Shen Yunan observed Xu Yuan’s expression, constantly pondering whether she had actually overheard their previous conversation. Yet, based on his understanding of Xu Yuan, if she had truly heard everything, she would not be reacting in such a manner.
Shen Yunan promptly echoed, "Mother, listen to your daughter-in-law and focus on recovering your health."
With Shen Yunan’s words as a buffer, Old Madame Shen did not say anything more, nodding in agreement. "Very well, I shall heed you both."
"However, Lady Xu, naming the child is a significant matter. It was my oversight not to discuss it with you earlier, though you were at fault for doing the same."
"But since Yunan told me just now that the name Shen Yi is indeed better than Shen Yao, then we shall follow your wishes."
"Thank you, Mother," Xu Yuan said with a smile.
"Since you are awake, Mother, I shall take my leave now."
As soon as Xu Yuan finished speaking, she turned to leave. Her sudden movement aroused Shen Yunan’s suspicion. It seemed as if Xu Yuan had come specifically just to take a look. Could it be…
Shen Yunan decided to find out for himself. Just as Xu Yuan stepped out of the room, she heard Shen Yunan’s voice behind her.
"Wait, my lady."
Xu Yuan paused, a hint of mockery in her eyes. When she turned back, Shen Yunan was already standing before her.
"Does the Marquis have other business?"
"My lady, did you hear any commotion when you arrived just now?" Shen Yunan kept his gaze fixed on her, his tone probing.
"Commotion?" Xu Yuan looked puzzled. "It is strange, truly. There was no one in the courtyard when I arrived. As for the commotion you speak of, I certainly did not witness any."
As she spoke, she added a touch of nervousness. "Marquis, has something happened in the manor?"
Seeing Xu Yuan’s reaction, Shen Yunan finally looked away, his tense heart relaxing. It seemed Xu Yuan truly knew nothing.
"It is nothing. I have some official business to attend to over the next few days, and I fear I will have no time to stay by your and Yier’s side. My lady, I am afraid you will be neglected." Shen Yunan spoke with deep, feigned affection, reaching out as if to pull Xu Yuan into his arms.
But faced with Shen Yunan, Xu Yuan only felt disgust. How could she not know that his "business abroad" was merely an excuse to spend time with Lu Rou? He even went to the trouble of portraying himself as a busy man.
"Marquis, Yier cannot be left alone, so I must return."
As Shen Yunan moved to embrace her, Xu Yuan spoke and pushed him away.
Watching Xu Yuan’s departing figure, Shen Yunan felt a moment of bewilderment. It seemed as though something had changed about her ever since she gave birth.
No, he shook his head. Everyone knew that Xu Yuan had once loved him desperately, even going so far as to clash with Duke Ye just to marry him. This coldness she showed him now must be a tactic to play hard-to-get—a scheme to capture his attention. It must be said, this woman was just as cunning now as she had been before.
When Chuner entered, she saw Shen Yunan standing there. She glanced around and suddenly felt ecstatic, for she realized the direction the Marquis was looking was exactly where she stood. Could it be that the Marquis had long noticed her presence, but was constrained by the presence of the lady, and therefore unable to speak his heart?
At this moment, Xu Yuan had already returned to her room. In her previous life, because of her own interference, even if Chuner had harbored feelings for Shen Yunan, she had never dared to act on them. Later, after Lu Rou entered the household, Chuner had defected directly to Lu Rou to help deal with her. This time, she could give Chuner an opportunity. She wanted to see if Lu Rou could keep her composure once she found out about Chuner. As for what would happen then, she was looking forward to it.
"My lady, the young master has just fallen asleep," Cuiliu said softly as she saw Xu Yuan return. She pointed with her finger toward the desk. "The account books are already there."
"Good."
Xu Yuan nodded. During this time, she organized the accounts while Cuiliu kept watch on the surroundings, guarding against any untoward developments.
At first, the books revealed nothing suspicious, but gradually, Xu Yuan noticed something was wrong. In particular, the cost of medicinal herbs was exorbitant—a hundred taels for a single prescription, which was entirely unreasonable. Later on, the accounts were not even recorded; they were left completely blank.
Cuiliu, seeing Xu Yuan frown, leaned in. Following her gaze, she saw the blank pages and her eyes widened.
"My lady, this… how can these be blank?"
"Looking at the dates, these are accounts from a year ago. Could it be that they started falsifying them back then?"
The more Cuiliu spoke, the angrier she became. She picked up the account book, ready to leave.
"Where are you going?" Xu Yuan asked.
"My lady, these people have gone too far!" Cuiliu said indignantly. "If I remember correctly, the blank pages start from the time you began using your own dowry to cover expenses. I am going to hold them accountable!"
No matter what, she could not let her lady be taken advantage of so easily.
"Come back," Xu Yuan commanded.
"My lady?" Cuiliu was surprised for a moment, but returned to Xu Yuan’s side. "My lady, these people have treated you this way; do you really intend to cover for them?"
Under Cuiliu’s questioning gaze, Xu Yuan replied, "I naturally will not do such a thing again, but do not forget that I am the one managing the household now."
"If you take these books out now, do you know what the outcome will be?"
Cuiliu’s expression froze. After what Xu Yuan said, she finally realized the implication. She lowered her head, looking full of regret. "My lady, I was impulsive."
Cuiliu felt a shiver of fear. Since these people dared to fabricate accounts, they must have believed the lady would never discover them. If she were to cause a scene, not only would the true culprit remain hidden, but the blame would easily be shifted onto her own lady, allowing the real criminals to escape.
Cuiliu clenched her fists, feeling even more aggrieved for her lady. She had previously thought the Marquis was a gentleman of refined grace, but now it seemed he was utterly shameless.
Seeing Xu Yuan remain silent, Cuiliu couldn't help but feel anxious. "My lady, do you truly intend to let this matter slide?"
"Naturally not," Xu Yuan replied. "The reason I stopped you is not because I intend to pretend I know nothing."
"Cuiliu, over the next few days, pay close attention to the physician who frequently visits the manor."
Xu Yuan knew that in her past life, this physician had colluded with the steward, extorting high fees for medicinal herbs to line their own pockets. This time, she would start with him.
Cuiliu nodded, quickly understanding Xu Yuan’s intent.
The following days were peaceful. Perhaps because Xu Yuan had promised that she would bring the child to visit once her health improved, the Old Madame did not continue to stir up trouble as she had before. Even her attitude had improved significantly. But Xu Yuan knew very well that this calm would not last long.