Mei Zhengyan asked gravely, “Where did you get these?”
“The old madam of the main branch,” Mei Zhengjing replied. “You’re busy all day, so naturally, you don’t pay attention to the inner courtyard like I do. I’ve been watching her for a while but couldn’t catch any solid evidence. Recently, with the situation so precarious and Elder Zhi detained, those above surely want to know the Mei family’s true reactions. If there’s any hint of betrayal, they’ll want to deal with us quickly! So I figured their communications must be frequent lately. I staked out near her quarters and indeed found this.”
“Are you saying the old madam of the main branch is a secret agent planted in the Mei family by the emperor?” Mei Zhengyan was shocked.
“The evidence is conclusive. The person behind her must be either the current emperor, the previous emperor, or the mastermind behind the attack on the Lou family,” Mei Zhengjing said with a cold smile. “In any case, it’s a betrayal of the clan. So, Third Brother, you see how pragmatic the main branch is.”
The main branch’s numbers had dwindled. Among the few remaining, first Mei Yanran had fled with her daughter, and now the old madam was colluding with enemies.
“This matter is extremely serious. Let’s discuss it in the council hall. Come with me,” Mei Zhengyan said, tucking the items into his robes.
“Third Brother!” Mei Zhengjing was about to stop him, but Mei Zhengyan had already disappeared.
Mei Zhengyan felt urgent. If the old madam was the emperor’s secret agent, it would be troublesome but manageable, as the current situation meant the emperor wouldn’t easily move against the Mei family. However, if she was selling out the country to enemies, the Mei family would eventually suffer the same fate as the Lou family.
At least the Lou family could still move their “Loyal, Righteous, and Dutiful” plaque to their ancestral hall, but this time, the Mei family might face consequences that would tarnish even their ancestors who had died for the country!
As a Shadow family, the Mei clan responded to summons quickly. While rushing to the council hall, Mei Zhengyan sent out a signal. By the time Mei Zhengjing arrived, several elders had already assembled in response to the urgent call.
Such an urgent summons surely meant a major issue, and there was no time to make excuses. Mei Zhengjing didn’t try to stop Mei Zhengyan from explaining the situation.
Unfortunately, the elders were either too passionate, offering extreme solutions, or too focused on martial arts research to provide good ideas for such political maneuvering.
This outcome was entirely within Mei Zhengjing’s expectations. Fortunately, the elders were discreet enough; when Mei Zhengyan demanded secrecy, there was no worry about them leaking information.
With this matter temporarily set aside, the entire Meihua Village began preparing for the New Year.
The next evening, An Jiu and Mo Sigui returned to the estate.
The long-vacant Yuweiresidence was brightly lit. An Jiu returned control of the body to Mei Jiu.
“My lady, I’ve made new clothes for you,” Yaoyesaid, her face showing more cheerfulness.
When leaving Mei Manor, Mei Jiu felt she would stay with the Lou family for a long time. She hadn’t expected to return so soon and asked curiously, “Yaoye, do you know why I was brought back?”
“One can’t spend the New Year at someone else’s home, can they?” Yaoye didn’t find it strange. “I heard it was the Sixth Young Master who asked the family head to bring you back.”
“Sixth Uncle?” Mei Jiu had a good impression of that unconventional uncle, as he had once sided with An Jiu.
“Sister!” a clear voice called from outside.
“It’s the Fifteenth Miss,” Yaoye said as she went to open the door.
Mei Jiu hadn’t seen Mei Ruyan for a long time and missed her. She happily rose to greet her, “Sister!”
Mei Ruyan wore a xiang-fei-colored padded jacket and a scallion-white silk skirt. Her black hair was parted to one side, with a single hanging bun by her right ear, making her look both charming and lively.
Her features had matured slightly, her long phoenix eyes more alluring than before.
“Sister,” Mei Ruyan took Mei Jiu’s hand, her bright smile infectious.
“These smooth, delicate jade hands,” An Jiu felt uncomfortable, but sensing Mei Jiu’s genuine happiness and remembering how she had destroyed her meridians, she decided to endure it for now, knowing it wasn’t easy for Mei Jiu to be so cheerful.
“Since coming to Mei Manor, I haven’t had a proper conversation with you,” Mei Ruyan said with tears and smiles. “It’s only been a few months, but it feels like ten years have passed. I’ve missed you so much these days you’ve been away, sister.”
Mei Jiu was moved and choked up, “Shun’er.”
Hearing this name, Mei Ruyan’s face showed a moment of discomfort before quickly returning to normal. She wiped her tears and smiled, “Sister, let’s go to the hillside to see the lanterns. I saw them when I finished classes this evening. They’re so beautiful!”
Her quick shifts between crying and laughing made her seem quite genuine.
Mei Jiu turned and looked at Yaoye inquiringly.
Yaoye smiled, “My lady, dress warmly, and I’ll accompany you.”
“Alright!” Mei Jiu beamed, following Yaoye into the inner room to change.
Since it was evening and no need for elaborate dressing, Mei Jiu only put on a chi-colored skirt and a matching padded jacket. Her black hair was loosely braided into a hanging braid.
“Sister is so beautiful!” Mei Ruyan exclaimed.
The two held hands as they headed towards the hill near the clan school.
Suddenly remembering Mei Ruyan’s affection for Master Mo, Mei Jiu asked softly, “Sister, how does Master Mo treat you?”