Late in the morning, the old housekeeper and Hongji's father talked about something in the living room, and shortly before noon, the door to the living room opened.
Hongji rode a bicycle back from the factory and upon arriving home, he saw the guards and the old housekeeper.
During lunch, Hongji's father was very silent.
The old housekeeper didn't say much else, only that he needed to return to the Capital City the next day. If the young master wanted to send any items back, he should prepare them tonight as they would be leaving early tomorrow morning.
Aunt Lai, eager to uncover whatever secret they held, glanced back and forth between the Old Master and the old housekeeper during the meal in the women's side of the room.
Hongji's father had recently taken in two new concubines who stood beside Mrs. Lai helping to arrange the dishes, appearing quite sensible.
It was clear to any discerning observer that, though all were concubines, their ranks were obviously distinguishable!
