Ruby Hall's expression shifted for a while before she finally opened her mouth and revealed the truth.

Chapter 011 New Year's Eve (Part 2)

A short while earlier.

Ruby Hall had come from Liao Xiang Courtyard, so she was naturally familiar with the situation there. Liao Xiang Courtyard faced south and had five main rooms, with three rooms each in the east and west wings, and a small three-room passage hall at the entrance. The main rooms and the wings were connected by covered walkways, with side rooms on both the east and west. The west side was where Mrs. Carter lived, and the east side was the small kitchen, dedicated to providing tea and food for the courtyard. Throughout the entire marquis residence, Liao Xiang Courtyard was the only place officially equipped with a small kitchen.

Therefore, after pouring tea in the main room and seeing no one inside, Ruby Hall thought for a moment and went straight to the kitchen. After all, the charcoal used in this small kitchen was not ordinary firewood, but rather tinwood smuggled out and sold by the Xixin Office, which was smokeless and odorless. A thick curtain hung at the kitchen door, its color somewhat dull from smoke and fire, and low voices could be heard from inside. She had intended to go in directly, but upon hearing Mrs. Carter's voice from within, she was compelled by a sudden impulse to stand in a spot where she wouldn't easily be noticed.

"That matter was known to the old madam from the start, but wasn't it said that the lid wouldn't be lifted until after the New Year? How did it come to light so quickly? You know, tomorrow is New Year's Day. If this blows up during the New Year, the family won't be able to celebrate at all!"

"Who says otherwise? But even the princess can't decide on this matter. If we hadn't been keeping an eye on things, we might not have gotten any word in advance. Who could have guessed the Imperial Stables would suddenly inspect the horses? Second Master wasn't careful enough, and as soon as they checked, the truth came out. Mama, you should report to the old madam first, so she can be prepared. Otherwise, if the Embroidered Uniform Guards show up, we'll be caught off guard."

Ruby Hall was stunned when she heard this, and the implications in their words made her break out in a cold sweat. Forcing herself to calm down, she quietly took a few steps back. Just as she was about to slip away, more voices came from inside. She bit her lip, intending to leave, but in the end, she stayed.

"Were the cabinet elders present when this was reported? Was anyone else there, and what did they say?"

"The cabinet elders were all present. But that wasn't the only issue at the time—several other corruption cases broke out simultaneously. His Majesty was furious, and no one dared to speak, so everyone just watched as the emperor ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guards to act. Still, the Empress Dowager and the old madam are cousins, so for their sake, the emperor probably won't let this blow up in the first few days of the New Year. Even if there's an investigation, it should only involve Second Master."

"That's true, but for something like this to happen during the New Year is still a huge disgrace. Back when Second Master inherited the title, he must have flattered the old madam endlessly, but as soon as he got the title, he started eyeing the family's assets. The Second Madam even wanted to get her hands on the old madam's dowry—what a scheme! This time, it's a lesson. You know, the eldest branch's Fourth Young Master isn't a child anymore..."

Ruby Hall was listening, heart pounding, when she suddenly realized the voices had grown quieter. She snapped to attention and hurriedly slipped aside through the passage hall. Just as she hid behind a corridor pillar, she saw the curtain lift and Mrs. Carter poke her head out to look around. Seeing that most people were at the courtyard entrance watching fireworks and setting off firecrackers, the curtain quickly fell back down. At this point, Ruby Hall dared not linger any longer and, after a moment's thought, immediately returned to the main room.

Just as she reached the door, she nearly bumped into Lily King coming out from inside. She and Lily King had been bought from outside at the same time, as there hadn't been enough girls of the right age among the household-born servants, so the two of them had been lucky enough to be chosen for Liao Xiang Courtyard. Within two years, she had been promoted to second rank, while Lily King had remained at third rank, only filling the vacancy after Ruby Hall left.

At this moment, Lily King glanced sideways at Ruby Hall and sneered, "Sister Ruby Hall, are you confused? This is the main room of Liao Xiang Courtyard, not your Jinxiu Pavilion. How can you just barge in like this?"

Ruby Hall had something on her mind and was already tense. Hearing the hidden barbs in these words, she feigned ignorance and raised her eyebrows. "What are you talking about? Everyone in the courtyard is watching the fireworks, and Miss is thirsty. I came to pour a cup of water and add some charcoal to the hand warmer. Am I supposed to run all the way back to Jinxiu Pavilion for that?"

"Oh, you've only just left and already your heart is with your Miss. If the old madam knew that the one she once favored has turned out like this, I wonder if she'd have anything good to say about you. There's plenty of water in the main room, but the charcoal is rationed. It's cold this year, and the old madam doesn't even have enough of her own silver-frost charcoal. No one dares to share it with others."

"You..."

Seeing Ruby Hall's face flush with anger, Lily King felt even more satisfied, folded her arms, and said, "And besides, you're not part of Liao Xiang Courtyard anymore, so don't go wandering around like this. If anything goes missing in the courtyard and Sister Lüyue and the others blame me, I can't take the fall."

Ruby Hall had intended to make a scene to cover her tracks, so she stomped her foot and said, "Fine, since you won't give it to me, I'll go to the kitchen and find Mrs. Quinn! I don't believe that even if Third Miss wants some charcoal, someone would dare refuse!"

"What are you arguing about!"