The Second Madam waved her hand and said, "I'm fine." As she spoke, she took Nanny Xing's hand and said, "You will take some women with you tonight; we can't wait any longer."
Nanny Xing thought for a moment and then nodded.
As night fell, Nanny Xing led two women, crouching low as they crossed the garden, heading straight for the Fourth Madam's courtyard. They circled around to a small gate, climbed over the low wall, and poured tung oil over a row of chairs...
Since the Fourth Madam had left Zitan and Nanny Li behind, it was impossible for her to stay elsewhere. Nanny Xing had inquired carefully, and it was very likely that this row of overturned chairs was where Nanny Li and Zitan were being held.
"Be careful, apply the oil thickly!" Nanny Xing whispered, lowering her voice.
The women responded quietly, and the three of them busied themselves with pouring oil against the wall.
