In an instant, Yang Chuxia’s eyes sparkled with insight, "Grandfather, are you implying that this Shi Family you’re talking about is the same one you worked for back then?"
"If there isn’t a second Shi Family in the prefecture, then indeed it is." Old Yang added another comment.
"Grandfather, I understand now, I will find a way regarding my nanny’s issue." It seemed she still needed to dig deeper into this matter.
Old Yang, upon hearing this, only shook his head.
"Girl, I’m telling you this not for you to go after the Shi Family immediately. I’m not clear on their current situation, but even if they are no longer involved in Imperial business, I know an old saying, ’a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse’. I just want you to be aware of this family, so you can be cautious if you encounter them in the future. As for your nanny’s issue, it’s not imperative to investigate; you all are living well now. Even if your nanny died, she would still be at peace. If her issue were to drag you all down, she would not even rest peacefully in her grave."
Old Yang paused before continuing, "I originally didn’t want to bring this up, but as I’m getting old, I might just die unexpectedly one day, and this buried secret would only make my heart heavier. This Shi family and Mu family are indeed tied by marriage; if you decide to investigate the Shi family, the Mu family might lend a hand in the matter. Considering you have ongoing business with the Mu family, this issue needs thorough consideration."
"Mhm, don’t worry, Grandfather, I have taken note of this matter."
She was unsure whether the Mu family would help, but she knew for certain that Mu Shaofeng wouldn’t. He wouldn’t let the Shi family gain power. After all, the Shi family was backing Mu Shaowei, not him!
Not long after Old Yang left, Ye Zi’an returned, carrying a small wooden barrel in his hand.
"Did Grandfather come to see you?"
"You met him outside?"
"Yes, he asked where I went, and asked me to have dinner at my mother’s place tonight." Seeing that Yang Chuxia was still engrossed in her stuff, he leaned over to take a peek. "Has Fugui returned?"
"Yes, he brought back a copy of the ledger. I’m checking it."
Seeing that she didn’t even look up while talking to him, Ye Zi’an snatched the ledger from her hands.
"What are you doing?"
"Talking to my wife." He put the ledger aside before asking again, "What were you discussing with Grandfather that left his face all darkened?"
"You’re quite observant. We were talking about the Shi family... and the incident with my nanny from years ago..."
Old Yang had only told Yang Chuxia about that past incident, so she had to reiterate both the hidden information and the connection with the Shi family.
"So, that’s what happened!" Ye Zi’an laughed, "You should tell Mu Shaofeng about this. He’ll surely be thrilled to hear this news. I heard his relationship with his stepmother is extremely tense. Judging by your words, his stepmother’s biological mother is likely to be the Shi family’s matriarch, who could potentially be the murderer of our nanny. Mu Shaofeng will definitely rejoice in investigating such a secret."
"Then we’ll visit Shopkeeper Li later. Let him send a message to Mu Shaofeng, and also ask him about the progress in finding the sugar master."
"I will handle this. I’ll visit the town tomorrow. I also need to inform Constable Hong and Broker Liu." As Ye Zi’an stated this, upon seeing her still lost in thought, he gave her cheek a pinch.
Pain made Yang Chuxia swat his hand away.
"What’s the matter with you?"
"You’re so engrossed in your thoughts that you’re completely ignoring your husband." Ye Zi’an said with feigned displeasure.
At his words, the gleam in Yang Chuxia’s eyes sparkled for a moment, and then she said in a light-hearted tone, "I was thinking about you!"
"Oh, really? What about me?"