Chapter 10: The Changing Hands of the Listening Rain Pavilion
Zhao Tianjiang looked at Concubine Li, a gleam passing through his eyes that only the two of them understood. He nodded immediately. “Very well, this matter will be handled by you. Now that the madam is gone, you will have to take care of the household affairs in the rear courtyard.”
Zhao Erdong’s expression darkened. Were they planning to burn the body to erase all traces?
Having inherited all the memories of the original Zhao Erdong, she was well-versed in the laws of the Great Moon Kingdom. Unable to practice martial arts, she spent her days buried in the library. Though she could not travel far, she journeyed the world through books.
Indeed, the Great Moon Kingdom had strict rules about cremation. However, if the deceased held a rank of third grade or above, the family could decide to cremate or inter them in the national mausoleum.
Yuan Bairong had been granted the title of First Rank Lady at the time of her marriage to Zhao Tianjiang. With such a high rank, she was entitled to burial in the national mausoleum.
Yet now, Zhao Tianjiang and Concubine Li insisted on cremation without consulting the Yuan Duke’s household. It was clear they wanted to quickly destroy the body and all evidence. Though the prime minister held great power and influence, his family’s foundation was no match for that of the Yuan Duke’s. Their daughter had died under mysterious circumstances at the prime minister’s residence, and naturally, the Yuan family would not allow any loose ends or vulnerabilities to be exploited.
Zhao Erdong quietly stared at the woman on the bed, her lifeless face full of desolation. Her fingers clenched into fists, her teeth clenched silently. She would never allow this depraved couple to succeed.
Zhao Erdong remained silent, knowing that no words she spoke now would help; they would only arouse suspicion. Some things could not be done openly—if that failed, then surely they could be done in secret.
Feigning overwhelming grief, Zhao Erdong collapsed into Baihe’s arms. Baihe hurriedly supported her out of Ronghua Pavilion and headed towards the Listening Rain Pavilion.
As soon as they entered Listening Rain Pavilion, Zhao Erdong slipped from Baihe’s support and walked steadily into the inner chamber, whispering, “Baihe, deliver this letter to my second uncle. Don’t let anyone see.”
Baihe was a clever maid and immediately understood her mistress had been pretending. Her worries eased considerably. Zhao Erdong’s health was fragile, and Baihe had feared she could not endure the loss of the madam. But now it seemed she had been mistaken; her mistress had changed, grown stronger, no longer the frightened girl who would hide behind her and cry.
Zhao Erdong took paper and pen, writing a brief letter. Though only a few words, it clearly explained many things. In Zhao Erdong’s memories, her second uncle Yuan Baimo was always close to her mother and level-headed. Once he learned the truth, he would know how to act.
Folding the letter, Zhao Erdong handed it to Baihe. “Don’t arouse suspicion. Find a reason to leave before delivering it.”
Baihe nodded. “Don’t worry, Miss. I will complete the task.”
Zhao Erdong smiled faintly. In her memories, their bond had long surpassed that of master and servant, even ordinary sisters.
Baihe hurried away, and Zhao Erdong carefully examined every corner of Listening Rain Pavilion. She could hardly imagine that the proud daughter of the prime minister would live in such a shabby place. Images flashed through her mind relentlessly.
Zhao Qin, leading several maids, carried out every valuable item from her room. When she confronted him, Zhao Qin shoved her to the ground.
“You useless wretch. Your mother is dying soon. Let’s see who will still support you. Remember this: the day your unlucky mother dies is the day the Listening Rain Pavilion changes hands.”