Seeing Madam Zhou in high spirits, Wufu decided to have Madam Zhou stay at the estate for a couple of days for a change of scenery, while she herself, concerned about her carvings, returned to the city first.
Just as she sat down in the study, she received a message from Wen Congrui’s servant asking after her.
Wufu met the servant in the Floral Hall. She recognized him as the one who attended to Wen Congrui closely, called Nan Shan.
"Has Master Shan come because Lord Wen has some urgent matters to inquire about?" Wufu asked with a smile.
She and Wen Congrui could not claim to have a deep friendship. Their relationship was based merely on mutual benefit. What could be the reason for the visit from his personal attendant?
With a smile, Nan Shan performed a bow and said, "Recently, Lord Wen has been investigating a case of examination fraud."
Upon hearing the words "examination fraud," Wufu’s heart skipped a beat, but her face remained expressionless as she looked on.
Nan Shan was carefully watching her expression. Seeing that she was unfazed, he thought to himself that either she was truly good at keeping her composure or was completely unaware. Regardless of which it was, this level of calmness was commendable.
He continued, "Coincidentally, there is a candidate by the name of Zhou Xuennian who is also implicated in the case."
Hearing this, what more did Wufu need to understand?
She silently took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Master Shan, I’m not one for beating around the bush. The imperial examination has nothing to do with me, so why not state your purpose plainly?"
Nan Shan was taken aback for a moment before he bowed and said, "Miss is forthright, and I am not her equal. The situation is such that the aforementioned Mr. Zhou is currently detained in jail. However, he claims that you are his niece and wishes to use this relationship to request an audience with our Lord Wen."
Wufu almost wanted to laugh. Zhou Xuennian really was something, wasn’t he? Now that he was in trouble, he remembered she was his niece?
How could he have forgotten how he humiliated her and her mother back then?
It was truly laughable!
Indeed, Wufu couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing Nan Shan’s confused look, she quickly apologized, "I’m sorry, Master Shan. I was rude for a moment. So, what does Lord Wen intend?"
"Lord Wen would like you to make a trip there... It’s not impossible to show some leniency," said Nan Shan, his words elusive.
Wufu, however, understood. She would be a fool to plead on behalf of Zhou Xuennian.
"I will accompany you to see Lord Wen right away." Wufu stood up, her eyes gleaming mischievously.
After changing into clothes suitable for receiving guests, she followed Nan Shan to the Yamen. Since the day’s work had ended, she was led directly to the Rear Government Office, to the Floral Hall where Wen Congrui received guests.
Once they were seated, a maid served tea. Wen Congrui took a sip and said, "I presume Nan Shan has already informed you about your uncle... "
"My lord!" Wufu interrupted him and said, "Although I haven’t read much, I know one thing for certain: ’The Son of Heaven breaks the law and suffers the same punishment as the common people.’ There are national laws. When someone breaks them, they must be judged according to the law. There is no need for you to feel conflicted, my lord; simply follow the legal procedures."
Wen Congrui’s eyebrows raised slightly as he looked deeply at her.
She was indeed a clever woman. He hadn’t even said anything yet, and she had already cut off his words. So, the rumors that she and her maternal family had a rift were true?
Wufu took a sip of her tea, a hint of disgust flitting through her eyes as she said, "I have only my mother for family. When we first moved to Huayang County, we had no such ’uncles.’"
This was her way of disowning Zhou Xuennian.
"I understand what you mean, Miss," Wen Congrui said with a smile.
Wufu raised her tea, took a sip, and her fingertips caressed the painted surface of the teacup. She scoffed inwardly; Zhou Xuennian thought he could use her to escape his crime?
How wishful was his thinking!