The next day, Lady Li delivered a message to Count Zhongqin’s (Author’s note: New title awarded to Fang Zizhen) Estate about their visit.

When Lady Fang received Lady Li’s message, she looked strangely at the maidservant who brought the message over, “The assistant minister of the Ministry of Appointments sent a message over? When did our general ever have any relationship with Assistant Minister Li?” 

The maidservants thought about it and all shook their heads. Zhenzhu said, “Madam, don’t you always say that the general doesn’t like to interact with those civil officials? Those scholars all speak in a genteel manner and have a stomach full of schemes. It’s tiring to listen to them speak!” 

Lady Fang knew that her husband didn’t have a close relationship with any of the officials in court because he used to be a commander under General Zhao in the previous dynasty. Normally, their household only interacted with some of her close friends and matrons who liked flora. She had never met this Lady Li before, okay? 

“One wouldn’t come for no reason. For what reason would this Lady Li come over today?” Lady Fang muttered to herself.

Hupo spoke without thinking, “I reckon she’s a weasel paying respects to a chicken—she has ill-intentions!”

“What are...