Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Zhenzhen and her grandmother, both led by the housekeeper, were escorted to a beautifully appointed room.
They were strictly instructed not to leave the Empress Dowagerâs chambers until she woke up.
With a gracious smile, Qin Zhenzhen expressed her gratitude to the housekeeper, saying, âThank you, Madam.â
She had sensed that the housekeeper, whom she respectfully referred to as ânanny,â was clearly on their side.
Taking the initiative to introduce herself, the nanny said, âYou can call me Mrs. Lin.â
This revelation caught Qin Zhenzhen by surprise. As the nanny responsible for the Empress Dowagerâs care, Mrs. Lin held a high position in the palace. Yet, here she was, referring to herself as an âold servantâ in front of them.
Mrs. Lin quickly clarified, âMadam Su, thereâs no need for astonishment.
Although I serve the Empress Dowager, I also answer to Young Master Su.â âYoung Master Su? Are you referring to Su Bin?â Qin Zhenzhenâs surprise deepened.
Since when had Su Binâs influence extended so far?
Could he really have managed to gain the loyalty of individuals within the Empress Dowagerâs inner circle?
With a nod, Mrs. Lin replied softly, âYes, Madam Su, but we should refrain from discussing this here.â
âMrs. Su, Old Lady Qin, you can rest assured here.â
The room featured a comfortable bed and a well-prepared meal on the table, ensuring they had everything they needed.
As the housekeeper departed, Qin Zhenzhen overheard her instructing the palace maids, âTake good care of Mrs. Su and Old Lady Qin. The Empress Dowager will surely reward you when she awakens.â
The palace maids readily responded with repeated assurances of âYes.â
In fact, there was no need for constant reminders, as their dedication to serving Qin Zhenzhen and her grandmother was evident.
The improvement of their condition was not only in the best interest of the two women but also held potential benefits for the palace maids themselves.
The prospect of the Empress Dowager being free from her persistent headaches relieved them of constant worry. Whenever her headaches flared up, anyone in her presence would bear the brunt of her suffering. Failing to be attentive could lead to dire consequences.
At noon, Mr. Chen rode in a carriage to a residence located within the capital.
This house had been acquired in Su Binâs name, right down to the loyal staff who served within its walls.
While not overly opulent, the house exuded a distinct charm. Enclosed by walls, it boasted three entrances and exits, along with three courtyards, offering ample room to accommodate his siblings comfortably.
The residence maintained impeccable cleanliness, all funded by the Old Marquisâs resources.
In addition to handling business affairs for Qin Zhenzhen, Su Bin had also tapped into a substantial portion of the Marquis Mansionâs finances.
He understood deeply that to contend with the influential families of the capital, he needed not only a powerful ally but also substantial wealth and influence.
On the surface, Mr. Chen appeared to assist Qin Zhenzhen with her business matters, but in truth, he operated under Su Binâs direction.
Strictly speaking, Mr. Chen was Su Binâs trusted confidant.
Su Bin felt fortunate to have crossed paths with Mr. Chen, and he cherished the fact that Mr. Chen had officially acknowledged him as his mentor.
Mr. Chenâs lineage traced back to generations of advisors, with his family amassing a vast network of connections and sources over the years.
Within the palace, the households of princes and marquises, and even among the families of high-ranking capital officials, a web of informants discreetly operated.
Over time, those who thrived on selling information had amassed significant wealth.
However, Mr. Chenâs father had encountered a precarious situation when he inadvertently offended a king. The king dispatched investigators to scrutinize their background, nearly severing all their connections.
Fortunately, the Old Marquis intervened and shielded Mr. Chenâs father. Nonetheless, their family had to relinquish a substantial portion of the wealth they had painstakingly accumulated over the years.
For the past two decades, Mr. Chenâs father had served as a butler within the Marquis Mansion. Nevertheless, he diligently continued to nurture their network of connections.
It was their lifeline to eventually regain their standing, as the network that had been disrupted in the past gradually reestablished its roots over the years..