Two days later, Jiu Yue finally met with Qiu Dongfang.
"I've looked into Song Lan's late wife," Qiu Dongfang said, crouching on a stool and gulping down two cups of tea before continuing. "She passed away from illness three years ago. After that, Song Shu and Song Lan's relationship started deteriorating. It's gotten especially bad these past two years—Song Shu refuses to even come home."
"There are also rumors that Song Shu resents Song Lan because on the night his mother died, Song Lan was out indulging in pleasure." Qiu Dongfang grimaced, then shrugged helplessly. "The physician said if they'd caught it earlier, she might have been saved... but who knows if that's true."
Jiu Yue recalled Yun Shi's words... and figured the rumor was at least half credible.
Otherwise, why would Yun Shi want Qing Lian and Song Shu to avoid each other? She must be worried that seeing Qing Lian would remind Song Shu of his mother and provoke another fight with Song Lan.
"Haimei! Haimei! Are you in there?" Someone called for her from outside.
Qiu Dongfang quickly hid while Jiu Yue calmly opened the door to find Zhu'er, who happily presented her with two pieces of jewelry.
"Th-These were given to me by the master last night," she said shyly. "I hope you don’t mind them."
This was her way of saying thanks.
The night before last, Jiu Yue had deliberately acted spoiled in front of Song Lan, steering him toward Lan’s room. Then last night, she pretended to be upset again, pushing him toward Zhu'er’s quarters.
Now, in Qingfeng Garden, only Qing Lian—still recovering—had yet to be touched by Song Lan.
"These are lovely, but you should keep them. I have no use for them," Jiu Yue said, glancing at her.
Not just her... once the account books reached the capital, every concubine in the estate would likely face misfortune. Those with quick wits might escape, but they’d need these trinkets for travel expenses.
Zhu'er didn’t press the gift and tucked the jewelry away again. After a pause, she pulled Jiu Yue inside and whispered, "Today is the master’s birthday. Last night, he asked if I could dance or sing—apparently, we’re supposed to entertain him tonight... Haimei, have you prepared anything?"
Jiu Yue blinked, then shook her head. "No, I didn’t know about this."
Zhu'er was equally surprised. "But even Qing Lian knows. How could you not?"
Qing Lian hadn’t even served Song Lan yet.
"...No idea," Jiu Yue replied, steering the conversation elsewhere. "Did Song Lan mention who he’s inviting tonight?"
Zhu'er thought for a moment. "Just a few people, I think... some merchants..."
Merchants.
Salt merchants, then.
"So you really hadn’t heard." Zhu'er sighed. "I’ll go ask the others, then."
Jiu Yue lowered her gaze as Zhu'er left. The moment the door closed, Qiu Dongfang dropped back down from hiding. He peered out the window while talking to her.
"Do you think Song Lan suspects something? Why wouldn’t he tell you about tonight’s banquet?"
Jiu Yue disagreed. "Earlier, I overheard the salt merchants at the docks saying they’d gift Song Lan women... Now he’s told the concubines to prepare performances."
"Song Lan probably gifts women to those merchants too..." Jiu Yue narrowed her eyes. "He didn’t tell me because I’m still new to him."
What you don’t have is always the most desirable.
Besides, she’d been testing his patience these past two days, and he hadn’t snapped—proof he was still pleased with her and unwilling to pass her along yet.
Qiu Dongfang was skeptical. "Are you sure? You’ve always been overconfident."
Jiu Yue: "...Then I’ll go ask around later."
Qiu Dongfang nodded, then grew serious. "Either way, tonight might be our chance. When they gather, it won’t just be for food and wine."
They might slip up and reveal the ledger’s whereabouts.
Jiu Yue silently calculated the time.
If they delayed any longer, they’d be stuck here for days... and pay deductions loomed.
Song Lan was rarely at the estate during the day. By the time Jiu Yue returned from Chunhe Garden that afternoon, night had fallen, and Qiu Dongfang had slipped back in along the wall.
"Well?" Jiu Yue poured him tea.
Qiu Dongfang frowned. "I’ve searched that fat man’s study... Where else could he hide it?"
Jiu Yue shook her head. "I’ve checked his bedroom too—even the concubines’ quarters. Nothing."
Would a corrupt official’s lifeline be carelessly stashed? Unlikely.
Both fell silent.
After a moment, Qiu Dongfang asked, "What about you?"
Jiu Yue said, "The concubines performing tonight are mostly Song Lan’s recent acquisitions. The two from Chunhe Garden aren’t involved, and neither am I."
"Seems your guess was right..." Qiu Dongfang mused. "So, are you going tonight?"
Jiu Yue nodded. "Of course."
She had to seize the opportunity. She was sick of humoring that fat man every day!
...
Song Lan’s fortieth birthday wasn’t a grand affair, but the banquet was far from shabby.
Though Yun Shi and Madam Ning weren’t required to perform, Song Lan kept them close.
Before the guests arrived, he quietly reminded them,
"Tonight’s visitors are important. Don’t offend them—leave when it’s time, understood?" Unusually tense, he repeated, "Do not provoke them. Even I won’t be able to protect you if you do."
Yun Shi and Madam Ning exchanged startled glances.
Song Lan’s authority was vast—in Yunjiang, he practically ruled. They’d never seen him act so deferential.
The two women silently guessed that someone powerful was coming.
"Don’t be too nervous," Song Lan added reassuringly. "Go check on the others’ preparations."
They bowed and withdrew.
Song Lan rubbed his hands and went to personally greet his guests.
Hidden in the shadows, Jiu Yue and Qiu Dongfang observed his every move. Soon, they watched as Song Lan warmly ushered in a group of men.
Jiu Yue recognized the salt merchants immediately... but the unfamiliar face at the end was unknown to her.
Qiu Dongfang didn’t recognize him either.
Yet both sensed something unusual about the man.
Though plain in appearance, his demeanor carried an air of importance.
Jiu Yue also noticed that while Song Lan chatted with the salt merchants, his attention kept drifting back to the last man... with a hint of reverence, as if afraid to slight him.
Once seated, the salt merchants presented their gifts. Song Lan feigned refusal but accepted eagerly.
After the usual toasts and pleasantries, the conversation shifted.
"Master Song’s new beauty is quite unique..." A salt merchant raised his cup toward the unremarkable man. "May I ask your name, sir?"
