Chapter 203: Embezzlement

The manor doors weren’t tightly shut as usual when Qin Yining returned to the manor. They were half open, with the footman stooped despondently by the stone lions by the door, almost completely curled up on himself like a quail.

Next to him, dressed in Cao clan uniforms, were two men frostily guarding the door. It seemed more like the Cao Manor than the Qin Manor.

Qin Yining’s heart skipped a beat and she frowned ferociously. Something was amiss. What are the Caos pulling now?

Steward Zhong also noted the abnormalities and quickly called out the groom, “Keep going, don’t stop.”

The groom was the steward’s confidante and knew a little about the conflict between the Qins and the Caos. He didn’t slow down at all, instead turning into a nearby alley and halting only when they’d found a quiet corner.

“Miss, there might be something happening at home. Don’t be in a rush to go back yet, let your people probe the situation first.”

Jiyun interjected, “Don’t worry, miss. Wait here. I’ll sneak back in for a look. I won’t alarm anymore and I’ll come straight back.”

“Be careful.” Qin Yining pulled on Jiyun’s hand with worry. “Your own safety is more important. We don’t know what’s happening in the manor, so don’t take any risks if you sense there’s too many enemies or the situation is turning bad. There will always be another way.”

Jiyun nodded, touched. Qin Yining had never been the sort to disregard the lives of those around her in pursuit of her own goals. She’d merely respected the fourth miss before and viewed Pang Xiao as her only master, but now viewed Qin Yining as her mistress.

“Don’t worry, miss. My levitation skills are quite good. I won’t seek out trouble. Simply probing the situation should be easy enough. I’ll be back shortly.” The guard smiled reassuringly at the Qin fourth miss and hopped off the carriage, making for the manor.

The skies had fully darkened by now. All was quiet within the alley, and the steward didn’t give instructions for the groom to light the lanterns. It was pitch black within the carriage.

Bingtang took Qin Yining’s hand comfortingly and murmured, “Don’t worry, miss. It’ll be fine.”

“Mm, it’ll be fine. Let’s wait and see.” The fourth miss’ tone was calm enough, but she was unsettled.

She’d already thought of many possibilities in this short period of time. Her father had stayed indoors after being reprimanded by the emperor and been commanded to reflect on his wrongs. He’d rebuffed all guests and spent his days fishing and reading. It was as if he was no longer a Great Yan official.

Although he didn’t say anything, Qin Yining knew her father’s thoughts given how she constantly kept him company. The disillusionment and dejection he was suffering through wasn’t anything that anyone else could understand.

He was full of wisdom and stratagems, but was a sparkling pearl that had been cast into the dark. Qin Yining knew that her father was often torn between loyalty and aspirations.