"So that’s how it is," Qin Yuan suddenly realized.

Hong Ye asked, "Does clinging to King Jin’s leg mean they can offend us now?"

Qin Yuan said, "The Xu family thinks the Marquis Mansion was the one to offend them first. The matter with Zhenzhen is really unclear, and with children involved, no matter how much the two families quarrel, let’s just privately speculate and observe for a few more days."

The matter stirred up by Xu Zhen and Sixth Lady Gu, only those two truly understood. Even if Sixth Lady Gu is telling the truth, the Xu Family still needs to be willing to listen and believe her.

The Xu family’s sons work in a casino under King Jin’s command, dealing in high-interest loans. Before this, both King Jin and the Crown Prince bribed Doctor Liu to harm the Marquis Mansion, making things all the more complicated.

She understood some things in her heart but couldn’t speak them out loud.

Cui Ming noticed that Qin Yuan didn’t want to continue, so she said, "Hong Ye, do you have any other news?"

Hong Ye replied, "There’s plenty. I can catch a bit of the chaos going on with the Gu Family, but if I spill it all, you might get tired of listening. By the way, I also heard the Crown Prince’s little eunuch mention Sixth Master’s poetry collection..."

A young maid outside interrupted Hong Ye’s words.

"Madam, Housekeeper Cao is here with the Magistrate from the Capital Governor Mansion to inquire about a case."

"A case?" The crowd was surprised.

Qin Yuan quickly instructed through the window, "Quickly invite them to the main hall; I will be there shortly."

The young maid took the order and left.

Qin Yuan hurriedly tidied her hair and checked her attire in the mirror before taking two maids with her to meet the magistrate.

As soon as she entered, the magistrate stood up to greet her. After the formalities, they each took their seats, with Housekeeper Cao standing solemnly behind Qin Yuan.

Once seated, the magistrate said, "Marchioness, I have come concerning the disappearance of Xu Zhen."

Qin Yuan happily asked, "Has there been any news of Zhenzhen?"

The magistrate shook his head with a troubled expression, "Since the Marquis Mansion reported the case, our clerks have been diligently investigating, but there’s been no word. Yesterday, the Xu Family came again, claiming Xu Zhen disappeared at the Marquis Mansion, saying the mansion cannot escape responsibility."

Qin Yuan frowned.

Housekeeper Cao said, "Madam, the Marquis is currently receiving guests, and you are in charge of the household matters. That’s why I brought the magistrate to you."

Qin Yuan nodded, "That’s as it should be."

Housekeeper Cao breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Yuan said to the magistrate, "Sir, the Xu Family has already come to the Marquis Mansion twice over this matter. Although Sixth Madam was gravely ill, she explained everything clearly to Mr. Xu and his wife that day. Both families agreed not to argue further and to search for Zhenzhen together. Who would have thought the Xu Family would report again?"

The magistrate didn’t dare raise his head, muttering, "I have no choice. After all, the Xu Family is the true victim here. They are adamant that Xu Zhen disappeared at the Marquis Mansion and may have come to harm, and they demand an explanation."

Qin Yuan angrily said, "What is the meaning of this? Sixth Madam and Xu Zhen are aunt and niece. Out of concern that the Xu family’s small household might struggle to find a suitable husband for her, the Old Madam was persuaded to let her stay at the Marquis Mansion. Who expected such a situation to arise? Sir, I hope you will render justice for us."

The magistrate sighed, "To be honest, I’m just following orders. The Xu Family insists on seeking justice; how could I not come?"

Qin Yuan made a gesture to Cui Ming.

Cui Ming took out a pouch of silver and placed it on the table next to the magistrate, softly saying, "In this hot weather, we’ve troubled you to come to the mansion. Please accept this small token and have a cup of tea."

The magistrate initially declined but eventually accepted it.

"Madam, truthfully, this is not a case we would normally take on since the Marquis Mansion already reported it, and the Xu Family has no evidence. But I am truly powerless. The Xu Family has gained the favor of Prince Jin, so I must follow orders. I hope you won’t hold it against me."

Qin Yuan said, "Thank you for your kindness, Sir. The Marquis Mansion walks the righteous path and has nothing to fear. It’s just that..."

"Just what?"

"Just that my sixth sister-in-law’s health cannot withstand agitation. Not to laugh at us, Sir, but yesterday during the banquet right here at the mansion, we invited Mr. and Mrs. Xu. Mrs. Xu and my sixth sister-in-law partnered to hoard pepper and lost silver in the process. They caused a commotion in my sister-in-law’s courtyard, agitating her to even cough up blood. If I hadn’t urgently summoned a doctor, she might have needed a funeral. Because of this, my sixth brother and the Xu Family argued, insisting on filing a report. I fear Mr. Xu, in his anger, went to report it again."

The magistrate frowned, "This..."

He had come to ask Sixth Lady Gu questions, but with Qin Yuan’s explanation, he was at a loss on how to proceed.

Qin Yuan said, "My sixth sister-in-law was previously seen by the Director of the Imperial Hospital, who repeatedly told us she needed peace and rest to recover. If you don’t believe it, feel free to inquire with the Director."

The magistrate feared the matter might result in a death, but if he did not investigate, he could not explain it to his superiors.

He sat there, frowning with difficulty.

He couldn’t help feeling some resentment towards the Xu Family. Instead of resolving the dispute with the Marquis Mansion, they chose to leverage Prince Jin’s power and involve the government office.

Qin Yuan asked, "Dare I ask, has there been any word on Mrs. Zhao?"

The magistrate shook his head.

Qin Yuan sighed, "The Marquis Mansion has been overwhelmed with one incident after another recently. I fear Xu Zhen’s disappearance may be connected to the disappearance of Mrs. Zhao. If linked, Zhenzhen may be in grave danger."

The magistrate pondered, "Let’s hope that’s not the case. If Mrs. Zhao is involved, it seems she is a ruthless person. If Miss Xu stumbled on something, Mrs. Zhao won’t let her go."

Qin Yuan said, "Let’s hope she’s safe."

The magistrate eventually found himself at an impasse and stood up, "I will first report back to the Xu Family. If they come causing trouble again, I shall return."

Qin Yuan stood up and said, "Housekeeper Cao, please escort the magistrate."

Housekeeper Cao hurried to send the magistrate out. At the gate, he handed over a red envelope and said, "If there are any updates, please let us know as a favor. This small amount is for a drink, and I hope you won’t take offense."

The magistrate smiled, "No need for such courtesy among friends. With things uneasy at the Marquis Mansion lately, perhaps you should visit a temple for blessings. I don’t think the Xu Family plans to end this peacefully, so better have a strategy."

Housekeeper Cao nodded in agreement.

The two stood at the gate and chatted for a while before parting. Housekeeper Cao returned and ran into Housekeeper Han, who asked, "What happened?"

Housekeeper Cao sighed, "The magistrate from the Capital Governor Mansion just came by."

Housekeeper Han stopped and asked excitedly, "Has there been a resolution?"

Housekeeper Cao shook his head, "No resolution; instead, more problems."

"What exactly do you mean? Stop beating around the bush."

Housekeeper Cao said, "It’s not that I want to. I’m curious about how you and Sixteen helped Sixth Master handle things yesterday. The Xu Family went to report the case and accused the Marquis Mansion."

Housekeeper Han angrily slapped his thigh, "How dare the Xu Family!"

Housekeeper Cao said, "They’ve clung to Prince Jin’s leg, ran to the Capital Governor’s office and made a scene, so the magistrate had to come."