TSWRLM -Chapter 275 Wishing the Madam All the Best

When it came to gathering information, no one was better than Wuyou Pavilion.

Previously, Xiao Yecheng and Lanshu had helped Chun Xi several times. Taking advantage of the situation with Madam Yao, Chun Xi went with A-Li to Wuyou Pavilion.

She brought spices and tea as gifts. Lanshu was both surprised and delighted to receive them.

“Oh my, Madam’s presence already brightens Wuyou Pavilion, and now you’ve even brought gifts—how gracious of you!”

Lanshu spoke politely, but his actions betrayed no formality, quickly stowing the gifts in a drawer behind him.

Chun Xi smiled gently. “I was kidnapped before, and it was thanks to the Pavilion Master and the Young Master’s help. This little gift is nothing compared to my gratitude. Besides, A-Li is very capable; having him around has saved me a lot of trouble lately.”

With the New Year approaching, Chun Xi had tailors make new clothes for the servants in the mansion. A-Li’s outfit wasn’t made from the finest material, but it fit well and looked warm.

A-Li no longer carried the coquettish demeanor he had at Wuyou Pavilion; his features now held a youthful vigor appropriate for his age, showing that he had been well taken care of.

Lanshu’s eyes softened with relief and he smiled warmly. “It’s thanks to Madam’s kindness for giving him a chance to start anew.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Chun Xi got straight to the point and asked Lanshu to help investigate Madam Yao.

“This child appeared under strange circumstances. I want to know if Madam Yao has had any recent interactions with anyone, and I want to know who the child’s biological father is.”

After speaking, she handed Lanshu a silver note worth one hundred taels. “This is a deposit. Once you’ve gathered information, the Young Master will set the price.”

“I just received Madam’s gifts—how can I accept money too?”

Lanshu tried to push the note back, but Chun Xi shook her head. “Friendship is one thing; business is another. They shouldn’t be mixed.”

Chun Xi’s tone left no room for argument. Lanshu accepted the note and said warmly, “Within five days, I’ll send the findings to the mansion. In the future, Madam can simply send A-Li if she needs anything—no need to come personally.”

Chun Xi nodded, and as she was leaving, Lanshu followed her, only to hear her say: “The New Year is approaching. I hope both the Young Master and Pavilion Master have a good year. May all your wishes come true in the new year.”

Though Chun Xi had not yet shown a pregnancy, her eyes and demeanor already carried the gentle warmth of a mother. Her gaze was soft, her voice calm, and her words sincerely heartfelt.

Even Lanshu, who had seen countless people, couldn’t help but pause in astonishment.

In all these years, this was the first time he had received a New Year’s greeting.

How should he respond? His mind went blank. It wasn’t until Chun Xi’s carriage turned the corner that he awkwardly said, “I also wish Madam all the best.”

Once Chun Xi’s carriage disappeared, Lanshu returned inside, only to find Xiao Yecheng standing there with a cold expression.

“You came at an unfortunate time. Madam Shen just left. The New Year’s gifts and greetings she brought—none of it was for you.”

Xiao Yecheng didn’t care about that and only asked, “Why did she come?”

Lanshu recounted the situation regarding Madam Yao. Afterwards, he muttered, “This Marquis Qingyuan really has no sense. He hasn’t had a child in all these years, and now suddenly a child appears, and he actually believes it’s his own?”

Xiao Yecheng didn’t reply. He simply started walking.

Lanshu hurried after him. “The New Year’s almost here. Aren’t you going to check the accounts first? I feel like I’ve worked hard this year—I deserve a bigger share of the profits.”

Xiao Yecheng didn’t slow down and asked coldly, “You’re alone—why do you need so much money?”

Lanshu rolled his eyes dramatically. “Exactly because I’m alone, I need to save money for my retirement! Otherwise, when I’m old and faded, I’ll be starving?”

“Even when you’re old and faded, there’ll still be plenty of work for you at Wuyou Pavilion.”

Xiao Yecheng’s tone was still icy, but there was some warmth in it—at least he wouldn’t throw Lanshu aside just because he got older.

Lanshu felt a flicker of relief, then shook his head. “Please spare me, Pavilion Master. After all, this is a business of flesh and I don’t want to do it for life. I deserve a few normal years.”

After Lanshu spoke, Xiao Yecheng stopped suddenly, his expression darkening.

Lanshu asked cautiously, “What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be happy Miss Xiao finalized the divorce? Could it be that your feelings were rejected by her?”

This struck Xiao Yecheng’s nerve. He turned, deadly serious, warning, “I only wish to repay the Xiao family for raising me. I have no other intentions. Say one more word and I’ll cut out your tongue!”

Lanshu immediately covered his mouth and nodded.

It seemed he hit the mark—Pavilion Master had been rejected by Miss Xiao. That’s why he suspected he’d been dismissed when he heard Lanshu’s earlier words.

It made sense. How could the pampered Miss Xiao, raised in luxury, fall for a brothel businessman?

Even though Lanshu did the dirty work, Xiao Yecheng’s official position as Pavilion Master meant he could never fully separate himself from it.

Out of sympathy, Lanshu didn’t argue about the profit share anymore.

Loved but unattainable, Pavilion Master’s heart was probably bitterer than wormwood—certainly no mood to check accounts. Lanshu could just take a little extra for himself.

Xiao Yecheng planned to personally investigate Madam Yao, and Lanshu was glad to relax. He took a comfortable bath and used the incense Chun Xi had sent.

Chun Xi had chosen a very refined pine incense—not fitting for Lanshu’s status, but exactly to his liking.

Madam Shen really knew how to pick gifts, he thought.

Lanshu praised her in his heart. Just as he was about to sample the tea, the door was knocked: “Messengers from Prince Ying Mansion, requesting the Young Master come.”

Tch, perfect timing, but too bad about the incense.

Lanshu changed clothes, applied a strong scented ointment to mask the pine fragrance, and then left for Prince Ying Mansion.

There were guests at Prince Ying Mansion today. Prince Ying waited in the pavilion by the fire. Lanshu was immediately assigned to prepare tea.

It had snowed a few days prior. Though today was sunny, the air was biting cold.

As soon as the water boiled, Lanshu sneezed.

For appearance’s sake, he wore only a thin jacket. Even sitting by the fire, he was still cold.

Prince Ying, speaking with Li Huaijing, shot Lanshu a disapproving look and had a new kettle of water brought.

After the tea was brewed, Prince Ying drank a cup and introduced him to Li Huaijing: “This is Lanshu, the top operative of Wuyou Pavilion. He knows all the private affairs of the major families in the capital. Ask him anything you want.”

Li Huaijing looked wary and whispered, “I heard Wuyou Pavilion’s backers are very powerful. Can he be trusted?”

“Of course,” Prince Ying said confidently, laughing. “I saved his life. Though he is at Wuyou Pavilion, his true loyalty is only to me. With him around, eliminating a certain Shen Qingyuan is nothing.”