"What is a side consort?" Miss Shen showed no interest. "It's not nearly as useful as silver."
She had gone out early that morning to scout for information and find a witness, but those she questioned either claimed to know nothing or refused to answer. Finally, Cang Ming produced a piece of broken silver, and the man spoke: "I saw it, but I didn't see where they went, nor did I see any carriage."
A wasted effort. But it did teach Miss Shen one thing: silver was a very effective tool. A side consort for Lord Cen? It wasn't worth as much as a bit of silver.
Chapter 17