The banquet in the flower hall continued, and Fang Tianze’s accident had not disturbed the guests here. They were simply told that Zeze went to accompany his sister Ruxin, and since everyone knew Yang Ruxin was his lifesaver, it seemed natural for him to be with her, especially after Yuan Mengzhu quickly returned, which dispelled any suspicion.
Of course, there were some who sensed that something was unusual, but they wouldn’t ask about it.
However, one person was on pins and needles, and that was Dai Xiyan.
"Mom, it’s about time we left," Dai Xiyan said, feeling an inexplicable sense of panic because the plan had failed, and Fang Tianze had had an accident; she was genuinely worried that something might be revealed.
"What’s the rush?" Yuan Mengzhu smiled, but her eyes were extremely cold. "It’s still early. The acting troupe has only performed two plays. Decide which one you want to hear and we’ll have someone arrange it..."
The Fang Family had invited acting troupes, two small ones in fact, where the male guests were entertained with plays like ’The Meeting of the Twin Dragons’, while the female guests enjoyed pieces like ’The Charms of the Nian Slave’.
Dai Xiyan had no choice but to say no more.
"Yes, madams, please let me know what you would like to listen to and I’ll immediately have it arranged," Sun Family’s matron quickly agreed, since she was the main person in charge of the event and naturally wanted to do her best to gain a good reputation.
Upon hearing this, Dai Xiyan managed a forced smile and then sat down, saying nothing more.
Equally unsettled was Fang Tiangang on the male guests’ side.
"Second brother, what happened to Zeze again?" Fang Tianshuo chatted with his younger brother as if in passing, bringing up the topic casually, "Didn’t they say he was all right before? Why did he suddenly fall ill again?"
Fang Tiangang seemed to be daydreaming, unresponsive to Fang Tianshuo’s words until the latter tugged at him, finally snapping him out of it. "Big brother, what did you say?"
"What are you thinking about?" Fang Tianshuo frowned. "I’ve been talking to you for a while, why are you so out of it?"
"Heh," Fang Tiangang hurriedly forced a smile at the corner of his mouth. "I’m just worried about Zeze. It’s been quite a while, and we still don’t know how he is. Shouldn’t we go and visit him?"
"Uncle already sent someone to inform us that it is nothing serious and told us to attend to the guests properly," Fang Tianshuo but waved his hand dismissively. "With Miss Yang there, he must be fine."
Fang Tiangang could only nod slightly, but a trace of irritability flashed in his eyes. He hadn’t expected that fool to make a move today, and involuntarily clenched his fist, accidentally knocking over the teacup.
"How can you be so careless?" Fang Tianshuo exclaimed in alarm when he saw the spill. "It’s getting cold now; you can’t wear wet clothes. Go and change quickly." He then summoned the servant accompanying Fang Tiangang, urging the Second Young Master to go change his clothes.
Fang Tiangang excused himself and then rose from the banquet.
Fang Tianshuo watched Fang Tiangang’s retreating figure, his eyes shadowed with an indistinct gloom.
Fang Dehua’s investigation was straightforward; after all, there were many people coming and going at the Fang Family’s residence today. Although there weren’t many people in Zhi Academy, there were still some who had heard noises, and eventually suspicion fell on a manager, who had originally planned to flee but was caught by a Government Official. When questioned, he confessed right away that it was because he lusted after Xixi. However, Xixi refused him, and in a panic, he strangled her to death and then staged the scene to look like a suicide...
Yang Ruxin, however, ignored all of this; these were just superficial matters. Haven’t there been countless instances in movies and novels? Usually, masters have a servant ready to take the fall for their actions.