When Second Old Madam Li found out the truth, she cried with joy. Li Jinnian, who was upstairs, listened to a servant's whispered report.
"Old Master Li gave out these orders in the study room. The butler was guarding the study room, so I couldn't get close. That day, for some reason, Old Master Li suddenly asked Minister Li if you would be coming home soon and what friends you had made. Minister Li said that if he wished to know, he might as well ask you personally.
"There are fewer people coming in and out of the house than in the first half of the year. Recently, it has been even quieter. No guests have come. However, Old Master Li did go out a few times. Every time he came back, he didn't look good.
"Once, Old Master Li's study wasn't closed properly. I happened to pass by and heard him mentioning the Fu family. Other than that, I didn't see Old Master Li doing anything else."