The stand-in didn't take it seriously for three years, and the minister was furious when they b

"Oops~"

With a cry of surprise, Mu Lianzhi was a little confused when she saw the three tassels and pearls falling from the tray. She was really confused:

She just wanted to deform the hollow leaves with tassels so that she could find a craftsman who could forge them openly. How come they broke directly?

It was broken into three pieces, of different lengths.

Is her grip that strong?

Thinking of this, she touched the hairpin again to feel it:

It's quite hard, and the purity is definitely not modern pure gold. The craftsmanship is even a bit like 18k gold. The golden flowers and leaves are layered, quite heavy and lifelike, so even if it is a hollow style, she just wanted to deform it.

How come it broke in the middle?

Just as she was wondering, Xia Xiu also ran over, took the half-broken hairpin from her hand, and checked her hand first:

"Miss, are you hurt? How come the basalt hairpin broke? Was there any trickery?"

"Basalt? What is that?"

"Miss? Why are you asking such a stupid question? Of course it's the national treasure of our Chiyan country, the basalt iron ore. It's an indestructible weapon when used on swords. Adding a little bit to gold jewelry can keep it from deforming for a long time. This kind of gold hairpin is very hard and you can tell it's different at first glance. It's very precious. Not everyone can afford it except the princes and nobles."

Holding the hairpin wrapped in a handkerchief, Xia Xiu carefully examined it again and again, but still had a lot of questions in her mind:

"Why did the basalt break?"

Is there such a thing?

Looking back at the tray, Mu Lianzhi couldn't help but sigh at the skills of the skilled craftsmen of this era, and guessed that the so-called "basalt" should be some kind of rare metal in modern times.

The wisdom of the ancients should not be underestimated, but she is narrow-minded.

"Could it be that it was touched by the golden water? Miss, the old lady sent it here and it's broken. I don't know if they want to see you make a fool of yourself in public or to find fault with us again. What should we do now?"

Xia Xiu looked at the two sets of new headgear and felt very worried. However, Mu Lianzhi was very satisfied with the little girl's delicate thoughts and brains. He raised his hand and tapped her forehead lightly:

"If it's broken, it's broken. We can just fix it. They need my help now, so they won't do such a stupid thing. It could also be that the quality is not up to standard or there are defects in it."

She must be bad. If she wasn't, how could she have an excuse to go out and how could she openly ask for help when looking for someone?

Thinking so, Mu Lianzhi did not explain further.

"That's what the lady said."

Nodding, Xia Xiu didn't think much about it, but subconsciously fumbled around and gently pulled at other places to check. Seeing that there was no damage, she picked up the fallen accessories one by one, packed them up and put them back on the tray.

At this moment, Leng Yun and Chun Miao came back one after another.

"Miss, Madam Kang and her group have already left. I secretly followed them halfway and complained a lot, but Madam Kang stopped me and I didn't dare to say anything to you."

"She's a clever one."

With a sneer, Mu Lianzhi fiddled with the things on the tray again:

"Before I came out, I don't think she would have the courage to do that."

This is also her last chance to turn things around, and she must seize it.

Several maids exchanged glances, and were even more surprised at her difference. When they stepped forward, Chunmiao straightened her back a little more:

"Miss, Steward Chen and Miss Leng Yu are back. I have been waiting at the door to meet them. Nothing unexpected happened."

"Well, ask her to come in."

Soon, Leng Yu, who had changed back into her maid outfit, walked in:

"Miss--"

"Where?"

When Mu Lianzhi spoke, his voice was filled with urgency.

"Lucaifang is in the west of the city. It's a two-story building that can be used for overnight stays or short-term accommodation. I found that the layout between the backyard food delivery and storage area and the back door is a bit strange. It seems that there is a hidden layer. Many people go in and rarely come out at times when they are not eating or drinking. There must be something fishy going on."

"I was afraid there might be experts inside, so I didn't dare get too close."

"The butler stayed in there for more than half an hour, and came out with a food box. Sorry, Miss, I didn't see who he contacted or what he said. I only saw him go to the backyard, probably under the guise of going to the toilet or something like that."

"When he went out today, apart from buying snacks on the roadside, he only packed up the food from this restaurant."

After Leng Yu finished his report, Chun Miao subconsciously took over the conversation:

"As soon as he entered the house, he went straight to Fudeyuan. Did he order a meal for the old lady? What can't be made in the mansion? Why does the butler have to go out and buy it himself? Are there any rare special dishes in Lu Cai Fang? Why don't I remember it?"

Who would have thought that a gambling house would be opened in a busy restaurant or inn, so open and aboveboard?

The Marquis's Mansion handles things very flawlessly.

No wonder the original owner was deceived. This was what she saw right in front of her. She was afraid that she would be like Chunmiao, who would not think too much about it even if she was suspicious. After all, everyone has different preferences, and some people just like to eat rotten fish and shrimp.

With the inn as a shield, the casino's income can be legalized. No wonder Ling Wenzhan is doing so well outside.

Mu Lianzhi had a good idea, but the maids were still confused, so Xia Xiu asked:

"Miss, why are you investigating the butler? No matter what problems the butler has, even if he emptied the mansion, you can't say anything or get involved in this mess! He is from the front yard and the mansion. If you are not careful, you will end up shooting yourself in the foot."

"You're overthinking. I just want to learn about the Marquis's business and make some money. The Marquis's Mansion is making a fortune every day, and we can't just sit back and do nothing and live off others, right?"

"It's great that you figured it out, young lady."

Chunmiao and Xiaxiu were visibly happy, knowing that the two maids had been worrying about them a lot, so they smiled. Mu Lianzhi didn't say much, and then she sent them away.

……

In the following days, whether it was Aunt Kang's secret instructions or the people below who were trying to curry favor, the food sent by the kitchen became more and more perfunctory, either watery soup or leftovers.

After finding an opportunity to vent her anger, Mu Lianzhi opened the small kitchen, drove away the servants who were not diligent, and also hired people to renovate the vegetable cellar in the yard with great fanfare.

The old lady and the first wife did not make any comment on this.

In addition to staying in the house to recuperate, Mu Lianzhi was copying the original owner's calligraphy. On the one hand, she was adapting to the font that was different from the modern one, and on the other hand, she was considering her next plan. She was very busy and had a lot of fun.

……

On the other hand, Beitang Yi was also busy with trivial matters.

That day, Beitang Yi had just returned to the mansion after finishing his business. He saw Si Chao and Ying Feng were there, looking a little solemn. After changing into casual clothes, the three of them went to the study.

"What's the emergency?"

"My Lord, the Nangong family seems to be ready to hand over the military power. The four major families have fallen one after another. The remaining few are simply not powerful at all. It is only a matter of time. When the birds are gone, the good bows are hidden. Once the imperial power is centralized, the Yutian Pavilion will be useless. Your Majesty will not repeat the previous mistakes."

He will definitely be the first one to be eliminated. Si Chao is very worried:

"And I just received news that there is a new interpretation of Dragon Spirit Ballad—"