Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Escape Route (3)
Nanny Fang listened from the side and frowned as she stepped in to persuade, "Both of you young ladies should say a few words less. The matter is not yet concluded. How it will be handled still depends on Lady’s decision. Arguing like this only troubles Lady unnecessarily."
Sixing lowered her head, crying. Chunliu snorted, turned around, and stood firmly by Xiqiu’s side.
Xiqiu smiled at Nanny Fang and said, "Nanny is right. Whatever the decision may be, we should listen to Mother!"
Nanny Fang’s eyes flickered. She had always known that Sixth Miss was smart, but she never realized that Sixth Miss was not only intelligent but also so decisive in handling matters!
Yesterday, when the concubine brought up this matter, she had thought that Sixth Miss had no choice but to comply with the concubine’s coercion. Yet, unexpectedly, Sixth Miss proposed to go to the temple to mourn her elder sister and pray for blessings for Lady and Young Master Xin. That retreat seemed like a concession from Sixth Miss, but wasn’t it her roundabout way of suppressing this matter?
This matter had indeed confused Lady, as any way of handling it might be criticized. While she was hesitating, Sixth Miss’s simple words reminded Lady that the concubine, despite holding supposed evidence and bringing it up several times, had never handed it over to Lady, clearly harboring other intentions. If this matter were to spread, it would not only ruin Sixth Miss’s reputation!
Nanny Fang was shocked just listening to it. The concubine’s tactic was indeed a brilliant double-edged measure!
She nodded quietly. Compared to a method that results in mutual destruction, such a way is superb. Moreover, as far as Lady is concerned, as long as Sixth Miss is sent away and no longer appears in the mansion, preserving Tong Mansion’s reputation, Sixth Miss’s life or death becomes irrelevant. It would be best if Sixth Miss died in the temple, leaving Lady in peace!
Nanny Fang sighed inwardly. If not for the incident at Marquis Mansion, with Sixth Miss’s beauty and intelligence, would she not have been an excellent pawn?
The thought flashed by, and inside the room, Lady and the concubine spoke in hushed voices: "What are you shouting about? Must you make it known to everyone?!" The concubine looked at Lady with anger, irritated: "Sister, we agreed that you wouldn’t say anything and let me handle it. Why did you change your mind suddenly like this?" As she spoke, she began crying, wiping her tears, "Tianqing is like this now, all because of her. If she hadn’t seduced him, how could such an honest child as Tianqing do such a thing? Tianqing is so stubborn. If I don’t fulfill his wishes, what if he does something foolish again, Sister... please, for Tianqing’s sake, complete his desire!"
Lady frowned and said, "Now that Sixth Girl is going to the temple, don’t you have any methods left?" The concubine was taken aback, and Lady smiled at her, "What kind of place is a temple? It’s a mixed bag. Once Sixth Girl is at the temple, you can send someone to take her to Shandong and make it look like she was abducted by bandits. By then, who would know anything?!" In this way, it not only resolves the issue of Sixth Girl but also preserves Tong Mansion’s reputation. If First Master inquires, Lady bears no responsibility. It’s a foolproof plan!
The concubine’s eyes lit up, holding Lady’s hand, and said, "Are you saying I should have her kidnapped at the temple?" That’s good. At that time, Sixth Girl will be a person without roots, and she’ll be willing to follow Tianqing, allowing whatever manipulations...
Lady nodded slightly, squinted at the concubine, and extended her hand, "In that case, give me everything Sixth Girl left with Tianqing. If Master Xu inquires in the future, I will have something to say."
The concubine’s eye twitched. She finally realized Lady’s plot. She didn’t trust her, fearing that she’d spread it by holding onto the handle of Sixth Girl while not caring about Sixth Girl’s fate. But Fourth Girl hadn’t married yet, and if the Zhou Family heard rumors, who knows what they’d think...
What a smart scheme!
The concubine covered her mouth with a handkerchief, chuckling, "Sister has a good plan. If that’s the case, I will follow Sister’s lead. I’ll have someone send the items over later. Sister must keep them safe to prevent others from seeing them!" Lady showed a satisfied expression and said, "Let this matter end here. Don’t say anything more."
The concubine nodded, then suddenly asked, "With so many monasteries in the Capital, where will you send her?" Lady raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Have you heard of the Half Plum Temple at the foot of Jiwei Mountain outside the city?"
"Of course, I’ve heard!" The concubine laughed, "But a famous name!" Every spring, countless people go trekking on Jiwei Mountain, and the Half Plum Temple is situated at the mountain’s base, famed for its efficacious Medicine Buddha. Every year, worshippers seek cures for family illnesses, so despite its status as a nunnery, it doesn’t restrict male or female devotees. It’s often mixed with all kinds of muddy dealings.
If Sixth Girl goes to the Half Plum Temple, she must handle matters more conveniently in the countryside!
"Sister’s consideration is thorough. Then we will do as Sister says." The concubine hid her sleeves and laughed: No wonder she’s often criticized for being too soft-handed, unable to control the household, and letting Master Xu keep a mistress outside. She has to admire her now, realizing Sister’s ways are much more adept!
Lady looked at her and smiled slightly!
Xiqiu waited outside for a moment, then Lady called Nanny Fang inside. Soon after, Nanny Fang came out smiling and looked at Xiqiu, saying, "Sixth Miss, Lady invites you in!"
Have they arranged everything? Xiqiu coldly chuckled in her heart, glanced back at Chunliu, and Chunliu, understanding, nodded and left the room. As Xiqiu entered the room, Lady looked at her with a face full of bitterness and said, "You child, your aunt just spoke in a fit of anger. It’s all because your cousin did something foolish, and she was upset and said a few words. Yet, you countered her without care. Quickly apologize to your aunt... Let this matter end here, and no one should mention it in the future!"
The concubine’s face showed a sarcastic smile, and Xiqiu turned sideways to greet the concubine, "Daughter just misspoke, please don’t take offense, Aunt!" The concubine waved her hand, "Aunt’s words were harsh too. We’re all family; let’s not take it to heart!"
All smiles and harmony, as if the tense standoff, wanting Xiqiu dead or alive, was just an illusion!
Lady continued, "Since you have such filial intent, willing to mourn for your elder sister, I can only respect your wish. Don’t rush, it’s almost Dragon Boat Festival. Spend it at home, and then I’ll have Manager Lai send you to Half Plum Temple, where the mountains are clear, and the waters serene. I’m reassured with you staying there."
Half Plum Temple? Xiqiu’s eyes narrowed slightly, then she nodded, "Daughter will follow Mother’s instructions!" As the words fell, Nanny Qian came running in from outside. She, along with Laiwang’s wife, had been receiving Master Puning these past few days and hadn’t appeared in front of Lady. Seeing her rushing in, Lady’s eye twitched as she asked, "What happened, coming in such haste?"