Chapter 1671: Whose Person
Chapter 1671: Chapter 1671: Whose Person
If Song Zhiyuan had heard a few words about Song Zhiqing from Jiang Fula, he would not have been surprised; but upon hearing the name Jing Shui, his first reaction in his mind was—could she still be one of Xia Houzhe’s people?
"Did we not already thoroughly go through the people around Madam Bai back then? There were no flaws found with this Jing Shui, were there?"
Back when Bai Shuilian fell, the people by her side were naturally investigated over and over. This Jing Shui likewise had a background that could be traced; so she was merely kept under watch, and later, seeing that she always stuck to the rules, only served that pair of twins of the third son and never showed any irregularity, they gradually relaxed the surveillance on her.
Yet after several years have passed, this Jing Shui has suddenly leapt out. Then whose work is she doing? The third son’s, or Xia Houzhe’s.
For someone surnamed Xia to have been dead for so many years, and still have such a faithful person, this chess piece was buried that deep?
Song Zhiyuan’s mind slid into conspiracy, his fingers rolling the prayer beads at great speed.
"Are you certain it was her? There is no lack of fortune-telling stalls in the city—why would she insist on going outside the city—and this Tie Banxian happens, of all people, to be someone who bears a deep grudge against me." Song Zhiyuan said coolly, "And that herbal tea stall is amusing as well, to somehow know she was from the Prime Minister’s Mansion?"
Jiang Fula replied, "It was a coincidence, you could say. That herbal tea stall has been open for ten years now. Back when Third Young Master entered the city, he stopped to rest at that stall, and it was Jing Shui who went down to buy the tea. Her looks have changed somewhat, but the stall keeper’s grandson still recognized Jing Shui, because at the time Jing Shui had even rewarded him with a few candies."
"When Jing Shui found that Tie Banxian, the little grandson from the herbal tea stall happened to be there. He stole a few more glances, and when he went back he jokingly told his old grandfather that even people from the Prime Minister’s Mansion had come to seek Tie Banxian for a divination. I personally went to the shop where that lad works to question him carefully, then matched it with the gate records of entries and exits—it was her, without doubt."
Song Zhiyuan said, "This Jing Shui has been in the residence all these years. How would she know that Tie Banxian had been pardoned and come to set up a stall outside the city? Someone must have informed her—and that person is unlikely to be the third son."
Jiang Fula’s brows knitted: "Prime Minister suspects that there is another person behind Jing Shui?"
"Do not forget, her original master was Madam Bai—that was a spy from the Xia faction." Song Zhiyuan licked his slightly dry lips and said, "We will return to the residence first and have her seized for interrogation."
If what Jing Shui did was at another’s instigation, then it just happens to coincide with this current wave, aimed at the Song Family—no, why is the blade pointed straight at the old lady? If she is one of the Xia faction, the Xia clan would more likely wish to deal with me.
It’s a bit baffling.
...
When Jiang Fula arrived at the South Garden, Jing Shui was wiping the dust and mud off Song Lingyi’s face. Her movements were gentle and meticulous. Seeing him come, she showed not the slightest panic; instead there was a kind of relief of one about to be freed.
"Fifth Young Master, you must behave yourself in the future. You must not be without attendants by your side, and you must listen." Jing Shui said softly.
Song Lingyi tilted his head, drooling as he said, "Yi’er will follow Auntie."
Jing Shui touched the crown of his head and said, "Only if you behave can you follow Auntie."
Song Lingyi nodded.
Jiang Fula watched from the side, his gaze flickering slightly.
Only then did Jing Shui stand up. She glanced once toward the inside of the room and lowered her eyes.
Jiang Fula looked in that direction. A small figure was standing in front of the window, opening a narrow crack in it, looking out in fear. Her gaze met his, then the window slammed shut.
"Grand Steward, may this servant say a word to the little young lady?"
Jiang Fula’s brows lifted faintly, and he nodded.
Jing Shui walked back into the room and no one knew what she said. Very soon she came out again: "Let us go."
As they walked out of the courtyard, she turned back with reluctance for a final look. Song Rushuang had already come out from inside, pulling Song Lingyi’s hand and tugging him back into the house.