That day.
Shen Ningning came to the Xie Mansion to have a meal with Xie Suzhi.
She took a nap in the afternoon. Just as she woke up, she saw Wanchun passing by the doorway with red-rimmed eyes, carrying a pile of things.
"Sister Wanchun?" Shen Ningning called out to her immediately. "What's wrong?"
A closer look confirmed her suspicion.
Wanchun's eyes were brimming with tears, and she looked utterly heartbroken.
"Commandery Princess…" Wanchun wiped her tears with the back of her hand and choked out, "I… I was just collecting Wenxiu's belongings."
"Wenxiu?" Shen Ningning had never heard the name before.
Wanchun said with tears in her eyes, "She was a household servant, born and raised in the mansion, just like the rest of us. She used to serve in the first branch of the family."
"But not long ago, Housekeeper Pang transferred her to serve Second Madam Xie. Who would have thought she'd be found dead this morning in the pond near the second courtyard?"
