Chapter 9: The Hidden Hand
The rain was crystal clear.
Autumn rain fell gently, adorning the pond and rooftops with ripples and tiny droplets, creating a soothing symphony of "drip-drop" and "rustle-rustle." This serene melody harmonized perfectly with the poetic beauty of autumn, momentarily allowing the Lian family to forget their troubles. The air was filled with a tranquil gentleness.
"Each layer of autumn rain brings a touch of chill. Sister Wang, when the weather clears up, we need to start preparing winter clothes," Yu Luoying reminded Sister Wang after breakfast while listening to her household reports.
"Yes, Madam!" Sister Wang responded respectfully.
"There should still be plenty of silk, fabric, and cotton in the storeroom, right?"
"Indeed, Madam. The batch of silk and cotton fabric we received in spring is still abundant, enough for this winter. We also have a good stock of last year's cotton."
Yu Luoying thought for a moment and said, "For the master and the young lady's winter clothes, we'll need new cotton. For everyone else, the old stock will suffice. Also, I remember there's a bolt of crimson brocade—use that to make coats for the maids. It's elegant without being gaudy and is also easy to maintain. And Sister Wang, there's a golden yellow satin that would suit you and Mother Luo. Make yourselves some new clothes with it."
Sister Wang expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Madam! You're always so considerate."
"Not really—these things just repeat year after year. That's all for now; you may go," Yu Luoying said warmly.
"Yes!" Sister Wang bowed and withdrew.
"Mother, doesn't managing all this tire you out?" Lian Heng walked in.
"What else can I do? Someone has to manage the household. With all that's been going on, it's not just physically exhausting but mentally draining as well," Yu Luoying sighed, furrowing her brow.
"Mother, stop sighing! Look at you—these past few days have added two wrinkles to your face. Come to my room later, and I'll make you an orange peel face mask!" Lian Heng teased.
"An orange peel face mask? Where do you come up with these ideas?" Yu Luoying marveled.
Lian Heng chuckled, "It's easy! Crush fresh orange peels, soak them in liquor, add a spoonful of honey, and let it sit for seven days. Apply it to your face—it smooths the skin and reduces wrinkles. It's amazing!"
"Is it really that effective? Let's call Caiyun to try it together later."
"Sure!"
After helping her mother and Su Caiyun apply the orange peel mask she had dreamt of, Lian Heng instructed Xiao Shan and Xiao Feng on how to massage them properly. She then stood by the window, reaching out to touch the cool raindrops.
Since the dreams of her past life had ceased, a shadow seemed to loom over her family. It felt as though an invisible hand was steering the fate of the Lian household. Recently, she had felt increasingly powerless against the unknown forces shaping their future.
Suppressing her anxieties to avoid worrying her mother, she gazed out at the endless rain and let out a silent sigh. Suddenly, she noticed a ginkgo leaf in her hand.
The fan-shaped leaf, cleansed by the rain, was as pure and beautiful as a golden-green butterfly that had landed in her palm.
The ginkgo tree grew in the courtyard near the front gate. How could its leaves float past two buildings to reach the secluded rear quarters?
Lian Heng leaned out to look below and caught a glimpse of Yun Zixing's tall figure disappearing into the front hall.
Was it him? Did he toss the leaf?
Three days had passed since Xiao Ge's death, leaving the household subdued and cautious, as though walking on eggshells. Yesterday morning, her father had personally visited Magistrate Han to request Di Yun's protection for the family. The magistrate, pleased with her father's gift, generously assigned not only Di Yun but also Yun Zixing to the Lian estate.
Yet despite having bodyguards, what the Lian family needed more was a Sherlock Holmes.
Yun Zixing seemed more interested in tossing leaves at girls than investigating the case, while Di Yun was much more pragmatic.
"Miss Lian, I've handed yesterday's findings to Uncle Chu. He said the powder found beneath the window is something peculiar, but he can't identify it. He's written to his senior brother for help," Di Yun reported upon his arrival the day before.
"How long will that take?"
"His senior brother lives in Fengxiang, Shaanxi. Even at the fastest pace, it'll take half a month for a round trip."
Her heart sank at his words.
What might happen in the next fifteen days? The ominous premonition weighed heavily on her.
"Thank you, Constable Di," she said, bowing deeply. His efforts were sincere, and her gratitude was genuine.
The next day, the rain stopped, and the skies cleared.
Lu Qiaoqiao, who had been bedridden, insisted on going out for a stroll, complaining that she was suffocating indoors.
Although her body wasn't seriously harmed, her husband, Lian Zheng, was extremely cautious about the child she was carrying.
"I won't go far, just to the nearby street. Even for the time it takes to burn one stick of incense," she pleaded coquettishly.
"Father, you should let Third Madam go for a walk. A pleasant mood and light activity are beneficial for the baby. And for safety, we can rely on the constables," Lian Heng suggested with a smile.
Persuaded by his daughter, Lian Zheng agreed and decided to accompany Lu Qiaoqiao himself.
Lian Heng, Yun Zixing, and Di Yun followed behind, forming a group of six as they slowly moved along the bustling street.
Unexpectedly, chaos erupted when a crowd gathered to watch Yun Zixing display his light-footed martial arts to retrieve a fallen basket from the river. In the confusion, someone suddenly shoved Lian Heng, sending her plummeting into the river.
She heard a man's terrified voice shouting her name before her world was swallowed by icy water.
Who was it? Constable Di?
Submerged in the river, she felt her body sinking as something wrapped around her ankle and yanked her downward.
Di Yun, who had been close, leapt into the river without hesitation.
"Be careful!" Lu Qiaoqiao shouted in alarm as he vanished into the water.