How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

Once outside, Master Song slapped his fourth concubine hard across the face. "I never knew my bedmate could be so eloquent and so vicious!"

The fourth concubine covered her slapped face, her expression full of grievance, her eyes reddening. "Master, I've served you for so many years, don't you know what kind of person I am? How could I be so confused? Please don't wrong me."

Master Song snorted coldly, "I was just saving face for you, not wanting to make things difficult for the second son later, but if you insist on thinking that I, Song Wenqu, am a fool, then you have completely misunderstood."

Fourth Concubine suddenly realized, "Yes, Master Song was able to amass a fortune in the chaos of war and become the richest man in Sifang City. He was shrewd and cunning. How could he easily believe me?" But the words were already out in her mouth, and Fourth Concubine could not go back on her word even if she died. She could only brace herself and pretend to be innocent, "Master, you have really wronged me."

Master Song gave her a deep look, then turned and left.

"Today is New Year's Eve, you should stay in the ancestral hall to serve your ancestors, and come out after the New Year."

"Master..." the fourth concubine cried out pitifully. This meant that she was being punished by facing the ancestral hall, but she didn't dare to go too far. She wanted to let the master vent his anger first.

Master Song went straight into the main courtyard, where the second concubine was instructing everyone on what to do. New Year's Eve was a big day, and they couldn't be negligent.

Seeing the second concubine's busy figure, the anger she felt when she first entered the door subsided by three points.

"Stop for a moment, I have something to say."

The second concubine came over first and bowed to Master Song, asking with a cheerful expression, "What brings you here, Master? It's New Year's Eve, everyone's busy."

"Hmm, you've worked hard." Master Song's tone was indifferent, but the second concubine seemed oblivious, looking at him with adoration. "Thank you, Master. You're the one who's worked hard. If it weren't for you, how could I live such a life of plenty, with plenty of food and clothing? To exaggerate, this is even better than my days in the Prince's mansion. Servants at my beck and call, soft beds and pillows—Master, it's all thanks to you. I only need to do a little work in your blessed home; I'm not tired at all." Her words were a mix of reproach and infatuation. Although she was not young, the second concubine had always been well-preserved, especially her bright eyes, which still held the innocence of a young girl.

Master Song felt relieved, and his suspicions lessened somewhat. "Today, someone from the small building sent me a plate of poisoned dumplings, were they aware of that?"

"Ah?" the second concubine exclaimed in surprise. "Is he alright? How is the sixth concubine? It's such a pity she's so young. Where is the master? Did he eat with her?"

"She's unharmed, and the person who started it has been caught, but she says she was acting on your orders..."

"Nonsense! Who is it? Master, I dare to confront her face to face. Bring her here, and I want to ask her where she offended us to cause such harm!" the second concubine said anxiously, looking as if she wanted to seek justice for herself.

Master Song smiled and shook his head. "No need to ask anymore, and don't worry. I've already instructed my men to investigate this matter thoroughly."

The second concubine breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good, my lord. I am extremely grateful for your trust. You know, when the Qing Dynasty was overthrown, I, a former princess, was worthless. If it weren't for your favor, I don't know where I would be struggling to make a living. Therefore, I swore then that I would never betray you in this life. You are not only my husband, but also my benefactor. I love everything you love, and I hate everything you hate even more." The second concubine spoke with deep emotion, choking up several times. Master Song was also somewhat moved.

"Alright, alright, I know your character. That girl's baseless accusations have already been dealt with by me. Just keep an eye on Sixth Madam. I didn't punish the person who hurt her, probably because she's unhappy about it."

The second concubine wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and said solemnly, "Master, please rest assured, I will comfort her properly."

After exchanging a few more words with his second concubine, Master Song went out to offer his birthday greetings.

After Master Song left, the second concubine finally breathed a sigh of relief, a sinister and calculating look appearing on her face.

"Second concubine..."

With a single glance from the second concubine, Yingluo immediately fell silent and dared not utter another word.

Yingluo gently pulled out the second concubine's hand, which was hidden in her sleeve. Her fingernails were digging into the flesh of her palm, drawing blood. If it wasn't treated in time, the marks might be easily noticed.

As Yingluo served her, the second concubine's mind was in turmoil. All that sweet affection was disgusting, utterly disgusting.

Yanru's small building became lively again, and the people she had previously sent away returned. In an instant, the dusty place became clean and new, and Yanru was able to take a hot bath once more. The silver charcoal in her boudoir was lit again, and a warm heat surged, making the room as warm as spring, despite the raging cold wind outside.

The steam flushed Yanru's face. She felt empty inside, as if her life was like a drifting duckweed, blown by the wind and rain. Having lost her father and sister, she had nowhere to settle down.

"It's terrifying to have something and then lose it, to lose it and then have it again. What is it that truly belongs to me?"

Unable to get an answer, Yan Ru would only see Song Yuanliang's face when she missed her father and sister.

Yuanliang, oh Yuanliang, what are you doing right now? Have you stopped treasuring what you've got?

Meanwhile, Song Yuanliang, who was being thought of by Yan Ru, was also extremely troubled. His desk was piled high with various account books that his master had taught him, nearly five years' worth of accounts from shops of all sizes, waiting for him to examine them one by one. Unfortunately, he hadn't originally studied accounting, and while seeking advice from others, sorting through these old accounts, and constantly dealing with his master's inquiries, he simply didn't have time to go see Yan Ru.

Even though his longing was like a surging tide, he couldn't find a suitable opportunity. Whenever he left his study, someone would follow him, which was not as convenient as before.

He had tentatively asked Master Song if there was some misunderstanding between them. Master Song only said that he was a smart man and knew what to do. He had no choice but to keep quiet, wondering if Master Song had noticed something.

"It's been several days, and you still haven't found it?" Master Song sat in his chair, holding a teacup, his gaze sweeping over the account books on the table. "Take them all away."

“Master, these things…” the butler hesitated.

If the young master doesn't want to look anymore, then he shouldn't. Besides, judging from his expression, he clearly can't stand it anymore. Looking at these account books every day is driving him crazy.

Master Song put down his teacup and looked sharply at the butler. "What's wrong?"

The butler quickly apologized, "Young Master has been working hard these days. Would you like to prepare some refreshing tea and snacks for him every day to help him relax and clear his mind, so he doesn't get too tired?"

"Yes, you've thought this through. Let's do it this way."

Song Yuanliang was in great distress, but he glanced gratefully at the steward.

"Father, how long will this investigation take? Please let me rest for a few days."

"If you can't clear up small accounts, how can you accomplish great things? These are things you'll have to deal with every day in the future. It's better to handle them early than to be deceived later. Don't let my efforts go to waste. There's still time, so take a look around. I'm going to check on your younger siblings."

"Yes," Song Yuanliang saw the man to the door, then slumped over his desk, looking utterly dejected, as if he was planning to fight through another night.