"One box costs five taels of silver," Murong Yu said.
"That's a steal," Princess Anyang responded. "I've also used quite a bit of Jade Cream before, but the effects were minimal—nothing compared to yours. The same goes for the rouge. What's available outside at this price range doesn't hold a candle to yours."
"Given that you are so satisfied, Chu Damei. I'll supply all your rouge and cosmetics from now on," Murong Yu said with a light laugh.
Princess Anyang raised an eyebrow and said, "You sure about that? Don't mind me then."
"The shop is located on Westbloom Street. If you ever need anything, just send Qing'er to take care of it," Murong Yu said. Then, in a lower voice, she added, "You should find an opportunity to replace Sang Ren."
Princess Anyang paused for a moment. Both Sang Ren and Qing'er were Princess Anyang's reliable maids. Today, Sang Ren hadn't come with her, and only Qing'er was present.
Aman whispered, "Your Highness, please heed her ladyship's advice. She recently dismissed Ari from our courtyard who was embezzling and pilfering."
Princess Anyang knew Ari. As she had a close relationship with Murong Yu, she naturally knew her maids as well.
Understanding that Murong Yu must have had a dream revealing treacherous intentions, Princess Anyang silently nodded her head. Then she remembered the complicated future between her and Xu Chang'an, a matter that greatly upset her.
Princess Anyang needed to think things over, so she headed home. Murong Yu saw her off and then returned to her medical books.
"My mother will be back soon. Nanny Fang should soon find out that it was me who wanted to deal with Ari. Send the silver notes that we found in Nanny Fang's room to my mother. She'll handle it," Murong Yu instructed.
Aman reminded Murong Yu, "My lady, there's also Ari's brother, Chen Hong!"
"Right, the matter with Ari should be drawing attention by now. Anyone clever should get the hint," Murong Yu said. "Go ask a maid in the outer courtyard named Wan if she willingly went with Chen Hong, or if he forced her."
Aman paused, her face darkening, and said, "I will go at once!"
Ari and Chen Hong's affairs hadn't been made public, but many servants in the manor had been quietly discussing it. They all knew that Ari wasn't coming back.
Nanny Fang was close to Madam Murong, but Ari's actions almost tarnished Murong Yu's reputation. Nanny Fang certainly wasn't getting off scot-free.
Upon hearing Aman's inquiries, Wan sensed that Murong Yu intended to root out Nanny Fang's entire family.
Wan no longer held back and, sobbing softly, recounted an incident from half a year ago when Chen Hong brought her some snacks on her day off. As it was daytime, she thought nothing of letting him into her room, whereupon he forcefully took advantage of her.
"I'm just a humble woman; how could I resist Chen Hong, who's built like a brute?" Wan said as she wiped away tears. "Ever since then, he's been exploiting me whenever I have a day off. Sometimes, he even summons me to his room when he's off duty."
"Are you sure this isn't mutual affection?" Aman asked, her face stern.
"How could it be? He used force!" Wan replied. "He would threaten to expose me if I didn't comply. How could I live with such shame? I've had to endure his abuses. He's so inhumane that I've miscarried twice over these past six months, and he hasn't even considered marrying me!"