Chapter 5 — Books Hidden Under a Dry Well

"In the past, the old man was falsely accused of selling fake drugs. The store was about to be sealed. It was Mrs. Co who took out the import book to testify for the old man. She was careful, every money that passed through her hands was recorded without missing a single line. Later, the Ta family replaced the Co family to manage the property in the capital, she was also on guard." Co Minh Chau quickly asked: "Where are the books?" The old shopkeeper looked at me: "Didn't she tell you?" I shook my head. He pondered for a moment: "Before coming to Tay Chau, Mrs. Co once left a small package at the old man's place, saying that in the future if the Co family was in trouble, the next person holding the wooden token would receive it. But half a year ago, someone with Mrs. Co's old seal came to get it first." Co Minh Chau's face changed: "Who is it?" "A girl dressed as a maid, her appearance somewhat resembles this girl." The old shopkeeper looked at me, "I thought it was you." My heart sank. Someone impersonated me. Co Minh Chau tightened his grip on the blanket: "Are you from the Ta family?" The old shopkeeper shook his head: "She doesn't claim to be from the family, but there's someone from the Luong family's pharmacy following her." Luong Thanh Ha. That name was like a needle piercing the ears of everyone in the room. I asked: "What's in the package?" "Books, a few old contracts and a jade seal that Mrs. Co often used." Co Minh Chau closed her eyes: "No wonder they weren't afraid of me asking. It turned out the things had fallen into their hands." The old shopkeeper said: "Not sure. It's not that Mrs. Co doesn't trust others, but she understands people too well. She often leaves two copies of important things." I looked at him. But he only said: "I don't know where the other village is." Late at night, the old shopkeeper left. Co Minh Chau drank medicine and couldn't sleep peacefully. I sat on the doorstep mending the sleeve of my shirt that was torn by the Ta family's wife. There is a hard object in the lining of the cuff. I removed the thread and took out a thin copper key. On the key is engraved a very small word "Nguyen". The late lady's surname was Nguyen. I looked for a long time, then hid the key in my bun. The next day, Luong Thanh Ha personally went to Lieu Diep alley. She brought along four ladies, filling the whole hospital with the smell of makeup. Co Minh Chau sat in the room and did not come out to greet him. Luong Thanh Ha was not angry, she went straight inside. "Miss Co has to stay in such a cramped place, I feel so guilty in my heart." I stopped her: "Miss Luong, please sit outside." She looked at me: "Do you really consider yourself an important person?" Co Minh Chau spoke up: "A Duong's intention is also my intention." The smile on Luong Thanh Ha's face faded. "Miss Gu, today I came to give you a way. You wrote a letter to clarify, saying that the Co family and the Ta family have no marriage contract, nor any dispute over property. I will give you a small house, and give you an additional five hundred taels of silver. For her convalescence, her care for old age, they are all enough." I said: "Miss Luong is very generous." Luong Thanh Ha looked at me: "If you are reasonable, I can also help you escape slavery and find you a decent family." Co Minh Chau's voice was cold: "No need." Luong Thanh Ha sat down and slowly adjusted her sleeves: "Miss Gu, if you don't think about yourself, you should also think about this maid. She injured the Ta family. If she was really taken to the mandarin's palace, she would have to at least suffer a beating. The girl will be punished and will be considered useless for the next half of her life." Co Minh Chau coughed until he was speechless. I poured water for her. Luong Thanh Ha continued: "Your mother's books are not in your hands. You cannot win." I raised my head: "Miss Luong, how do you know the books are not in our hands?" Her hand stopped. I said: "I only asked about the store contract, I never mentioned the books." Wage

Thanh Ha put down her sleeve and smiled: "The capital has no walls that don't let in the wind." I said: "There is no mouth that can be sealed forever." She stood up and walked towards me, raising her hand to touch my face. We take a step back. She lowered her voice: "A Duong, you and Co Minh Chau have some parts in common, that's your luck. But if you use that luck in the wrong place, you will lose your life." I looked at her: "Thank you for reminding me." She walked to the door and turned her head to look at Co Minh Chau. "In three days, the Ta family and the Luong family will exchange marriage ceremonies. If you still don't write a letter to clarify, I will let the whole capital know that the Co family's maid stole her master's books and wants to blackmail the Ta family." Co Minh Chau angrily picked up the tea cup and threw it. The tea cup broke at Luong Thanh Ha's feet, tea splashed onto the hem of her dress. The ladies shouted in horror. Luong Thanh Ha lowered her head to look at her dress, her face completely empty of laughter. "Okay. This is your choice." After she left, Co Minh Chau coughed up a mouthful of blood. I helped her lie down. She grabbed my hand: "Ah Duong, if one day you can't stand it anymore, just leave." I said: "Miss, I won't go." "You are not a slave born in the Co family." "This life of mine has long belonged to the Co family." She looked at me and suddenly asked: "What is that key?" My hand stopped. Co Minh Chau's eyes fell on my bun.