Qin Shuying had often contempted the annihition of the Zhou family, suspecting that Lu Changxuan was most likely the mastermind behind it.

  Firstly, soon after marrying Qin Yaoyao, Lu Changxuan had obtained an official position of the sixth rank, a feat not merely attributable to his connection to the Qin family. Madam Xu wouldn't be so generous as to grant a government post to the husband of a concubine's daughter. Rather, if Qin Yaoyao and Lu Changxuan were genuinely in love, Madam Xu would have sought ways to undermine Lu Changxuan. His acquisition of the post suggested a possible agreement between him and Madam Xu.

  Secondly, around the time of the Zhou family's disaster, Lu Changxuan was frequently absent at night. Sometimes Qin Yaoyao, out of concern, would ask him about his whereabouts, and he would evade the questions. At the time, Qin Yaoyao didn’t think much of it, but in hindsight, there were many suspicious details.

  At that time, although their aunt had passed away, the Zhou family still cared deeply for Qin Yaoyao. Thanks to their guidance, Qin Yaoyao quickly got the hang of the family business. Madam Xu often praised the Zhou family's wealth, both openly and covertly. Qin Yaoyao didn’t take Madam Xu's words to heart, thinking, after all, how could a bureaucratic family be poorer than a merchant family?

  Back then, Qin Yaoyao was unaware of the Qin family's financial difficulties and Madam Xu's greed. Madam Xu’s comments were mere hints for Qin Yaoyao to find ways to extract money from the Zhou family or encourage them to show more generosity towards the Qin family.

  The Zhou family, though not extremely wealthy, possessed considerable assets. Uncle Zhou had single-handedly supported his impoverished family. He vowed not to let his children repeat his path and took great care of their education. His son was sent to study, and his daughter was taught at home by a tutor—everything from music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to manners and etiquette.

  Uncle Zhou was a shrewd businessman and had once subtly suspected Lu Changxuan. However, at the time, Qin Yaoyao, believing she was in a happy marriage, staunchly defended Lu Changxuan.

  Just a few years after the marriage, tragedy struck Uncle Zhou's family. At the time, Qin Yaoyao was away buying supplies near the capital. By the time she heard the news and rushed back, Uncle Zhou's family had perished along with their shop in a fire.

  After the tragedy, the authorities inspected the site but only found some remnants of gold and jewelry. The jewels were destroyed, and the gold and silver were of little value.

  This was nowhere near enough to compensate even one percent of the Du family's losses.

  Qin Yaoyao had suspected at the time that Uncle Zhou's family possessed more than just the items found. Surely they had significant cash or perhaps many banknotes that were destroyed in the fire.

  After finding Ziteng, she quickly arranged for people to search for clues.

  Time had passed, and no useful leads were left. But given what Qin Yunyun had said before Qin Yaoyao's death, there must have been a reason for it.

  Qin Shuying told Nanny Fu, "Nanny, Shopkeeper Jin handles things very appropriately; just do as I instructed. With your approach..."

  Ziteng, who had been silently following Qin Shuying, looked grim and cold.

  They were looking for the Che family, seeking evidence. All these arrangements were not hidden from her. She had also contributed ideas to how quickly these tasks were arranged.

  Despite all this, Qin Shuying never doubted her. Whatever she said, Qin Shuying believed.

  Ziteng looked at Qin Shuying’s back with a complex expression, her heart both warm and pained.

  After expining everything to Nanny Fu, who looked solemn, Qin Shuying smiled, "That's it, Nanny. We need to take things step by step, don't worry so much."

  Nanny Fu smiled, accepting Qin Shuying's words, "Miss, when you go to the Xu residence, let Ziteng and Hongjuan accompany you."

  Qin Shuying paused for a moment and then said, "Let's not bring Hongjuan; take Luye instead."

  Nanny Fu sighed softly. Though Miss outwardly trusted Hongjuan, she was still wary when it mattered.

  If only the Miss had been this cautious from the beginning...

  Nanny Fu then left to carry out her tasks, with Ziteng by Qin Shuying’s side.

  Qin Shuying called Luye over and instructed, "Luye, we're going to the Xu residence the day after tomorrow. You and Ziteng come with me; prepare well."

  Luye had an odd expression but respectfully agreed, "Yes, Miss."

  Qin Shuying, noticing this, asked, "Do you have something to say?"

  Luye spoke up, "Miss, Miss Xu is the worst; I dislike her immensely."

  "And do you think I should go?"

  Luye replied, "Miss, now that you’re so formidable, it’s time to show her your strength and recim what's ours with interest. Just tell me what to do early, and I’ll do it well!"

  Qin Shuying smiled slightly, "It’s not a fight, no need to take it back with interest."

  Luye earnestly said, "You’re right, Miss. It wouldn’t be worth it to fight at the Xu residence. But if she comes here and causes trouble, I'm not afraid to stand up to her."

  Qin Shuying chuckled, "Then that's good. Come here, let's discuss this further."

  Luye nodded vigorously.

  Ziteng also smiled, knowing that Qin Shuying had always taken her out because she trusted her capabilities. Now, with many pns in motion, Qin Shuying was not only relying on Ziteng but also grooming Luye.

  Qin Shuying then said, "Let me tell you, going to the Xu residence could be life-threatening. Are you afraid?"

  Without hesitation, Luye shook her head, "My life is yours, Miss. Whatever you command, I will do without fear."

  Qin Shuying paused.

  A humble servant with the spirit to repay even the smallest kindness. Madam Xu had received so many benefits from Qin Yaoyao and the Qin family, yet in the end, she wanted their lives!

  "Alright, then I’ll tell you what we might face at the Xu residence and how you should handle it. Forget everything else for the next two days and just remember these instructions."

  Luye eagerly nodded, "Yes, Miss."

  Ziteng remembered her own first time going with Qin Shuying to the residence of Duke Chu. At that time, Qin Shuying had also prepared her for all possible scenarios they might encounter.

  Who would have thought, out of the five or six scenarios Qin Shuying had envisioned, one actually occurred?

  Thankfully, because Qin Shuying had rehearsed with her beforehand, Ziteng was able to act decisively and emerge victoriously from the ordeal.

  "Ziteng, add anything I might have missed. These next few days, you'll be giving Luye a thorough briefing."

  Ziteng replied, "Yes, Miss."

  The road to revenge is fraught with peril.