worsen her condition.”
Duan Wenyin wanted to stop them but suddenly noticed the complex gazes around her. She had no choice but to force a smile and say, “You’re right. Quickly send Ah Yu out of the mansion.”
Once in the carriage, Madam Du was filled with anxiety. She tucked the blanket around Teng Yuyi and carefully examined her complexion. However, as soon as the carriage started moving, Teng Yuyi suddenly sat up.
“Aunt, sister.”
Madam Du was stunned, and Du Tinglan burst out laughing.
“Mother, Ah Yu was pretending.”
Madam Du took a moment to recover, then suspiciously pinched Teng Yuyi’s cheek.
“Pretending?”
Teng Yuyi giggled.
“You can’t rub it off. You need a special powder to wash it away.”
Madam Du’s anger turned to joy.
“You child, you scared me to death. What kind of medicine is this? Where did you get it?”
“I had Steward Cheng prepare it. I applied it to my face while drinking, so no one noticed. Otherwise, how could I pretend to be sick?”
“You pretended so well, even I was fooled.”
Teng Yuyi waved her hand.
“Ah, it’s nothing compared to Old Madam Duan. She can flip her eyes and faint at will. Who wouldn’t believe her?”
Du Tinglan suppressed a laugh.
“She must be unwilling to let Duan Ningyuan’s reputation be tarnished and is using every trick in the book. You didn’t see the expressions on the Duan family women’s faces; they looked like they’d been through a dyeing workshop.”
Madam Du spat.
“The Duan family has been a family of merit for generations, and they appear respectable on the surface, but who knew they were so rotten inside? If it weren’t for Yu’er’s thorough preparation, the fault for breaking off the engagement would have been entirely pushed onto Yu’er. Today’s guests included both nobles and commoners, and this incident has caused such a stir. I wonder how the Duan family will handle it!”
***
After days of planning, Teng Yuyi had finally settled the most significant matter.
That night, she returned to the Teng residence and slept soundly.
When she woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.
She lay in bed, unwilling to get up, but her mouth was busy.
“Chunrong, Biluo, what time is it?”
Chunrong and Biluo entered cheerfully.
“It’s past noon.”
Teng Yuyi’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you wake me? Has Father returned to Chang’an?”
Chunrong smiled.
“The master returned to the mansion at dawn after days of marching. He told us not to disturb you, had breakfast, and then went to the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence to break off the engagement.”
Teng Yuyi was stunned and quickly got out of bed.
“Invite Steward Cheng to the main hall. I have something to ask him.”
After washing up, she went to the main hall. Steward Cheng was wearing a new brown short robe with floral patterns, and there was a hint of joy on his face.
As Teng Yuyi walked, she observed Steward Cheng. Although Steward Cheng wasn’t as expressionless as Duanfu, he was usually steady and composed. His sudden happiness must be due to her father’s return to Chang’an.
“Young miss, you’re awake.”
Steward Cheng greeted her with a beaming smile.
“The master returned to the mansion this morning. I assume you already know.”
Teng Yuyi pretended to be surprised.
“Steward Cheng, did you change into new clothes just to welcome Father?”
Steward Cheng looked down and chuckled.
“Madam Du sent them over this morning. She said you asked them to make clothes for me and Duanfu, but since they weren’t sure of our sizes, they sent a set for me to try first. I tried it on and found it quite fitting. When I heard it was your idea, I wore it to show you.”
Teng Yuyi nodded with a smile.
Steward Cheng was meticulous in handling matters.
With the new clothes on, she, as the mistress, was happy, the gift-giver was happy, and when her father returned and saw the servants in high spirits, he would naturally be happy too.
“Very good, very good.” She smiled broadly.
“Bright colors suit you, Steward Cheng.”
Steward Cheng, knowing Teng Yuyi was in a good mood, shook his head with a smile.
“Young miss, stop teasing me.”
Teng Yuyi sat at the stone table and asked with a smile, “Any news from the Duan family?”
Steward Cheng straightened his expression.
“Last night’s incident has caused an uproar throughout the city. The streets and alleys are all abuzz with talk of Young General Duan and Dong Erniang. When I went out to inquire today, even the scripts for street performances have been written.”
“Oh?” Teng Yuyi became even more interested.
“What do they say?”
“Just some vulgar and obscene songs. I’m afraid they would soil your ears if I repeated them.”
Teng Yuyi clicked her tongue and shook her head. There were many failed scholars in Chang’an who made a living by writing romantic and bizarre stories. They must have been desperate for a ready-made tale of star-crossed lovers, and now Duan Ningyuan and Dong Erniang had provided them with one.
Perhaps before long, these people would create ten or eight street performances based on the two, and soon, every street and alley, every tea house and dinner table, would be abuzz with this “romantic” story.
She eagerly said, “Go on.”
“This morning, the Jingzhao Prison officially began the trial of Dong Erniang’s case. Coincidentally, the prison guards found some items on Dong Erniang’s stewardess, which, upon investigation, turned out to have been bought by Duan Ningyuan earlier. Combined with last night’s events, it’s now undeniable that the two had an affair. This morning, the Duke of Zhenguo went to court, originally intending to request that Duan Ningyuan be named the heir. However, due to this scandal, the Duke felt too ashamed to bring it up. When your father went to break off the engagement this morning, the Duke had Duan Ningyuan tied up and severely beaten in front of your father. It’s said that his bones were broken, and despite the pleas of Old Madam Duan and Madam Duan, no physician was allowed to treat him.”
Teng Yuyi asked, “What did Father say?”
“Your father remained silent, watching as the Duke beat Duan Ningyuan. Afterward, he returned the engagement documents and took back the response letter. He didn’t even stay for tea before leaving. The Duke, saying he had no face to confront your father, escorted him to the gate and lamented that a good marriage had been ruined by his unfilial son.”
Teng Yuyi thought for a moment and asked, “I heard that Dong Erniang’s father, Magistrate Dong, is not a virtuous man either. With his daughter’s reputation ruined, has the Dong family made any moves?”
“Of course they have. This morning, Magistrate Dong took people to the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence to make a scene. Old Madam Dong was also there. Magistrate Dong only wept without speaking, but Old Madam Dong caused a commotion on the spot. She said that her Erniang had always been well-behaved and proper, and it must have been Duan Ningyuan who harassed her and ruined her reputation. She also threatened that if the Duke of Zhenguo’s family didn’t give an explanation, she would hang herself at the gate of the Duke’s residence.”
Teng Yuyi almost laughed out loud. Dong Erniang was still in prison, and after being caned, her legs would surely be permanently damaged. Now that her affair with Duan Ningyuan was known throughout Chang’an, once she was released, she would no longer be able to marry into a desirable family. The Dong family had worked hard to raise such a talented and beautiful daughter, and they would not easily let their efforts go to waste. They would surely cling to the Duke of Zhenguo’s family.
Even if the Duke’s family tried to use their power and influence, Magistrate Dong also held an official position. Moreover, since the matter was now public knowledge, if the Duke’s family didn’t want Duan Ningyuan to bear the additional stigma of being a heartless scoundrel, they wouldn’t dare to handle the matter arbitrarily.
The legal battle between the two families would drag on.
Teng Yuyi’s mood improved even further.
“When will Father return to the mansion? Have someone prepare some food and wine. I want to welcome him home.”
Steward Cheng was pleasantly surprised. Ever since returning from Yangzhou, he had noticed a subtle change in the young mistress’s attitude toward her father. Although she still rarely mentioned him, when she did, it was no longer with the same coldness and indifference. This time, she even took the initiative to prepare a welcome feast for her father, which was truly delightful.
He quickly hid the joy in his eyes.
“The Emperor has summoned the master to the palace. He sent word earlier that he doesn’t know when he’ll return tonight and asked you to rest early.”
Teng Yuyi was a bit disappointed.
“Alright, then have someone prepare the carriage. After lunch, I’ll go to the Du residence.”
“By the way, this was sent by Princess Jingde this morning.”
Steward Cheng handed over a gilded invitation.
“The Princess is hosting a poetry gathering at Prince Cheng’s residence and has invited you and Miss Du to attend.”
“Princess Jingde?” Teng Yuyi was puzzled. In this life, she hadn’t even exchanged a single word with Princess Jingde.
Why would she suddenly invite her?
Steward Cheng explained, “The Princess’s servant said that she had wanted to get to know you yesterday, but due to the chaos at the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence, she didn’t get the chance to extend the invitation.”
Teng Yuyi took the invitation.
The handwriting on it was likely Princess Jingde’s own—elegant but lacking in strength.
Whether it was the paper or the ink, a faint, cold fragrance wafted from the invitation.
Teng Yuyi, who had some knowledge of fragrances, couldn’t identify the scent.
Steward Cheng continued, “I heard that Princess Jingde disliked poetry and literature as a child. The poetry gatherings are organized by Princess Cheng, who invites old scholars from the Imperial Academy to attend. They are held almost every fortnight and are attended by young ladies and gentlemen who excel in poetry. They are elegant and interesting, worth attending. Young miss, you’ve just returned to Chang’an and will inevitably need to socialize with various families. Since Princess Jingde has invited you, it would be impolite to decline.”
Teng Yuyi nodded.
“I wonder how long the poetry gathering will last.”
If her father returned early and she wasn’t home…
She thought for a moment and said, “Don’t rush to reply yet. Go to the palace and find out when Father is likely to leave. Also, try to get a detailed list of who will be attending the gathering.”
Steward Cheng agreed and went to make arrangements.
Teng Yuyi returned to her inner courtyard, sat at her desk, and unrolled a scroll. She had Chunrong grind some ink and began to write and draw.
When Steward Cheng returned with the information, Teng Yuyi had just finished a painting.
“Young miss, the poetry gathering has invited many people, including young ladies from various families who are skilled in poetry, as well as several renowned literary talents.”
Steward Cheng handed a list to Teng Yuyi.
Teng Yuyi glanced at it and immediately spotted a name at the top: Lu Zhao’an.
She hadn’t expected Princess Jingde’s gathering to invite such a scoundrel.
“Did you send someone to retrieve my sister’s letters from Lu Zhao’an?” she asked.
Steward Cheng quickly replied, “I sent someone to follow Lu Zhao’an for a few days. We were about to act, but last night, another group of people suddenly started tailing him. Our people haven’t figured out who they are yet, so we decided to wait a day or two.”
Teng Yuyi frowned.
“Could it be Lin Chengyou’s people? Uncle Du only told him about my sister meeting Lu Zhao’an in the woods yesterday.”
“I’m not sure yet.”
Teng Yuyi pondered.
Could Princess Jingde’s sudden invitation to Lu Zhao’an be related to this?
“Alright, I’ll definitely attend the poetry gathering. Today, I’ll meet that Lu Zhao’an. Prepare the carriage and pick up my cousin from the Du residence. Duanfu’s injuries haven’t healed yet, so let Huo Qiu accompany me.”
“Young miss, aren’t you waiting for news from the palace?”
“I can welcome Father home tomorrow.”
As she spoke, Teng Yuyi considered that since the gathering was at Prince Cheng’s residence, she should prepare more thoroughly to avoid trouble from Lin Chengyou.
“By the way, Prince Cheng’s residence won’t allow outsiders to bring guards. Huo Qiu is too burly. Pick two slender guards and have them dress as my maids to enter the residence.”
Steward Cheng was startled. “We do have such guards, but even if they are slender, they still look rough. Anyone paying attention would see through the disguise.”
“There’s no time to carefully select them now. Just have them make do for today and tell them not to speak.”
Steward Cheng was puzzled but agreed. “I’ll arrange it.”
Teng Yuyi looked down at the painting she had just finished and handed it to Steward Cheng.
“Steward Cheng, have you ever seen the person in this painting?”
Steward Cheng took the scroll and saw a figure cloaked in black. Strangely, the person’s face was hidden, but they exuded a chilling and terrifying aura.
He examined it carefully for a long time, then shook his head.
“I haven’t. Does this person only have this cloak, or are there other identifying features?”
“No,” Teng Yuyi sighed.
“What about the material of the cloak? Is it leather or felt?”
Teng Yuyi thought for a moment. Leather would theoretically have a sheen, but that night, under the bright moonlight, the person’s cloak had appeared dull.
“Probably not leather. It might be felt, but it could also have fur lining.”
“Did you see the person’s shoes?”
“No,” Teng Yuyi stood up and paced.
“But the person is probably not very old, as they moved very nimbly. In terms of height, they were about half a head taller than Duanfu. This person is extremely dangerous. From now on, have people search day and night for any trace of this person. If you find any sign of them, report to me immediately.”
Steward Cheng didn’t ask further questions. He rolled up the painting and tucked it into his robe.
“I’ll arrange it right away.”
Teng Yuyi said seriously, “Steward Cheng, you must handle this personally. Don’t alert anyone.”
Steward Cheng was taken aback. Seeing Teng Yuyi’s grave expression, he slowly nodded.
“I understand.”
***
In the afternoon, Teng Yuyi prepared to go out. Two guards were waiting at the door, dressed in pomegranate-colored skirts, disguised as maids.
Teng Yuyi circled the two guards and found them barely satisfactory. She had them take another carriage and follow hers.
After picking up Du Tinglan from the Du residence, the two sisters chatted in the carriage.
“I heard from Steward Cheng that Lu Zhao’an is now quite famous in Chang’an. Everyone praises his elegant writing. Minister Zheng, who loves talent, has taken a particular liking to Lu Zhao’an and intends to marry his second daughter to him after the Ministry of Personnel’s selection. Lu Zhao’an has been busy visiting various influential families in the capital, making many connections. Everyone says he is a man of extraordinary character and will surely become a great minister in the future.”
Du Tinglan listened silently.
“Sister, are you upset?”
Du Tinglan shook her head. “I was just thinking about why I ever liked Lu Zhao’an. These past few days, I occasionally think of him, but I no longer feel sad or upset. I just wonder how I could have been so infatuated back then.”
Teng Yuyi thought to herself, was it his good looks? His smooth talk?
She coughed and unfolded the list Steward Cheng had prepared for Du Tinglan.
“Sister, look, this list includes young men and ladies skilled in poetry. Many of them are both talented and virtuous. If you’re willing, you can pay more attention to them at the gathering.”
Du Tinglan blushed.
“So that’s why you insisted on dragging me to this gathering. You had this in mind.”
Teng Yuyi snorted. “I know you’ve always loved poetry since childhood. Your infatuation with Lu Zhao’an was probably because he was good at romanticizing things. Steward Cheng told me that in previous years, Princess Cheng personally vetted the attendees, so most were upright in character. It’s only recently, with Prince Cheng and his wife away from Chang’an, that someone like Lu Zhao’an managed to sneak in. Later, don’t pay attention to Lu Zhao’an; I’ll deal with him. You just focus on the other young men. If you find someone you like, let me know.”
Du Tinglan burst out laughing.
“Listen to you, sounding like a little adult.”
“Anyway, the weather is nice today. Consider it a chance to relax.”
Teng Yuyi lifted the curtain and looked out.
“Huh, is that Lu Zhao’an outside?”
They had unknowingly arrived at Prince Cheng’s residence. A man in a green robe was dismounting at the steps. Teng Yuyi had seen Lu Zhao’an once in her previous life but wasn’t entirely sure. The man had an elegant demeanor and was exceptionally handsome. He was immediately invited into Prince Cheng’s residence upon arrival, indicating he was treated with great respect.
Du Tinglan’s expression was complicated.
“It’s him.”
Teng Yuyi nodded and led Du Tinglan out of the carriage. The two fake maids also got out and followed silently.
A servant came over with a smile. “Are you Miss Teng and Miss Du? Please follow me.”
The old servant was polite and dignified. Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan followed him inside, observing Prince Cheng’s residence as they walked. The place was quiet, with only the occasional maid passing by, who would respectfully step aside.
As they passed a peach grove, a black shadow suddenly darted out from the trees. Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan were caught off guard and stepped back in alarm.
The fake maids rushed forward to protect their mistress, but Teng Yuyi, recognizing the shadow, quickly coughed loudly.
The guards, though puzzled, restrained themselves.
The shadow let out a series of growls and crouched down, blocking Teng Yuyi’s path.
Du Tinglan recognized it as Lin Chengyou’s little black leopard and turned pale, quickly shielding Teng Yuyi behind her.
Lin Chengyou walked out from the grove with a smile. The old servant, unsure why the Shizi was blocking Miss Teng and Miss Du, hurried over.
“Shizi, these are the honored guests invited by the Princess.”
“I know,” Lin Chengyou said, looking directly at Teng Yuyi.
“I’m blocking Miss Teng. All of you, leave. I have some questions for her.”
Du Tinglan was alarmed and forced a smile.
“Shizi, if you have questions, you can ask them in front of us.”
Lin Chengyou didn’t look at Du Tinglan, only smiling at Teng Yuyi.
“Miss Teng, I don’t mind asking you a few questions in public, but think carefully. Do you want me to ask here, or at the gathering in front of everyone?”
Teng Yuyi’s heart skipped a beat. She had already prepared how to deal with Lin Chengyou but hadn’t expected him to confront her so soon. After a moment of internal struggle, she whispered a few words to Du Tinglan, who was startled.
Teng Yuyi then looked at the two fake maids behind her, who nodded and retreated to the side, on guard.
Lin Chengyou said to the old servant, “Take them away.”
The old servant complied, leading Du Tinglan and the guards far away to another part of the grove, ensuring they could see Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi but not hear their conversation.
