My Senior Sister Says She Will Marry No One But Me - Chapter 38.1

After the demise of the Qinhuai branch master in charge of Tian Zaishui, Du Yunge found her workload suddenly increasing. Even with Xue Shuyan assisting her, she still felt somewhat overwhelmed. Fortunately, the new branch master temporarily transferred from another location would arrive in a few days. Taking advantage of this time, Du Yunge and her companions needed to clarify several matters:

First, they had to root out the associates of the former Qinhuai branch master. If any of them had knowledge of the reasons behind the betrayal, it would be ideal they could atone for their crimes by contributing useful information. Second, they needed to thoroughly review the accounts of Tian Zaishui to ensure no lingering issues remained. Third, since the Qinhuai area in Jinling was bustling with people and information, including many from prominent families, it would be even better if they could gather any news about the “Nine Heavens Ringed Pendant.”

However, they hadn’t anticipated that even the first task rooting out associates would become increasingly perplexing the deeper they delved.

In other words, all clues had been severed under the ruthless influence of the “Zanhua” poison. But if they had pursued the matter on the spot, it would have deeply disheartened the people of Tian Zaishui. As a result, Du Yunge had no choice but to promise a proper burial for the deceased first and wait until things settled before conducting a thorough investigation.

The former branch master had ostensibly “ended her own life,” but she had endured three days and nights of excruciating, gut-wrenching agony before dying. At first glance, this seemed far more torturous than a standard execution by the Miaoyin Sect. Yet, upon closer reflection, by taking the Zanhua poison in advance, hadn’t she bought herself time to destroy evidence and settle her affairs?

But when they investigated further, they realized that regardless of whether the former Qinhuai branch master had destroyed evidence or relocated witnesses, they truly couldn’t uncover anything.

She had taken the concept of “solitude” to the extreme no trusted aides, no close friends, no siblings or parents, and no lover. Even the maids responsible for her daily needs were completely replaced at regular intervals, leaving no opportunity for anyone to get close to her. Upon careful consideration, the only person relatively familiar with her was Qiu Yueman. However, Qiu Yueman rarely descended the mountain, and any letters sent to her were subjected to rigorous inspections, making it impossible to trace anything.

Thus, the investigation into this matter had to be temporarily set aside, replaced by inquiries into the latter two tasks. Du Yunge appeared noticeably more approachable and amiable than Xue Shuyan, and Xue Shuyan’s skill in reviewing account books was undeniable. So, the two divided the work: Xue Shuyan stayed upstairs to examine the accounts, while Du Yunge went to instruct the women of Tian Zaishui to gather information about the Nine Heavens Ringed Pendant.

Just as Du Yunge was heading downstairs after the division of labor, she suddenly heard Xue Shuyan call out to her:

“Yunge.”

Du Yunge immediately responded, “I’m here, Senior Sister. Is there something you need to tell me?”

Xue Shuyan pondered for a long moment before asking, “I just wanted to ask how you knew about ‘Zanhua.'”

“Senior Sister, don’t underestimate me. I’m not entirely ignorant,” Du Yunge chuckled softly and explained, “I came across it while reading in Spring Guardian’s library.”

“I see.” Xue Shuyan lowered her gaze with a slight nod, her voice still carrying its usual chill, yet her words held a distinct undertone of concern. However, given her demeanor, it was likely only Du Yunge, who had spent years by her side day and night, could discern it:

“The He Family Manor employs sinister methods they are utterly unscrupulous. Do not dwell on such things.”

“Rest assured, Senior Sister,” Du Yunge raised her hand earnestly in a vow, “I merely glanced at it casually and remembered the name because it sounded elegant. I would never immerse myself in such unorthodox and wicked practices.”

“If there’s nothing else you need to instruct me, Senior Sister, may I take my leave now?”

Xue Shuyan suddenly lifted her head, gazing intently at her for a long moment before nodding in agreement. “Go ahead. I’ll come find you downstairs after I finish checking the accounts.”

With Xue Shuyan’s promise to “come find you later,” Du Yunge turned and descended the stairs. Only when she reached the corner, completely out of anyone’s sight, did a trace of sorrow flicker at the corners of her eyes and brows, followed by a self-mocking smile:

In her past life, her jaw had been forced open, and she was made to swallow a full bowl of Zan Hua, how could she not be familiar with such a drug? In fact, deliberately provoking He Zhenzhen back then, causing the ill-tempered Manor Lord to lose control and strike her with a sword, had actually granted her release.

Three days and three nights of agony, her insides rotting, yet kept barely alive, unable to even seek death, the mere thought was terrifying. In comparison, a swift death by the sword was far more merciful.

But if she traced back from that point, what kind of horrifying secret could have driven the former Qinhuai Branch Leader to endure such suffering without revealing it? It certainly couldn’t be as simple as a mere branch leader colluding with the He Family Manor.

As soon as Du Yunge reached the bottom of the stairs, she was immediately surrounded by the enthusiastic girls of Tian Zaishui. Their melodious voices enveloped her, accompanied by wafts of fragrant scents and the gentle chime of jade pendants, creating an atmosphere akin to being the center of attention. Ever since Du Yunge and Xue Shuyan had arrived to check the accounts, Tian Zaishui had ceased operations, yet no one complained. After all, having their sect leader personally inspect the accounts was that really disrupting business? It was more like an honor!

“Our Sect Leader has worked tirelessly these past few days and deserves a good rest. Shall I fetch a bowl of snow fungus soup from the kitchen? It was specially prepared for you, with added snow lotus and goji berries clears the mind, brightens the eyes, nourishes qi, and moistens the lungs. It’s the perfect thing to have right now.”

“Would our Sect Leader prefer arrow tossing, guessing games, reading, or painting? We could also play mahjong. We have enough people, and coincidentally, a fine set of ivory tiles was recently delivered here. We were planning to include them in the New Year’s gifts to be sent to Mount Wangyou, but since you’re here, why not bring them out for a few rounds?”

“That sounds wonderful! Come, Sect Leader, shall I help you with your tiles?”

“Oh, please. Someone as refined as our Sect Leader would surely prefer to play chess with me.”

Du Yunge was momentarily taken aback by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Tian Zaishui girls, nearly forgetting her original purpose for coming down to inquire about the Nine Heavens Lute. It took her a moment to recollect her mission:

“No need for games. I have another task for you there’s something I’d like you to keep an ear out for in your daily activities.”

After Du Yunge finished explaining the details of the Nine Heavens Circling Pendant, the girls of Tian Zaishui all seemed like flowers scalded by boiling water utterly wilted. It took a long while before someone spoke up, unwilling to give up on persuading Du Yunge to stay. After all, the sect master of the Miaoyin Sect had guarded Mount Wangyou for generations, only occasionally descending to seek talented disciples or, like Du Yunge this time, to handle urgent matters. On ordinary days, only those who resided on Mount Wangyou had the chance to meet the Miaoyin Sect master. Being able to get close to her was a tremendous honor, and if they didn’t seize this opportunity now, they would have nowhere to cry once Du Yunge returned.

“We will certainly keep an eye out for any news about the Nine Heavens Circling Pendant,” one of them said, “but since the sect master has so rarely visited Tian Zaishui, won’t you give us a chance to get closer to you?”

“There are indeed skilled singers here at Tian Zaishui, but they can’t compare to those outside who specialize in it. If the sect master wishes to listen to music, we can immediately bring in someone proficient from outside.”

Du Yunge was about to decline when her gaze inadvertently drifted to the window, where she caught sight of a figure in red leaning against the outside of Tian Zaishui.

The distance was somewhat far, and the person had their back turned to them, head bowed as they adjusted something in their hands. Even with her utmost effort, Du Yunge could only make out the distinct hairstyle of a woman, from which she deduced the person’s gender. But that single glance was enough to stir doubt in her heart:

Such beautiful hair, why does it look more and more familiar the longer I look?

“Who is that?” she asked, pointing toward the figure in red outside the window, whose mere silhouette exuded an extraordinary grace and charm. “Is she one of Tian Zaishui’s people?”

The girls of Tian Zaishui immediately followed her pointing finger, and someone quickly recognized the person. With a laugh, they explained, “The sect master has a keen eye, but she is not one of us. That is the Flower Queen of Qinhuai, elected just last night for her rendition of ‘Song of a Southern Country’ by the Mountain Valley Daoist.”

Du Yunge nodded thoughtfully and asked, “How is the Flower Queen of Qinhuai chosen?”

The girls eagerly explained: “Each house nominates one candidate or an individual may enter alone if they wish. They either board a flower boat and sing by the water or rely on their beauty, adorning themselves with makeup and elegant hairstyles. On the day of the selection, whoever receives the most flowers from guests becomes the Flower Queen.”

“In the past, some tried to cheat, but all the flower sellers in Qinhuai know each other. Buying flowers from an acquaintance to rig the vote would be too embarrassing. Ever since the last Flower Queen who bought flowers for herself was exposed that very night, no one has dared to try such tricks. Everyone just focuses on doing their best.”

“So that means…” Du Yunge keenly grasped the key point, “even if she is the Flower Queen, you don’t know her background or where she comes from, right?”

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