Hong Yan had her maidservant search for the keys for half a day. Yu Yi did not rush her, sitting calmly and watching her struggle. Hong Yan occasionally glanced at Jin Zhi’s expression, and seeing her completely unperturbed, became increasingly anxious, ordering her maidservant: “Cui’er, go check that cabinet.”
Yu Yi smiled: “Can Madam Zhou manage the household if she can’t even manage her keys?”
Hong Yan’s face turned pale, then she smiled: “Since becoming pregnant, Red Sparrow’s memory has deteriorated. Perhaps the madam could return and wait. I’ll send the keys once found.”
Yu Yi softly remarked: “Could it be there are issues in the account books that Madam Zhou is reluctant to hand over?”
“How could that be? I just momentarily forgot where I placed the keys,” Hong Yan’s smile became forced.
A year ago, Yu Yi would not have detected this subterfuge. Now, having seen much, she immediately formed a thought upon seeing Hong Yan’s expression: “I’m not in a hurry. I’ll wait here. Madam Zhou can calmly recall that the account book was altered last night.”
Hong Yan could no longer smile, turning to pretend to search for keys, not daring to look at Jin Zhi, wondering how this woman knew about her secret account book alteration last night!
During her year managing the Liu household, she had initially only falsely reported expenses and hidden some private money. Later, growing bolder, she bribed the steward, not just falsifying accounts but occasionally sending money home and even helping her third brother repay a debt.
When Liu Zhengyu mentioned handing over the account books and keys last night, she was terrified. While he slept, she secretly altered the accounts all night, changing suspicious entries and recopying, only managing half before having to attend to Liu Zhengyu’s morning needs. After sending him off, she planned to continue recopying when Jin Zhi arrived, forcing her to delay.
Yu Yi had only been testing Hong Yan’s procrastination, but seeing her guilty expression, knew she had guessed correctly and was close to completing her task. She stood: “Madam Zhou, take your time. I’ll return first.”
Hong Yan’s shoulders relaxed, turning to smile: “I’ll send them to the madam as soon as I find them.”
