Forgetting the pain after the wound heals, one's mouth continues to run wild after some time, leading to further trouble.
"I absolutely promise I won't make the same mistake again, you can rest assured!"
Ling Mo Han quickly assured her. This time, he couldn't help but mock Chu Chen Yi a few words. Who would have thought this fellow would be so easily provoked and come knocking on their door within moments.
Serves him right for having a hidden ailment; I shouldn't have treated him, Ling Mo Han grumbled inwardly. Still, he pulled Feng Jin closer, wanting to ask for clarification, "Does Chu Chen Yi really have problems in that area?"
"In that area, speak clearly if you have something to say."
Glancing around to ensure they were alone, Ling Mo Han leaned in and whispered a few words into Feng Jin's ear.
"What nonsense are you spouting!" Feng Jin immediately became agitated after hearing him, her tone involuntarily rising a few notches.
"Isn't that what you said?"
Scolded, Ling Mo Han's tone also became considerably quieter.
"When did I ever say that to you? I only said that Lin Yu Wei asked me to check if Chu Chen Yi was unwell, I never said he had a hidden ailment."
Feng Jin explained helplessly, feeling a wave of speechlessness. She couldn't help but wonder if her explanation was the problem, or Ling Mo Han's understanding, or if there was a communication barrier between them.
Having clarified the whole story, Ling Mo Han instantly lost interest. "So, Chu Chen Yi doesn't have any issues after all. What a waste of excitement."
"Then why did you deliberately tell Chu Chen Yi he had a hidden ailment just now?"
"I... I just couldn't stand the sight of him and wanted to scare him a little. But let's keep this between us. Don't go blabbing to others, or Chu Chen Yi might come barging in with a knife next time."
Ling Mo Han nodded silently, deciding to deal with Feng Jin first before anything else.
Seeing Ling Mo Han's good attitude in admitting his mistake, Feng Jin couldn't continue to dwell on the matter and decided to let it go.
"I'm going to check the account books. You go tend to your business."
She hadn't properly reviewed the household accounts for a long time. After slacking off for so long, she couldn't afford to be lazy any longer. If the accounts weren't reconciled for half a month, her subordinates might develop ill intentions. Today was a good time to finally get them in order.
"Reporting to the young madam, all the household accounts for the past month are here. They have all been sorted and distinguished. Please review them, young madam."
"Granny Wang has been in this household for many years. I trust your work."
Feng Jin looked at the stout woman before her, a faint smile playing on her lips, making it difficult to discern her true emotions.
"You are too kind, young madam. I dare not say much else, but in terms of years spent in this household, I am certainly among the longest-serving. There is nothing in this household that I do not know. If there is anything you do not understand, young madam, please do not hesitate to ask."
She had heard long ago that the current young madam was not as easy to deal with as the former second madam. This was her first time interacting with the young madam, and upon seeing her today, she realized she was just a young girl. What significant impact could she possibly have? It was likely just a flash in the pan for a new official.
She had been in the household for many years, and had seen quite a few mistresses come and go. She had seen such things many times and did not take Feng Jin seriously at all, thinking she could easily fool her with a few words and be done with it. She never expected Feng Jin to be such a tough nut to crack, almost breaking her teeth.
"That's good. The more experienced and seasoned an elder is, the more sensible and well-behaved they are. There's no need to say much."
"Young madam, you..."
Granny Wang intended to offer a few more flattering words but was directly interrupted by Feng Jin's opening. "Let's start checking the accounts!"
"Alright... alright... then let's check the accounts." Granny Wang's hand froze mid-air for a moment before she awkwardly placed it down, skillfully concealing the embarrassment on her face.
Upon receiving Feng Jin's command, Cai Qing and Chu Qing began to examine the ledgers. Feng Jin, on the other hand, acted like a hands-off manager, leisurely sipping her tea.
"Young madam, look here." Cai Qing discovered something amiss and pointed to the content recorded in the ledger, handing it to Feng Jin.
Feng Jin took the ledger and examined it closely. After a moment's pause, she closed it and placed it on the desk. Her sharp gaze swept over the people standing below, and she said, her tone as gentle as possible, "The accounts for the kitchen have always been managed by whom? They are so orderly and clearly recorded."
Seeing an opportunity, Granny Wang's eyes lit up. She squeezed forward and said to Feng Jin, "Reporting to the young madam, the kitchen accounts have always been managed by this old woman. If you have any questions, young madam, please ask."
"I knew it was you. Are you truly willing to admit that this ledger is yours?"
"I wrote this. What is there to be afraid of admitting?"
Granny Wang replied without hesitation. She had meticulously prepared the accounts, and Feng Jin, with her current abilities, would not be able to see through them.
At this moment, she felt no guilt about falsifying accounts; instead, she eagerly awaited Feng Jin's reward.
"Since you admit it, I won't beat around the bush any longer. Chu Qing, go and apprehend her."
"Yes, young madam."
"Young madam, young madam... what do you mean by this? Young madam, this old woman has been in this household for decades. If I haven't earned merit, I've certainly endured hardship. Young madam, you can't possibly tie me up without understanding the situation... Young madam!"
Granny Wang cried out in anguish, but was still bound and brought before Feng Jin by Chu Qing.
"Young madam, you... what do you mean by this!"
"What do I mean..." Feng Jin let out a cold snort and threw the ledger in her hand forcefully at Granny Wang's face, roaring in anger, "This ledger is beautifully done, with not a single deviation. It's a pity that you shouldn't have treated me like an idiot to be fooled!"
"Young madam, this old servant has not. Please clarify, young madam!"
"One dou of rice for ten coins, one jin of cabbage for five coins... do you really think I don't know the prices of these things? This year's harvest was bountiful, even the finest rice only cost eight coins. Where did you get this ten-coin rice from? Granny Wang, do you truly think I'm a fool to be easily deceived!"
"Young madam, this old servant absolutely did not do such a thing. If young madam does not believe me, you can ask the merchants to verify the truth."
Granny Wang's eyes darted around suspiciously, pulling out her usual tried-and-true excuse, wanting to continue to muddle through and deceive Feng Jin.
"Do you really think I don't know your tricks!"