Chapter 18

To her, the complex, intertwining relationships between prominent families and the hidden web of interests behind them were things she had never encountered before. She heaved a sigh, then called for Xueying and Yunrou to bring in nearly a year’s worth of account books. Today’s farce had made her see more clearly than ever that the hidden arrows and overt attacks were too numerous; she had to accelerate her plans to topple the First Branch if she ever hoped to have any peace. Xiao Jingyi lay on the bed in the inner chamber. Whether it was due to the ginseng or the rhythmic clatter of the abacus, he gradually began to regain consciousness. A slight start, and he realized the little village girl was auditing the accounts. He vaguely remembered that before he lost consciousness, he had tried hard to tell her there were problems with the books. But he had been too anxious, and the blood stasis had choked his heart and lungs, causing him to pass out before he could get the words out.