Over the past few days, Xu Yuan had ordered a great many items for the baby to be purchased from outside, including a rocking cradle and clothing, for which she had the seamstresses come into the Marquis's Estate personally.
Xu Yuan handled these matters almost entirely herself, never hesitating to spend whatever money was required. Seeing this, Shen Yunan and his mother, the Old Madame, were quite satisfied, praising her for how much heart she put into caring for the child.
As for the physician who was attending to Old Madame Shen, he visited the estate every few days.
On this day, Xu Yuan was in the courtyard holding her child and basking in the sun when she saw Cuiliu walk in with quick steps. Cuiliu started to speak, but seeing that the young master in Xu Yuan’s arms was fast asleep, she instinctively lowered her voice.
"Madam, I have discovered some leads regarding that physician."
Hearing this, Xu Yuan stood up, went inside, and gently placed the baby into the rocking cradle. Only then did she turn to Cuiliu and say, "Go on."
"The physician’s name is Jiang Yuan. He is a distant relative of the head steward and was recommended to the estate a year ago by him to treat the Old Madame, on the grounds that his medical skills were excellent. After these past few days of investigation, I have gathered quite a bit of evidence against him—enough to secure a conviction even if we were to take it to the authorities."
"Is there any evidence that Jiang Yuan and the steward are colluding to embezzle money?"
"That, I haven't found," Cuiliu replied, taken aback. "This Jiang Yuan is extremely cautious. Because he has been treating the Old Madame for a year, he has earned the trust of not only the Old Madame herself but the Marquis as well."
"If there’s no evidence, then create some," Xu Yuan said calmly. "Cuiliu, find a way to lure Jiang Yuan out of the estate and lead him past the storehouse."
Cuiliu had a sudden realization and immediately understood Xu Yuan's intention. She couldn't help but think that her mistress’s plan was truly brilliant; not only would it expose Jiang Yuan’s schemes, but it would also bring to light the shortages in the dowry. Excited, Cuiliu quickly said, "Madam, I shall go and see to it at once."
Xu Yuan nodded. She had no concerns whatsoever regarding Cuiliu's capabilities or her methods. If they wanted to use exorbitant medicinal costs to embezzle her dowry, they would eventually have to pay the price. She was curious to see how Shen Yunan would handle things once this matter was brought to light. Come to think of it, with the physician having visited the Marquis's Estate so many times, the funds in the accounts were likely already bottoming out; it was high time these people made a move.
Just as Xu Yuan had anticipated, the next morning, the head steward appeared outside her courtyard. Xu Yuan happened to be coming out with the baby in her arms and, upon seeing him, said with surprise, "Isn't this the head steward? To what do I owe the pleasure?"
The head steward smiled ingratiatingly, holding a list in his hand. "Madam, these are the expenses for the physician's recent visits, as well as the funds required for the Old Madame's medicine. Please, take a look."
Xu Yuan merely glanced at the list in his hand and gave a faint nod.
Cuiliu walked over at that moment and said, "Madam, let me hold the young master."
"Very well." Xu Yuan smiled as she handed the baby to Cuiliu. Then, seeing that the steward was still standing there, she made no move to acknowledge him further. She looked at the sky and said softly, "The weather is lovely today; I think I shall take a stroll in the back garden."
The head steward stood stunned for a long moment, suddenly feeling at a loss. In the past, whenever the Madam heard such reports, she would always ask how much money was needed and then have someone pull it from her dowry to cover the costs. Why, then, was she so indifferent today?
The head steward, naturally, was not about to give up the opportunity. Seeing Xu Yuan walk away, he hurried to follow her.