An shi did not think that Feng Yu Heng would place her suspicion there, thus she continued to speak on her own: "During that period of heavy rain, the elder madam's mood was not too good. She said that she wanted to embroider an image of Buddha to calm herself down. She insisted on having this concubine go to the shop to retrieve some thread. On our way back, our carriage was in an accident, but the other girl was quite magnanimous and did not argue with us. Sister Jin Zhen even got out of the carriage to accompany her for a while, and the matter was concluded like that. Oh right, I heard that the girl also formed a relationship with sister Jin Zhen, and she came to our manor a couple times. This could be considered a friendship blooming from an initial discord."
While An shi spoke, Jin Zhen, who had been burning joss paper for the matriarch suddenly began to tremble. By the end, she was no longer able to remain kneeling and fell to the ground.
Feng Zi Rui saw it and asked in confusion: "Concubine mother, what happened to you?"
Jin Zhen's teeth were chattering, and she was unable to say a single word.
An shi was smart. How could she not see what had happened. Letting out an "ah" sound, she then looked at Jin Zhen with a deeply inquisitive look.
Cheng Jun Man also furrowed her brow and said after thinking: "Something like that did indeed occur." After thinking some more, she added: "It seems that the girl came to the manor again after the elder madam was beaten by that group of troublemakers."
Jin Zhen's complexion turned a pale white, and everyone was able to see that she was clearly feeling guilty. Feng Yu Heng did not ask too much, only patting An shi's shoulder and gently saying: "It's fine. I will bring third sister back to rest for a while. After two hours, we will need to prepare to attend court."
After she said this, she turned around and left. Xiang Rong held Zi Rui's hand and followed behind her but found that Jin Zhen, who had been kneeling next to the incense burner, had stood up stiffly before hastily chasing after Feng Yu Heng.
Xiang Rong slowed her pace and quietly said to Zi Rui: "There must be a reason that concubine mother is looking to speak with seocnd sister. Let's move a little slower."
They did indeed walk slowly, but Feng Yu Heng did not stop. Jin Zhen's legs were weak and looked to be in a poor state behind her. Only when Feng Yu Heng nearly reached the entrance of the manor did she finally manage to grab Feng Yu Heng's sleeve; however, she was pushed away in irritation.
Fortunately, Feng Yu Heng also stopped. Turning around to look at her, she feigned ignorance and asked: "Concubine mother Jin Zhen, what is the reason for chasing after this county princess?"
Jin Zhen was unable to worry about too much. It was still late into the night at this moment. There were few people in the manor, and the gatekeepers had gone to sleep. Only one person was left to stand guard. She gritted her teeth and dropped to her knees in front of Feng Yu Heng, saying: "Second young miss, this servant did this all for you!"
Feng Yu Heng looked at Jin Zhen then looked at the unfamiliar maidservant behind her. She suddenly asked: "Where's Man Xi?"
Jin Zhen was stunned. She did not think that Feng Yu Heng would not answer the first part, instead asking this question. She mumbled a little, not knowing how she should reply.
Feng Yu Heng did not wait for her reply. Instead, she tilted her head and asked the maidservant: "Where is the former maidservant, Man Xi, that had accompanied your concubine mother?"
The maidservant was a little nervous. Twisting the handkerchief in her hand, she spoke with a trembling voice: "Man Xi is... is in the courtyard taking care of some other matters. Presently, she is not concubine mother's personal servant."
