"This... I'm afraid this matter won't be easy to handle..."
The woman looked troubled.
"It's not that I'm trying to make excuses, but things are in disarray at home right now, and I can't spare the time... Besides, it's been many years since the young master was sent away. I can't say whether those belongings are still there, so I dare not promise anything lightly."
As she spoke, her eyes reddened.
She pressed a handkerchief to the corners of her eyes, holding back tears.
When she had first received the news, she learned that the pillar of her household had been thrown into prison—a place rumored to strip a man of his skin before he could get out—and felt as if the sky had collapsed over her head. If she hadn't been the only mistress of the household, and had to keep her composure lest everyone lose heart, she would have collapsed on the spot. She wanted to help the old man, too, but the circumstances simply wouldn't allow it.
The old man was understanding, but he couldn't come all this way only to return empty-handed. So he asked, "What trouble has befallen your household? Could you tell me? Perhaps this old man can offer some advice..."
At once, a light shone in the woman's eyes.
Her face lit up as if she'd grabbed a lifeline.
"Really?" As soon as she asked, she realized it was inappropriate and hurriedly amended, "I-I don't doubt your abilities. I'm just so overjoyed..."
The old man said calmly, "Don't rush. Take your time."
The woman steadied herself and recounted all the news she had received. She didn't know the details of what had happened at the Imperial Court, but she knew her brother-in-law was ambitious. Taking advantage of her husband's absence from the Clan