Chapter 140

When Mrs. Qiao received the news, it was already the second day.

After a night passed, Zuo Anning seemed much calmer.

Only she knew how unbearable the nights were.

After breakfast, Mrs. Qiao pulled Zuo Anning aside.

Earlier, Duke Yan had sent someone to inform them, specifically saying there was no need to hide it from Anning.

So Mrs. Qiao told Zuo Anning about Duke Yan’s decision yesterday and the news that Mrs. Zuo would leave Beijing immediately.

Zuo Anning listened quietly, and soon her eyes turned red.

She could tell that Grandfather was considering her in every aspect…

Mrs. Qiao looked at Zuo Anning tenderly and said softly, “Anning, whatever you want to do, Aunt will support you.”

Zuo Anning suddenly raised her head, a hint of anxiety on her face.

“Aunt, I want to see my mother off. Is that okay? I won’t get off the carriage. After all, there are many people and many eyes. I understand the implications. I won’t let Grandfather’s efforts go to waste.”

“But she is my mother after all, I really…”

At Zuo Anning’s words, Mrs. Qiao touched her head. “Silly child, there’s nothing wrong with that. Aunt has prepared a carriage for you. If you want to go, you should leave now.”

Mrs. Qiao was perceptive. How could she not guess Zuo Anning’s thoughts?

Zuo Anning was deeply moved and said with a trembling voice, “Aunt, Anning is really grateful to you!”

Mrs. Qiao sent Aunt Liu to accompany Zuo Anning closely, but she herself did not go.

Even though Jiaojiao’s prophecy had not come true, her sister-in-law had indeed harbored ill intentions. She could unconditionally love innocent Anning, but she couldn’t sympathize with someone who intended to harm the Qiao family!

In the letter, Father didn’t mention the child in her sister-in-law’s belly, so she didn’t know how he decided.

But one thing was certain.

With Father’s means, her sister-in-law would never return to Beijing!

Jiaojiao was holding a small stool, practicing walking hard.

Seeing Zuo Anning hurriedly leaving, she lifted her little face, full of emotion.

“Li Xusheng is dead, and Aunt has been driven out of Beijing. In this way, our Qiao family has escaped this fatal disaster of treason.”

“Although I don’t know how many challenges lie ahead in the future, the male protagonist will definitely not give up. But at least within our knowledge, we have been working hard to eliminate all hidden dangers!”

Thinking of this, Jiaojiao couldn’t help feeling ambitious!

“Moreover, we have changed Anning cousin’s fate! Now that Grandfather is in charge, he will definitely find the best match for Anning cousin!”

“By the way, I don’t know if there is a chance between Anning cousin and Tan Hanchi…”

Mrs. Qiao heard this and couldn’t help but think.

Whenever her husband mentioned Tan Hanchi, he always praised him endlessly. Such a good young man, if he could be with Anning, it would naturally be the best.

And the future of the Duke Yan Mansion couldn’t rely on her brother. With a reliable son-in-law, Father could also be at ease.

Initially, she had worries about Anning having her sister-in-law as a hidden danger, but now everything was perfect.

The more Mrs. Qiao thought about it, the more excited she became. With Jiaojiao, who was mature beyond her years, mother and daughter were both burning with curiosity!

“In recent opportunities, isn’t Big Brother’s wedding coming soon!”

“At that time, things like the bridal chamber are all legitimate chances to meet!”

“Hehe, I’m sure Big Brother won’t mind letting his good brother achieve a good marriage at his wedding, right?”

“Ah, thinking about Big Brother’s marriage, I already miss Sister-in-law Xiangxiang!”

“Wuwuwu, why does time pass so slowly! I want to see Big Brother and Sister-in-law being lovey-dovey! I want to ship them!”

Mrs. Qiao heard Jiaojiao’s thoughts and suddenly brightened up.

Yes, Big Brother’s wedding was coming soon, and then she could let Father see that Tan Hanchi at the banquet!

Moreover, not only Jiaojiao but also she, as a mother-in-law, could hardly wait to meet her eldest daughter-in-law!

Such a wonderful girl, and their eldest son was fortunate to marry her!

But, dog food?

Why did her eldest son and Miss Han need to scatter dog food when they got married? What kind of strange custom was this?

No matter, Jiaojiao’s words always made sense. When her eldest son gets married, she’ll have the servants scatter some food for the nearby dogs…

————

Zuo Anning had the coachman drive the carriage out of the city gates, then lifted a small corner of the curtain and waited quietly inside.

About a quarter of an hour later, a plain, unadorned carriage slowly drove out.

Zuo Anning suddenly sat up straight.

She saw an inconspicuous mark on the carriage wall—a neatly written character “Chen.”

“Mother…”

Zuo Anning silently called out, her heart aching unbearably.

She knew well that women caught in adultery rarely survived. Her mother was fortunate to be alive and able to leave Beijing to live a peaceful life.

Her maternal grandparents wouldn’t mistreat her mother; she would be well taken care of in a new place.

“Mother, your daughter bids you farewell.”

As she spoke, Zuo Anning knelt down and bowed three times in the direction of the departing carriage.

Aunt Liu, who had been worried that Zuo Anning, being so young, might not be able to hold back and run after the carriage, nodded secretly with approval, seeing her so composed.

The young lady really did resemble her mother in her youth.

————

Three days later, at the Office of the Imperial Clan.

The Second Prince sat at his desk, reading from the Book of Filial Piety, appearing very obedient and honest.

Before long, he heard light footsteps behind him. Without looking up, he asked in a deep voice:

“Is there still no news of Ah Sheng?”

Zhufeng walked up and knelt before the Second Prince, shaking his head solemnly.

“Your Highness, could it be that Li Xusheng… escaped?”

Zhufeng felt uneasy, knowing that Li Xusheng was privy to many of the Prince’s secrets.

The Prince seemed to value Li Xusheng greatly. Even though he had failed to eliminate the yamen runners in time last time, the Prince had been annoyed but not overly harsh.

“No.”

The Second Prince shook his head without hesitation.

“Ah Sheng is very loyal. Years ago, I happened to save his mother’s life, and he has been devoted ever since. He wouldn’t betray me.”

“Besides, he’s a filial son. His mother is still in the capital. How could he abandon her—”

At this point, the Second Prince suddenly paused.

If Ah Sheng wouldn’t betray him or abandon his mother, there was only one possibility.

He knew Ah Sheng well. If he were captured, to avoid exposing him, Ah Sheng would likely seize the opportunity to end his own life…

Thinking of this, the Second Prince felt a slight tremor in his heart and clenched his fists tightly.

“Zhufeng, investigate the Duke Yan household’s heir’s wife. Leave no stone unturned and report back immediately!”

Seeing the Prince’s expression, Zhufeng had a bad feeling and his face turned pale.

Not daring to delay, he got up and left immediately.

The Second Prince sat alone in the quiet room, looking out at the sunny weather, feeling a chill in his heart.

Ah Sheng had protected him day and night for so many years and had taught him many self-defense techniques. They were more than just master and servant; they were also friends…

If Ah Sheng had indeed met a tragic end, he would find the culprit and avenge him at all costs!