Marrying Wife and Concubine Together: After Rebirth, I Remarried the Scumbag's Father on the Sp

She raised her hand and gently stroked Zhan Mu's hair, her voice softening even more: "Mu'er, Mother knows you're heartbroken. The bond between you and her isn't something that can be severed so easily. But Rong Zhiyu approached you with an ulterior motive from the very beginning. Her gentleness and thoughtfulness, her selfless rescues, were all just to gain your trust and to use the power of the Zhan Yi Marquis's mansion to carry out her revenge."

Zhan Mu closed his eyes, his eyelashes trembled slightly, and a tear slid down his cheek.

His voice was terribly hoarse, "But when I think about the scar on her shoulder, which she got to save me, I feel guilty!"

Lin Yiwan interrupted him, her tone sharp, "She saved you so that you would be devoted to her, so that she could use you more easily in the future! If I hadn't set this up today and forced her to reveal her weakness, would you still be kept in the dark?"

Zhan Mu shuddered, abruptly opening his eyes, his gaze filled with pain and regret. "Mother, I was wrong... I was really wrong."

He choked up, "I shouldn't have been deceived by her sweet words, I shouldn't have questioned you, and I shouldn't have almost made a terrible mistake."

Lin Yiwan sighed, her tone softening, "It's good that you know you're wrong. The Zhan family has been loyal for generations, bearing the weight of the dynasty and the safety of the common people on their shoulders. You are a son of the Zhan family, and you will inherit the title of Marquis in the future. You must shoulder this responsibility. Remember, as a member of the Zhan family, you must never let personal feelings hold you back, and you must never disregard the safety of your family because of a moment of weakness."

The carriage slowly drove into the gate of the Marquis of Zhanyi's residence. The servants, who had already received the news, rushed forward and carefully helped Zhan Mu down from the carriage, taking him to the bedroom that had been prepared.

Lin Yiwan followed closely behind, and personally re-bandaged Zhan Mu's wounds. Only after watching him fall into a deep sleep due to excessive blood loss did she finally breathe a sigh of relief, turn around and leave the bedroom.

Under the eaves, Zi'er was already waiting there, reporting with a solemn expression: "Madam, news has come from the outskirts of the capital that Rong Zhiyu's courtyard has been deserted, leaving only some daily necessities. In addition, the city gates have also strengthened their checks, but so far no trace of Rong Zhiyu has been found. It seems that she has already made thorough preparations for her escape."

Lin Yiwan stood under the eaves, gazing at the deep twilight on the horizon, a cold glint in her eyes.

She murmured softly, "As expected. Rong Zhiyu is meticulous; he won't be caught so easily."

She paused, then turned to look at Zi'er, "Pass down the order: all the guards in the manor must be mobilized to find out Rong Zhiyu's whereabouts. In addition, strengthen security in the manor, especially around Miss, and ensure that no further mistakes are made."

"Yes, I'll take care of it right away." Zi'er bowed and replied, then turned and hurriedly left.

Lin Yiwan pulled her cloak tighter around herself, her gaze complex and unfathomable.

She knew that today's events were just the beginning. As long as Rong Zhiyu remained, the Zhan family would never have peace. And Zhan Mu, having endured this ordeal, hopefully would truly have matured.

In the bedroom, Zhan Mu woke up from his deep sleep. Looking at the exquisite embroidery on the ceiling, Rong Zhiyu's tearful face involuntarily appeared in his mind.

He raised his hand and gently touched the wound on his shoulder, where a piercing pain shot through him, but it was far less intense than the agony in his heart. He closed his eyes and murmured to himself, "Rong Zhiyu... from now on, our relationship is severed."

No sooner had she finished speaking than the door was pushed open from the outside, and Zhan Miao, carrying a food box, strode in.

She asked with concern, "Brother, how is your injury?"

Zhan Mu shook his head: "It's alright. I'm sorry to have made Miao'er worry!"

Zhan Miao's eyes immediately reddened, and she choked out, "Brother, you really scared me to death. I was so afraid that Rong Zhiyu would take your life. How could she be so cruel and heartless?"

Zhan Mu closed his eyes tightly; he didn't want to mention Rong Zhiyu again.

He said in a hoarse voice, "Meow, it's all in the past. Once I've recovered from my injuries, I'll focus on preparing for the exams. I want to serve my grandfather and become the hope of the Marquis of Zhanyi's mansion!"

Zhan Miao burst into tears of joy: "Brother, it's so good that you've come to this conclusion. Quickly try the lotus seed soup I made for you myself, it's so sweet!"

She took a spoon and fed Zhan Mu the drink herself.

The warm lotus seed soup slid down his throat, its sweet taste dispelling some of the bitterness in his heart. Zhan Mu looked at his sister's reddened eyes and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

These days, he was so immersed in the pain of his entanglement with Rong Zhiyu that he forgot that there were people in the mansion who cared about him so much, forgot the new gray hairs at his mother's temples, and forgot the sight of his sister secretly shedding tears.

He raised his hand and gently patted Zhan Miao's hand, his voice hoarse but warm: "It tastes very good, thank you for your hard work."

Zhan Miao sniffed and quickly shook his head: "It's not hard. As long as you get better, I'll cook for you every day."

As she spoke, she scooped up another spoonful and handed it over, her eyes full of joy. "I specially added rock sugar and peeled the lotus seeds. The nanny said that although lotus seeds are bitter, they can clear the heart fire and are good for your recovery."

Zhan Mu obediently drank it, his gaze gradually hardening.

He composed himself, no longer dwelling on the past, and instead asked, "Won't there be some rumors circulating about me?"

Zhan Miao paused in feeding him the soup, then pouted, "With your mother here, why are you worried about these things? After all, Rong Zhiyu is a spy from Liguo, and she kidnapped you. Now that you've returned seriously injured, no one dares to blame you!"

She paused, then leaned closer and lowered her voice, saying, "Our mansion is heavily guarded now, more than ten times stronger than before. Even the dog hole in the backyard has been blocked up."

Upon hearing this, Zhan Mu felt much more at ease.

With her mother always thoughtful and meticulous, it won't be so easy for Rong Zhiyu to cause trouble again.

Looking into Zhan Miao's bright eyes, he suddenly felt the weight on his shoulders grow heavier. The Zhan family was his root; his mother and sister were his weakness, but also his armor. He could no longer indulge in romantic feelings, nor could he let them worry about him anymore.

He couldn't help but gently remind you, "Then be careful when you go out. Rong Zhiyu is lurking in the shadows, and he might jump out at any time. Your brother doesn't want to see you get hurt!"

Zhan Miao obediently replied, "Don't worry, brother. Zhan Xiaobai is very strong now. It's just worried about not having anyone to sharpen its claws. As soon as Rong Zhiyu arrives, it will pounce on her and tear her to pieces!"

Zhan Mu nodded: "That would be best!"

After Zhan Miao left, Zhan Mu fell into a deep sleep.

For several days in a row, he stayed at the mansion to recuperate, while Rong Zhiyu seemed to have vanished into thin air, with no further news of her.

The Chinese New Year is just around the corner!

During the prosperous and peaceful reign of the dynasty, the people lived in peace and contentment, so the capital city was especially lively as the New Year approached.

Lin Yi-wan was so busy that she barely had time to breathe, preparing return gifts for each household almost every day.

Zhan Miao also started attending banquets, and the city of Shengjing considered it an honor to have her present.

That day, she received another invitation.