After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 82 Leaving Yourself a Way Out

Lu Jiang's departure from Shangjing and return to Ling'an was exactly what Pei Yanzhi had anticipated.

The person behind it all set fire to Zhenyufang, nearly destroying the entire business.

Lu Weimin was still a guest at Prince Qing's residence and couldn't leave immediately, so he could only send Lu Jiang back first.

"Tell Mingxiang to send two more people to protect him."

Pei Yanzhi gave Cheng Hua an instruction.

"Lord Ming asked if I should go to Ling'an again, saying that there are still many things I don't understand."

Mingxiang was also unwilling to accept that he had returned before the matter was even fully investigated.

"No need. There's no point in staying there. Lu Jiang is enough bait to catch a big fish."

They don't even need to lift a finger; there are plenty of people who want to kill Lu Jiang.

As the owner of Zhenyufang, he must have personally verified the weight of that gold bracelet.

Even if the person who made it is killed, the person behind it might still be afraid that Lu Jiang actually knows something.

They would rather kill the innocent than let one guilty person go free.

Chenghua nodded in agreement and turned to give his reply.

"Sir, would you like a cup of tea?"

Fu Liu placed a cup of tea in front of Pei Yanzhi, and then stood respectfully to the side.

She has been serving Pei Yanzhi in this way for the past two days.

Xiang Ning's cold hadn't gotten better, and Pei Yanzhi was worried that if she overexerted herself, her condition would worsen, so he told her to rest properly in the house.

Coincidentally, Xiang Ning also wanted to take this opportunity to create a chance for Fu Liu and Pei Yanzhi.

Every time the medicine was delivered, she would drink half and throw the other half away.

That's why this cold hasn't gotten better.

Xiang Ning was still not well by the time Pei Yanzhi went to the Wen family to propose marriage.

The betrothal gifts prepared by the Pei family for the Wen family were already higher than those of many families in the capital.

The Wen family felt the Pei family's sincerity and were naturally happy. The two families had a very pleasant conversation.

The betrothal was a great success, and the old lady was very happy when she heard the news.

"I heard that Xiang Ning has been sick for several days."

The old lady asked a question, and Mama Kang replied, "Yes, he has been sick for three days and is still not getting better. Fu Liu has been taking care of the young master these past few days."

"With your health so poor, how will you be able to bear children for Yanzhi in the future?"

Madam Pei was somewhat dissatisfied. She wanted to cultivate Xiang Ning, but unfortunately, she was useless.

"Go back to Mosong Garden and pick two clever maids to fill in."

Pei Yanzhi always needs someone by his side.

Qin Bijun and Pei Yanzhi stayed at the Wen residence until almost evening before returning.

The two families discussed many things, and other relatives of the Wen family came over, so Qin Bijun chatted with them for a while.

The Wen family originally planned to have the Pei family stay for dinner at the Wen residence, but Wen Caifu said that Pei Yanzhi's injuries had not yet healed and that they should return as soon as possible.

This remark made everyone laugh, saying that the bride hadn't even entered the household yet, but she was already showing concern for her future husband.

Wen Caifu blushed slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed, while Pei Yanzhi remained calm, revealing nothing.

Fortunately, everyone knew the girl was shy, so they stopped talking after a few words.

The first thing Pei Yanzhi did after returning to Mosong Garden was to look for Xiang Ning.

Bitao stood at the door and stopped him, saying, "Master, my sister is not feeling well today."

Hearing Bitao's words, Pei Yanzhi frowned: "Has the condition worsened?"

"No, didn't Master go to the Wen family to propose marriage today?"

Bitao's words eased Pei Yanzhi's brows.

He knew why Xiang Ning was unhappy.

"Have the kitchen make more of her favorite dishes later."

For some reason, Pei Yanzhi saw a hint of joy in Xiang Ning's sadness.

Bitao nodded in agreement, but her face showed a hint of worry. She had just heard her sister crying very loudly outside.

Xiang Ning, who was inside the room, was about to retort when she heard Bi Tao and Pei Yanzhi's conversation, but then she remembered something and stopped herself from speaking.

It's not bad to let Pei Yanzhi misunderstand.

She wasn't crying; she was clearly choking on the taste of the medicine, which brought tears to her eyes and caused her to cough uncontrollably.

This turned out to be the betrothal to Pei Yan that Bi Tao had mentioned, which saddened her.

However, Bitao's words certainly dispelled Pei Yanzhi's doubts.

Now he can't continue to doubt her, right? Once Fu Liu has fully established herself, she can leave the manor.

In order to allow Xiang Ning to recover from her injuries, Pei Yanzhi had Fu Liu take care of her. However, to outsiders, it seemed as if Pei Yanzhi had already grown tired of Xiang Ning.

Fu Liu agreed and was very happy, so she served Pei Yanzhi even more diligently.

Xiang Ning finally had a few days of rest.

Pei Yanzhi originally intended to issue betrothal gifts and set a wedding date before formally issuing the marriage certificate to Xiang Ning at the government office.

However, in order to save face in front of the Empress, Wei Ziqian actually went to Ling'an in person.

With him gone, Xiang Ning's plan to recognize him as her sworn brother was put on hold.

Pei Yanzhi could only wait.

On this day, Pei Yanzhi was summoned to the palace, and Xiang Ning went to Qionghua Courtyard to find the First Madam.

"I have done what I promised you, Madam. I wonder what your reward is?"

As soon as Pei Yanzhi entered the palace, the First Madam couldn't wait to find Xiang Ning.

Coincidentally, Xiang Ning also had something to say to the First Madam.

"Xiang Ning, Fu Liu hasn't even established herself firmly by the young master's side yet."

"Don't worry, I will definitely keep my promise to you."

Xiang Ning smiled as she listened to the First Madam's words: "Miss Fu Liu is now the only personal maidservant serving the Master."

"Being close to the water tower, one gets the moon first. I suppose the First Madam should have a way to further the relationship between Miss Fuliu and Master."

Qin Bijun's smile deepened upon hearing Xiang Ning's words: "If I were to suggest this method, I would recommend that you do it."

"I cannot do it."

This First Madam is indeed shrewd; with just a few words, she managed to shift the blame onto Xiang Ning.

However, Xiang Ning couldn't help her with what she needed to do.

She simply wanted to leave the Pei residence; she wasn't plotting against Pei Yanzhi.

"That's such a pity."

It seems her decision to let Xiang Ning die outside was indeed correct.

She was too clever; by staying by Pei Yanzhi's side, Fu Liu would never have a chance to rise in the ranks.

But if she leaves the Pei residence and dies outside, that would truly be the end of it all.

Xiang Ning came out of Qionghua Courtyard, thinking about what the First Madam had said.

It seems the First Madam didn't want her to live. Fortunately, she had already guessed the First Madam's purpose.

"Miss Xiangning, my mistress requests your presence at Nianci Hall."

She was about to return to Mosong Garden when she heard this, turned her head to look, and saw a familiar face.

That was Lianzhi, a maidservant of Lady Wanyi.

"Is it Fifth Sister who needs to see me?"

Upon hearing this, Lianzhi shook her head: "This is my wife. Please come with me, young lady."

Xiang Ning remembered that Madam Wanyi was very reluctant to meet with her, so why was her attitude so unusual this time?

Could it be that she wanted to say something to her?
She nodded and followed Lianzhi to Nianci Hall.

As soon as she stepped inside, Madam Wanyi grasped her hand and asked, "Is your mother named Zhao Lan?"

Launching the first "open and aboveboard" version of the escape.

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(End of this chapter)