Husband and wife are like birds sharing the same tree, but when disaster strikes, each flies their own way.

It was just the theft of a thousand taels of silver—who could have imagined it would escalate to the point of someone losing their life? What Ning Qian found even more perplexing was that both Nianyu and she herself had overheard the conversation between the eldest young master and that servant, so it made sense for them to be frightened. But why was Shuni also afraid? That was suspicious. When had she ever met him?

“Nianyu, pour a cup of water for Shuni.”

“All right.”

Ning Qian pulled Shuni to sit down on a bench, then took a seat across from her. Only when she saw Shuni drink a sip of hot tea did she speak gently, “Shuni, calm down. It’s all right. Tell me, how do you know that servant? Why are you so afraid?”

“I... I, madam, do you remember the day Ming brought people to search the place?”

Ning Qian thought for a moment. “Yes, I remember. You seemed to have a few words with a servant that day. Don’t tell me... it was that servant who died today?”

Shuni nodded pitifully. “It was him, madam. I’m so scared. Do you think he’ll bear a grudge and come after me...?”

“No!” Ning Qian replied firmly. People in these times were so superstitious, it was almost ridiculous. “You two barely exchanged a few words that day. Why would he come looking for you? Don’t let your imagination run wild. Go back to your room, drink some hot tea, and get some sleep. When you wake up tomorrow, everything will be fine.”

“Oh, madam, I’ll go back to my room then.” Shoulders hunched, she shuffled out, steps uneven.

“I’ll go check on her. She really does seem frightened out of her wits.”

“Yes, try to comfort her.”

“Mhm.”

Though it was already deep into the night, Ning Qian felt no trace of sleepiness. She hadn’t been married here long, and already someone had died—a chill crept through her heart. The doubts she’d started to set aside now returned in full force. She resolved once more to find an opportunity to leave this dreadful Yu household as soon as possible.

Yu Ziqi had not yet returned to their quarters, so she couldn’t very well sleep alone. Hugging a book to her chest, she curled up on the chaise lounge and began to read. The more she read, the heavier her eyelids felt. She shook her head to stay awake, pinched her cheeks, and tried to keep herself alert. No matter what, she was now the mistress of the Yu family; with such a commotion, she had to get to the bottom of it.

When Yu Ziqi finally returned, the first thing he saw was Ning Qian pinching her own cheeks. Despite his agitation and irritation, he couldn’t help but let out a laugh at the sight of her expression.

Hearing his laugh, Ning Qian looked up, saw Yu Ziqi, and hurriedly slipped on her shoes, jumping down from the lounge. “You’re back?”

“Yes. Why are you still up?”

“I heard about what happened—what exactly is going on? I heard a servant died.”

“You’ve only just married in, and already something like this has occurred. Aren’t you afraid?”

Ning Qian was silent for a moment before she finally looked up at Yu Ziqi. “It would be a lie to say I’m not scared, but since I wasn’t at the scene, the fear is limited—just a sense of unease. I met that servant a few days ago; who would have thought he’d just die like that?”

“It’s natural for you to be afraid. This is a complicated matter, not something women should concern themselves with. Still, you should know some things: for the next few days, don’t wander about. Stay in the courtyard unless necessary. The servant who died was one of my father’s people. From the circumstances at the scene, his death is far from simple. Still, even so, his death will come to nothing.”

Ning Qian secretly curled her lip. “Not women’s business”? Women hold up half the sky, after all. “Is that it? Someone dies mysteriously, and it’s just let go like that?”

“What else would you have? My father cares deeply about his reputation. He would never allow such a scandal to spread. In the future, you’d best not mention this in front of others.”

Ning Qian considered whether or not she should share what she had overheard with Yu Ziqi. Truth be told, in this house, Yu Ziqi was the one shielding her. If he fell on hard times, she surely wouldn’t fare well either.

“My lady, don’t give it too much thought. Get some sleep. I still need to go to the study and handle some matters.”

“I... Actually, there’s something I want to tell you.” After much deliberation, Ning Qian decided to confide in Yu Ziqi. The eldest young master was clearly trouble—it was best Yu Ziqi knew, so she wouldn’t get dragged into something later.

“Oh? What is it?” Yu Ziqi turned back and sat down.

“The servant’s death may have something to do with your eldest brother.”

Yu Ziqi’s expression changed at once. He stood up abruptly, ran to the door to check outside, then closed the door tightly before returning. “How can you say such things so carelessly?”

“I’m telling the truth,” Ning Qian said anxiously.

“What did you hear?”

“The other day, Nianyu and I were sitting by the lake in the back courtyard. We overheard the eldest brother talking to that servant. If I’m not mistaken, the thousand taels of silver Father lost a while back was stolen by that servant at eldest brother’s behest. I also heard the servant demanding payment from him—they argued at the time. Do you think the servant’s death could be...”

Though Ning Qian didn’t finish her thought, Yu Ziqi understood perfectly well. He grabbed her hand, eyes wide. “Tell me quickly—did you and Nianyu get discovered?”

“No, I was very careful. I knew how serious this was, so no one should have noticed us.”

Yu Ziqi let out a breath. “Make sure Nianyu keeps this to herself. Not a word must get out. Otherwise, you and Nianyu could be in grave danger.”

Ning Qian was alarmed. “Then maybe I should stay with my family for a while.” Her life was precious; she had no intention of dying so soon.

“What did you say?” Yu Ziqi’s eyes widened at her.

Ning Qian forced a sheepish smile. She’d only been thinking of how to protect herself. She forgot she was now a married woman; she couldn’t just come and go as she pleased. Besides, to abandon Yu Ziqi in this mess—wouldn’t that be utterly heartless?

“Yes, yes, a couple may share the same nest, but when calamity comes, each flies their own way. Madam, you have a point. If you wish to return to your family, I’ll speak to Father and Mother. You can pack tomorrow and leave.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Enough, I understand. I still have matters to attend to in the study. Go to bed early.”

Watching Yu Ziqi’s lonely figure as he left, Ning Qian suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Had she gone too far just now?