High-class maid

Jiang turned around abruptly, paused for a moment, and then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! I knew he cared about me. It turns out he knows he's wronged us all these years."

Shen Xing'er looked at her and felt that there was always a reason why someone was pitiful. She closed the door and went outside. The warm sun outside made her feel a little uncomfortable for a moment.

"Well, did you get the answer?" Seeing Shen Xing'er's expression, Banxin panicked and hurriedly stepped forward to ask.

Wang and Shen Kun checked Shen Xing'er for any wounds.

"We found out that it's buried in the grave of Jiang's father."

"That's good, that's good. In that case, I'll tell the Madam that you've just returned and probably haven't settled in yet, so you don't need to do any work this afternoon."

Having resolved this major concern, Banxin said with a sense of relief.

"Xing'er, Granny Jiang has been sent to the government office, and her son has been sent by the First Madam to do hard labor at a manor outside the city," said Shan Tao, who had been dismissed from her post.

"The results are out so quickly?" Shen Xing'er was surprised by the First Madam's swift and decisive actions.

"Yes, I heard it from my mother. She said it's better to deal with it sooner rather than later, lest things get complicated," Shan Tao said.

A few days later, Shen Xing'er, who was on duty, was summoned to the First Madam's residence by Ban Jian. Shen Xing'er put down her work and hurried over.

"Greetings, Madam. What are your instructions?" Shen Xing'er asked respectfully after bowing.

"Banxin, hurry up and help Xing'er up and sit down," the First Madam said cheerfully.

Seeing that Wang Shi behind her also looked calm, Shen Xing'er felt relieved and sat down on the stool.

"That's right. Granny Jiang confessed to what she had done and didn't mention the imperial gift. So the matter is finally over."

"Jiang Shi won't say anything more for the sake of her son," Shen Xing'er said with a happy expression.

"Thanks to you for this, otherwise losing the imperial gift would have been a serious crime," the lady said, looking at Shen Xing'er with a gentle expression.

"No, no, it's all what Xing'er should do. We all share the same fate in the Minister's Mansion, and we all suffer together. Xing'er understands this principle."

"Look at you, I love such a sensible girl. You're so lucky to have such a sensible daughter," the lady said, pointing at Shen Xing'er and then teasing Wang Shi.

"This girl is just a little clever, she doesn't deserve such favor from Madam." Although Madam Wang was happy, she dared not show it.

"You, you, no wonder Xing'er is so cautious, I think she takes after you." The lady shook her head helplessly, then changed the subject and said...

"You also know the principle that we all prosper together and suffer together. So, I don't want anyone other than those present to know about the imperial gift."

Seeing the lady's serious expression, Shen Xing'er knew that she had been summoned for more than just idle chatter. She rose, gave a graceful bow, and said...

"Don't worry, Madam. With the powerful backing of the Minister's Mansion, how could Xing'er's family be foolish enough to give away their own secrets?"

The First Madam nodded in satisfaction and said, "I like talking to smart people. Half-hearted, go and get the reward."

Seeing her daughter's respectful attitude, Madam Wang breathed a sigh of relief. She was afraid that Shen Xing'er would become arrogant because of her merits, but fortunately, her daughter was not stupid.

Half-heartedly brought out the prepared reward and placed it in Shen Xing'er's hands. At her prompting, Shen Xing'er opened it and saw that it was a box full of silver ingots.

"This!" Shen Xing'er looked to Wang Shi for help, not knowing what to do for a moment.

Madam Wang was also stunned by the box of silver. She walked around the First Madam, went to the center of the hall, bowed to the First Madam, and said...

"Madam, this is all we should do; the reward is far too generous."

The First Madam calmly picked up a cup of tea, blew on it, took a small sip, and then parted her thin lips slightly to speak.

"This is also the master's wish. You three are all humble and focused on serving the master, so please accept it."

“This…” Wang looked at the small box, still hesitant.

"Wang Mama, you can keep it. I have some too. Consider it hush money from Madam. If you don't want it, I will," Banxin said jokingly.

Wang was amused by Ban Jian's words. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Since that's the case, then this old servant won't be pretentious. Thank you, Madam."

"Well, there's nothing else. You may leave now. Madam Wang, please see Xing'er off." The First Madam gave the mother and daughter this opportunity to be alone.

"Mother, what should we do with this money?" Shen Xing'er asked, looking at the exquisite little box.

"Let's put it in my room for now. We'll discuss how to use it when we see your father," Wang said after a moment's thought.

Shen Xing'er nodded. So much money needed to be discussed; listening to her parents was definitely the right thing to do.

Jinling City, the residence of the Second Prince.

"My lord, there's news." The second prince's guard came to deliver the message.

The Second Prince, who was resting on his bed with his eyes closed, sat up abruptly upon hearing the news, completely forgetting his injuries. The sudden movement aggravated his wounds, and when the guards tried to help him, he waved them away.

"Tell me quickly, have you caught them yet?" the Second Prince asked the guard with shining eyes.

Seeing the Second Prince's expectant look, the guard cautiously reported the result. "Your Highness, this tiger was too agile to catch, but all his brothers were captured."

The second prince lay back down on the bed in disappointment. "Never mind, never mind. This tiger has been on the run for many years and has long since developed a set of skills. It's good to capture his subordinates."

As if comforting himself and his subordinates, the Second Prince muttered to himself.

"Don't worry, Master. His brothers are already imprisoned and under strict guard," the subordinate quickly reassured him.

"Yes, whatever you do, don't let them commit suicide. Go and check if Duan Laohu's men have any family members."

"Your Highness is so thoughtful. This servant will go right away." The subordinate instantly understood the Second Prince's meaning. Since they couldn't get these people to talk, they would find their weakness.

The subordinate acknowledged the order and withdrew. Just as the Second Prince was about to rest for a while, the steward came over and said softly, "Master, Young Master Song requests an audience."

The second prince opened his eyes and said, "Which Young Master Song? Is it Wen Yang?"

Because Song Wenyang had visited the Second Prince's residence several times, the steward recognized him and nodded, saying, "That's right."

"Hurry up and invite him in! Brother Song is also injured. He shouldn't stand for too long."

"Yes! I'll go right away." With that, the butler trotted off.

Before long, Song Wenyang followed the steward in.

"Greetings, Second Prince." Song Wenyang bowed and was quickly helped up by the steward beside him.

"Brother Song, please sit down. I've been so preoccupied with this tiger incident these past few days that I haven't had time to inquire about your injury. Is it much better now?" the Second Prince said.

“I have practiced martial arts for many years, so these minor injuries are nothing to worry about. But Your Highness, how are your injuries?” Song Wenyang asked with concern.

"It's been a few days since we last met. Brother Song, you've become distant from me. Please call me Brother Rong instead."

The two exchanged a smile, and the unspoken understanding between the boys returned once again.