The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 85: The Matron

Chapter 85: The Matron

When Qiu Huanian and his family returned from their evening outing, they spotted a familiar figure pacing anxiously at their doorstep.

“Old Lady Jin? What brings you here? Did something happen to Yiwan and the others?”

The old woman was so distraught that blisters had formed on her lips. “Heavens above, you’re finally home! I beg you—please help us find young mistress Ru Tang!”

Qiu Huanian’s heart dropped. “What happened to Ru Tang?”

“She’s gone missing—kidnapped, we fear, by traffickers!”

Qiu Huanian inhaled sharply. “Start from the beginning. Come in and tell us everything.”

Old Lady Jin wiped her tears and stumbled into the house. “Today was the Dragon Boat Festival. The master and mistress were busy with business, so they left the young mistress at home. She behaved impeccably—quiet and content. After a while, she said she wanted to eat rice dumplings with Mr. Yuan Jia.

“The mistress had said that if she got bored, she could visit Mr. Yuan Jia’s residence. So I packed some dumplings and was just about to take her there.

“But I suddenly had a terrible stomachache and rushed to the latrine. When I came back, she was gone. I searched every nearby alley but couldn’t find her.

“I remembered the Township Lord’s message—he warned there were traffickers in Xiangping Prefecture. Terrified, I rushed to inform the master and mistress. They’ve mobilized every connection they have to search for her, but we’re just humble merchants—we lack influence.

“They asked me to wait here for your return and plead for your help in finding young mistress Ru Tang.”

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse exchanged grim looks.

“Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng, stay indoors. Old Lady Jin, guard the door. When Yuan Ling and Yun Cheng return, keep them inside—no one goes out,” Qiu Huanian ordered. “I’ll go to the Zhu residence to ask Su Xinbai for help.”

“I’ll speak with Magistrate Si Jing,” Du Yunse added with a nod.

Qiu Huanian barely paused before heading back out, instructing Jin San to ready the carriage and drive to the Zhu estate.

In Xiangping Prefecture, Qiu Huanian had few powerful connections. His strongest link was Su Xinbai, eldest young mistress of the Zhu family, and child of the Left Administration Commissioner.

Upon arrival, Qiu Huanian found Su Xinbai and Zhu Jingcheng just returning from their outing. After hearing the story, Zhu Jingcheng immediately stood. “Brother Hua, stay here. Sit and have tea. I’ll go make inquiries.”

Qiu Huanian sat, taking a cup from Su Xinbai and sipping to soothe his parched throat.

“You think this is the work of those traffickers making trouble lately?”

Su Xinbai hesitated, first nodding, then shaking his head. With two younger sisters, Zhu Xian and Su Xinyao, he kept informed on such threats.

“Those traffickers target daughters of wealthy merchants and officials. Young Lady Ru Tang’s status might not match their usual victims.”

Qiu Huanian sighed. If it was the same group Wu Shen had warned about, then at least the Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office might have clues. Otherwise, finding her would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

A while later, Zhu Jingcheng returned, his brows deeply furrowed.

“What did you find?”

“Zhu Xia—Zhu Lu’s younger sister from the second branch—has gone missing too. She disappeared at the same time and place as Ru Tang. It appears they were taken together.”

Qiu Huanian was stunned, a sense of dread gripping him.

Though Zhu Xia had been raised on feudal dogma—obsessed with propriety, jealous and petty at times—she was still a child, no older than eleven or twelve. Falling into the hands of traffickers was a tragic fate.

“The second branch has already reported to the Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office. They promised to inform us of any updates.”

Su Xinbai nodded. “I’ll write a letter too, urging them to prioritize the case. Should we contribute some funds?”

“I’ve already pooled twenty taels with the second branch and added another hundred from my own purse,” Zhu Jingcheng replied. “That should be enough to smooth things over.”

Su Xinbai exhaled in relief. “Did they say anything else?”

“Zhu Lu suspects me of scheming against her, but I didn’t bother to explain. She’s a distant relative. Solving the case would bring us merit anyway.”

Zhu Jingcheng glanced toward Su Xinbai’s stomach.

Su Xinbai tensed slightly and averted his eyes.

Given how often they’d been intimate, there was a chance he was already pregnant. It was time, perhaps, to earn some blessings.

Qiu Huanian waited until he received a promise to be informed of updates, then took his leave.

When he returned home, Du Yunse was already back.

Magistrate Si Jing, renowned for his uprightness, had been actively pursuing the trafficking cases.

Du Yunse had laid out his reasons clearly, and Si Jing, unwilling to alienate a rising star, had shared key details from the case files.

“The Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office and the prefecture both have leads, but the two departments aren’t working together. They’re at odds over the investigation strategy.”

“Even Si Jing has rivals?”

Si Jing was known for his diplomatic finesse—even Qiu Huanian had heard of his reputation.

“That’s why the disagreement’s only mild,” Du Yunse replied. “With anyone else, it’d be far worse.”

Qiu Huanian sighed. “Let’s hope bureaucratic infighting doesn’t sabotage the investigation and endanger more innocent lives.”

The two men passed their findings along to the Shu family. But for parents who’d lost their only child, no information could soothe the pain. They looked hollow, worn down by anguish.

Zheng Yiwan had ruined her health in youth and could no longer bear children. Ru Tang had been her miracle. Shu Huacai, deeply devoted to his wife, had vowed never to remarry or take concubines. Their daughter was their entire world.

Huang Daniang and Huang Erniang stood by their side, searching tirelessly.

Qiu Huanian reminded everyone to stay informed of any new updates from the Zhu family and redoubled his warnings to Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng.

The day after the Dragon Boat Festival, with no progress on the missing girls, Qiu Huanian was surprised to receive a visit from Min Leyi.

In the past, Min Leyi would arrive alone, carefree and unannounced. This time, he was accompanied by a palace nanny, two guards, and two older women.

Instead of heading straight for Cream Frost, Min Leyi greeted the Township Lord with formal restraint.

Qiu Huanian was momentarily stunned. He steadied the boy with a hand and caught a mischievous wink—Min Leyi was still his usual self underneath.

Suppressing a groan, Qiu Huanian led him to the reception hall, where his attendants positioned themselves strategically—some at the doorway, others close behind, and the nanny standing watchful and severe.

Min Leyi sat carefully, poised to lean back but catching the nanny’s eye, he dutifully folded his hands in his lap.

Qiu Huanian straightened his own posture in response.

“What brings you here today, Leyi?”

“I remembered I borrowed a book from the Township Lord and never returned it. It’s weighed on me, so I came to apologize.”

One of the servants handed over a book. Qiu Huanian glanced at it—it wasn’t his, but he played along.

“I’d nearly forgotten. Thank you for returning it.”

After some light, fabricated conversation, Qiu Huanian changed the topic.

“Leyi, I’ve had some new outfits made for a banquet. Come help me choose—your eye is always sharp.”

Min Leyi sprang up, barely containing his eagerness.

Before the nanny could protest, Qiu Huanian added smoothly, “I’d prefer not to show them to too many people. Old Lady Jin, please take good care of our guests.”

With the host’s authority behind the words, the palace nanny had no choice but to comply.

Min Leyi followed Qiu Huanian into the inner courtyard. Only after the door shut behind them did he heave a dramatic sigh and collapse onto a recliner, stretching luxuriously.

Qiu Huanian chuckled. “And here I thought you were possessed by a temple statue. Where did this monkey come from?”

Cream Frost was lounging nearby. Min Leyi scooped it up and buried his face in its fur.

“Brother Hua, you have no idea how miserable I’ve been.”

“I have to rise before dawn and don’t sleep until late. I’m not allowed to leave the house, and meals are torture. I can only eat the closest dishes—no more than a single bite each.”

Qiu Huanian handed him a basket of popcorn. Min Leyi stuffed a handful into his mouth.

“Is the nanny really that strict?”

Min Leyi nodded fiercely. “She even says my needlework is dreadful and assigned a seamstress to monitor me. Look—”

He held out his hands. The pads of his fingers were red, swollen, pricked with tiny wounds.

Qiu Huanian frowned. “Why submit to this now? Has someone finally managed to rein you in? What does your father say?”

Min Leyi’s expression dimmed. “When the Yu family matron visited, I was obedient for a few days. But then I snuck out and nearly got into trouble.”

He didn’t elaborate.

“When I returned, my father caught me. He didn’t yell—just stared at me in silence for a long time.”

Min Leyi’s voice softened. “My mother died when I was young. I’ve lived with my grandmother ever since. That day, I saw how much he’s aged—his hair full of white strands.”

“He has no wife or concubine to manage the household. He’s personally handling my marriage plans, even while swamped with official duties. If I embarrass him in front of the Yu family, it’ll only make things harder for him.”

“I don’t want to cause him more trouble.”

Qiu Huanian patted his shoulder. “So what did the Yu family say? Why haven’t they settled the engagement yet? Why send a nanny instead?”

“The matriarch said she couldn’t make the decision on her own. It’s too soon—some rituals are still incomplete. They want to wait until after Yu Min’s provincial exams in autumn.”

“She said the Yu family values decorum and is worried I’ll struggle to adapt, so they sent a nanny to help me prepare. She used to serve in the palace of Consort Ying, the Third Prince’s mother. Ordinary people couldn’t possibly hire her. She agreed out of respect for the Yu family.”

Qiu Huanian nodded. “So they plan to confirm the engagement after the autumn exams?”

“That’s what they said.”

Min Leyi took a deep breath, his fists clenched in resolve. “Two more months. I can endure it. I will endure it.”

Just as Qiu Huanian was about to respond, Old Lady Jin knocked urgently.

“My Lord, someone from the Zhu family has brought news—about the traffickers.”

Qiu Huanian hurried to open the door. Min Leyi followed, ears perked.

The Zhu family messenger spoke without preamble. “The eldest young master allocated significant funds to bribe the constables and runners under the Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office. They worked tirelessly to gather evidence—a witness, a drugged handkerchief. After cross-referencing, it’s confirmed: the ones who took Miss Ru Tang and Miss Zhu Xia are the same gang wreaking havoc in the region.”

Min Leyi, catching on, rolled up his sleeves, his voice sharp with indignation. “They have evidence already—so why haven’t they moved? Why delay? These criminals are destroying lives in Xiangping Prefecture, and yet they roam free. Are corrupt officials shielding them for bribes?”

The palace nanny cleared her throat pointedly.

Min Leyi stiffened, quickly covering his arms with his sleeves and standing up straight.

“The Township Lord has urgent matters. We’ll take our leave. Young Master Min, it’s time to return and rest.”

Min Leyi frowned, parting with Qiu Huanian with nothing more than a reluctant glance.

Qiu Huanian offered a consoling smile. “I’ll send for you soon—you can come visit and chat.”

Min Leyi brightened somewhat and departed, his retinue trailing behind.

His final words lingered in Qiu Huanian’s mind, casting a shadow. The traffickers were operating too freely, their brazenness hinting at something far darker—entrenched corruption. The Judicial Commissioner’s Office could no longer be trusted entirely. A new course of action was imperative.

Qiu Huanian dispatched Jin San to summon the Shu couple, as well as Huang Daniang and Huang Erniang. Both families had shuttered their businesses since the previous day. With no biological children of their own, Huang Daniang and Huang Erniang had always cherished Ru Tang like a daughter.

Qiu Huanian relayed the latest developments and said, “It’s been confirmed—Ru Tang was taken by traffickers targeting wealthy girls. But according to their own patterns, Ru Tang wouldn’t have been on their list. Her abduction seems… irregular.”

Qiu Huanian was no professional investigator, yet he understood that unraveling mysteries often began with the smallest irregularities.

“…This…” The Shu couple seemed paralyzed, minds clouded by confusion.

But Huang Daniang, seasoned and perceptive, cut through the fog. “Forget the traffickers. Ask yourselves—who would want to target Ru Tang? And why?”

The Shu couple locked eyes. A sudden understanding dawned.

“You thought of something?”

Shu Huacai gritted his teeth. “Ru Tang is our only child. I’ve never remarried, never taken concubines. My parents have been pressuring me to adopt my brother’s son—eyeing our estate for when we pass.”

“I refused. In the end, I drove them away. We became estranged.”

“About a month ago, my brother came to our door, drunk, begging for silver—twenty taels to pay off gambling debts. I turned him away. Yiwan and I stayed cautious for some time, but when he didn’t return, we relaxed.”

Zheng Yiwan clutched at her chest, breathing shallowly. She hadn’t slept, and her chronic illness was threatening a resurgence under the mounting stress.

“They kicked Huacai out barefoot, and he fled to the city. That’s where he met me, where we built this life together. And now that he’s made something of himself, they come crawling back to claim our property? Why don’t they just die!”

Shu Huacai held her protectively, fearing she’d faint from the agitation.

Qiu Huanian ordered Jin San to fetch a doctor. He helped Zheng Yiwan lie down in the guest room to rest, then returned to the study.

He thought for a long while before putting ink to paper—not to the Provincial Judicial Commissioner, but to Su Xinbai and, under Du Yunse’s name, to the prefect, Si Jing.

Zhu Xia drifted back to consciousness, head pounding, her throat scorched with the lingering stench of whatever drug had felled her. She tried to speak, but even forming a whisper felt like tearing flesh.

Her vision slowly adjusted to the dimness. Nearby, she saw a trembling figure making soft, broken sounds.

A hoarse voice spoke. “The traffickers took us. We’re lost now.”

Ru Tang. The voice brought it all back. Zhu Xia trembled violently.

Their feet were shackled with heavy chains, but their hands remained free, allowing them to sit upright.

Ru Tang leaned against a stack of old crates. “I woke up before you. The traffickers came by earlier—they left food, water, and a chamber pot. Told us to manage on our own.”

Zhu Xia lay still for a moment, then let out a jagged mix of laughter and tears.

Ru Tang’s voice wavered. “They were after me. Why did you follow me? Why did you warn me?”

Zhu Xia said nothing.

“Do you regret it?” Ru Tang asked carefully. “Want to be friends again?”

“Bullshit,” Zhu Xia snapped. “I don’t regret it. And I don’t want to be friends with you either.”

She drew in a ragged breath and blurted out, “Who the hell would want to be friends with you? Your home’s immaculate, your parents are all lovey-dovey, you’re spoiled, everyone loves you. Who wants to be around that?”

“You said my parents were pretending, that my father would take a concubine eventually…”

Zhu Xia sobbed bitterly. “You actually believed me? You think someone like you could survive a day in my house? You don’t even listen. Of course I know your dad loves your mom. Of course I know how devoted the Zhu family heir is. Of course I know how well Du Quehan’s brother treats his wife.”

“I’m just jealous, okay?”

“I’m jealous of you.”

“But I never really wanted you dead, satisfied now?!”

“You—” Ru Tang’s anger flared, but was quickly drowned by an aching sorrow. “How can you admit to jealousy like it’s a badge of honor?”

Zhu Xia laughed hollowly and sat up. “I’m about to die. What’s there to be ashamed of?”

“What?”

“Ru Tang… what day is it today?”

Ru Tang blinked, startled. “The day after the Dragon Boat Festival. Your… your twelfth birthday.”

Zhu Xia let out another laugh. In the faint light, Ru Tang could just make out her silhouette. She watched, horrified, as Zhu Xia raised her hands to her throat.

She shook violently, fingers clawing at her mouth, trying to yank out her tongue. She failed, but tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes.

Ru Tang jolted forward, knocking her down and pinning her to the floor. Zhu Xia sobbed beneath her.

“What were you doing? What were you trying to do?” Ru Tang’s voice trembled with dread.

“Trying to kill myself,” Zhu Xia said into the dirt. “But I’m too much of a coward. Maybe in a few days, I’ll find the courage.”

Her words, spoken with such bare truth, clutched at Ru Tang’s chest like icy fingers.

“Why? For what—chastity? What could possibly be worth more than your life?” Ru Tang cried.

Ru Tang, having grown up watching Huang Daniang and Huang Erniang live freely after leaving their husbands, had never valued such ideals.

Zhu Xia didn’t respond directly. “We’ve been taken by traffickers. You know what happens to girls like us? Best case—sold as servants. Worst case… you don’t want to know. I’m telling you, better to die clean.”

Ru Tang’s breath hitched. She changed the subject, trying to drive the horror away. “Who taught you that—pulling your tongue out? Can that even kill you?”

“I saw it with my own eyes,” Zhu Xia whispered. “And it was someone you knew.”

“That’s impossible. Who?”

Zhu Xia’s voice turned cruel. “Remember Hong Luo?”

“That servant girl from before we were rich? She and Auntie Qiao were the only ones helping back then. Didn’t she go back to her hometown?”

“Go back?” Zhu Xia sneered. “That’s just what they told people. No one checks where a servant girl with no family really goes.”

“Four years ago, my father managed to tie himself to the Zhu family’s second branch. He married my sister into it, and our fortunes soared. He started expanding the estate, bringing in concubines like it was nothing.”

“My mother wanted a divorce. She couldn’t read or write, so she asked Hong Luo to secretly find someone to draft the papers. Hong Luo went out—and I saw it all. One of my father’s new servants grabbed her, ripped her tongue out by the root. She died on the spot.”

Zhu Xia’s voice grew fainter, shaking. She’d meant to scare Ru Tang. Instead, she was scaring herself.

Ru Tang’s limbs went cold. The girl she remembered—Hong Luo with the double braids, western accent, and mole near her mouth—used to bring Zhu Xia to the big banyan tree, where they’d play sandbag games.

“What happened after?” Ru Tang whispered.

“I fainted. Made a fuss. My father dragged me and my mother away and locked us up. My sister came from the Zhu family to convince my mother to drop the idea. She did. Hong Luo… I never saw her again. But my mother later told me she bought a coffin for her, gave her a proper burial.”

“I didn’t know,” Ru Tang murmured, overwhelmed. “I didn’t know…”

So such horror had unfolded in the home of her childhood friend.

“No one knows everything,” Zhu Xia said flatly. Her voice had turned ghostly, hollow. “Look—if you follow men’s rules, you get to live. Disobey, and they destroy you. That’s the truth.”

“Ever wonder why I tried so hard to be gentle and virtuous?”

“Ever wonder why I envied you?”