Xiuzhu definitely knew her mother's name.
As long as we knew her mother's surname, we could determine whether her mother and Ninth Concubine were sisters.
"Hong Bao'er. My mother's name was Hong Bao'er."
"Her surname was Hong?"
My eyes widened, and I felt a little disappointed.
Wasn't her mother's surname supposed to be Xu?
"That makes sense. That makes sense."
Seventh Master said, "If Seventh Concubine and Ninth Concubine not only looked alike but also shared a surname, anyone would know they were related."
"And this little girl doesn't seem to know who Ninth Concubine really was. She might never have met her aunt, Ninth Concubine, since she was born. Perhaps Seventh Concubine and Ninth Concubine grew up in different families."
I hurriedly asked Xiuzhu, "Xiuzhu, was Ninth Concubine very good to you?"
Xiuzhu nodded. "Yes, my little mother was very good to me. She was the only person who treated me well."
I asked again, "Then did you know that your little mother looked a lot like your mother?"
Xiuzhu said, "They all said they looked alike, but I've already forgotten what my mother looked like. She died when I was very little."
It seemed Xiuzhu must have been very young when Seventh Concubine died, probably around four or five.
"Have you seen your little mother at all over these years?" After asking, I added, "I mean... after you died?"
Xiuzhu shook her head. "I haven't. I've been looking for her, but I can't find her. I miss her very much."
I looked at Seventh Master. "Ninth Concubine might not be dead. That extra body at the scene back then was most likely the vessel's body."
Seventh Master nodded and fell into thought as well.
Only then did I begin examining the room's furnishings.
The room was large and